Can Fat Transfer to cheekbones be done using the extracted Buccal Fat?

Question

Hello. I am considering having the buccal fat pads removed. I was wondering if it is possible to first remove the buccal fat, and then transfer the already extracted buccal fat to cheekbones? Thanks a lot!

Thomas Hubbard, MD, FACS · Answer

Extracted Buccal Fat would be a poor choice for fat grafting.  One has to realize the tool in facial fat grafting is extremely important...and this is use of syringe and processed fat.  Processed fat is done with suctioned fat and surgeons with experience using it processed a certain way can get quite adept at predictably sculpting.
To use as the material a solid glob of fat would drastically alter the surgeons tool and make the process less predictable, as well as less reliable.  
Fat grafting to the face is a wonderful advancement.  But we need to adhere to the principles and practices that have proven themselves valuable over the past decade.
I hope you find this information helpful.

Curtis Perry, MD · Answer

Since buccal fat is part of the facial fat that atrophies with age it is a poor choice for fat transfer. Secondly the technique to remove buccal fat does not lend itself to proper fat preparation for facial transfer. I rarely perform buccal fat removal as it tends to produce a severe appearance that worsens with time. Prpoer fat transfer alone will provide plenty of dfinition to the face.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Contrary to my esteemed colleagues I have had very good experience with buccal fat pad excision over many years but would not recommend its use for augmentation purposes.  Removing the buccal fat pads in a consistently round appearing face does provide some flattening of the cheeks and highlights the cheekbones.  Perhaps this alone will obviate the need for augmentation of your cheeks.  If you do seek cheek augmentation, I would harvest fat from your stomach and place it on your malar eminences.  Meet with an ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon or experienced facial plastic surgeon to review photos of others.  You might enjoy the video link above discussing changes to the face without a facelift.Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

I am not sure why buccaneers Fat removal has suddenly cought on again, abut it is generally a bad idea as it leads to significant facial deformity as one ages. It also rarely improves the appearance of a younger face. I have only done this twice in over 35 years and both were for very unusual circumstances. I would not, therefore, recommend this. However, to answer your question, no, that Fat is not useful for fat grafting. See a plastic surgeon experienced in these procedures.

Can Fat Transfer to cheekbones be done using the extracted Buccal Fat?

Answers (4)

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