Can a surgeon be too aggressive with buccal fat pad removal?

Question

I had buccal fat pad removal surgery done and although im happy with my results there are moments where i find my lower cheeks to be too hollow (almost like a hole on each side). I was wondering if the surgeon was to aggressive with the removal or is the removal of buccal fat pad an all or nothing type of thing? as in you either remove the whole fat pad or you don't. thank you.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

The buccal fat is a distinct fat pad found in the face.  Most of the time I remove all of the buccal fat.  Some surgeons will remove not just buccal fat but also malar fat. The disadvantage of removing malar fat is the face can look overly thin.  Best Anil Shah

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It is possible to remove too much fat as a part of this procedure. Alternatively, the wrong type of fat/area was removed. This is an operation that requires a good amount of experience to know how much to take. I recommend you discuss the matter with your surgeon, or seek a second opinion.
I wish you the best,
Dr. Gabbay

Clayton Crantford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question xiomaramaria. The amount of buccal fat removed is tailored to achieve each patient’s desired look. Some patients require removal of all of the fat, while others may only need a partial excision. I recommend you follow up with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

The amount of buccal fat to be removed during surgery varies according different factors. Those factors include the amount of buccal fat encountered and most importantly the cheek look that ultimately the patient would like to achieve. 
In muy practice most of patients like to have a thinner lower face so partial buccal fat removal is performed. Other of my patients, specially New York City models, they want a hollow cheek look, therefore all the buccal fat is removed during surgery.

Edward J. Gross, MD · Answer

Generally, we remove about 1 gram of buccal fat which is about the size of an egg yolk. The fat that easily protrudes through the incision is all that is removed. Some fat needs to be left in place to cushion the area and allow the chewing muscles to glide freely. It is possible to remove too much fat if the surgeon is too aggressive or poorly trained. An experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon would be the safest bet.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear xiomaramaria,it is hard to tell without an examination. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon because he/she knows the best what was done during the surgery. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Can a surgeon be too aggressive with buccal fat pad removal?

Answers (6)

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