Can the temporal extension of buccal fat be removed to create a slimming effect on the upper face?

Question

All the procedures I've seen online are for the removal of the main body of Buccal fat from inside the the mouth. Could the removal or reduction of the temporal section of buccal fat be done to define the underlying facial structure?

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

The temporal portion of the buccal fat pad is small and insignificant in terms of contribution to facial aesthetics. It is located deep in the temporal region and there is no aesthetic value to removing it. In all likelihood, a portion of this fat is removed  when the main body of the fat pad is removed for facial slimming.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The temporal component of the buccal fat pad is very small and I have removed such through a temporal hairline incision. It lies underneath the deep temporalis fascia and is intertwined with the temporal muscle fibers. It presents, however, very differently than the large buccal component. It is not a discrete fad pad extension as is presented int anatomic drawings. I would also say that the volume that is capable of being removed is not anywhere near that of the main body. A thorough removal of the main body of the fat pad probably pulls some of the temporal component down, making a direct temporal approach of limited value in most patients.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Good Question - This will likely create a hollowed look in a thinner face and likely have no effect on an overweight face. Sticking to the main lobe of the buccal fat for facial contouring is preferred an limits complications.

If you have excess in the upper face then depending on the area micro facial liposuction may be an option but see an expert because contour irregularities can occur with the wrong cannula or technique.

Val Lambros, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Good question, I thought about that when learning about the BFP.

The temporal extension of the BFP runs from the cheek, under the masseter and zygomatic arch and the peeks up over the arch like Kilroy. There’s not a lot of BFP above the arch.

It seems to me that the tension of the masseter, the bony arch of the zygoma and the fluid nature of the BFP would keep the BFP from having much of an effect in the upper face, though losing it might make a dent above the arch which usually looks bad.

Can the temporal extension of buccal fat be removed to create a slimming effect on the upper face?

Answers (4)

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