How to repair buccal fat removal (gaunt, indented look) - Fat transfer? Fillers?

Question

Unfortunately, my surgeon removed too much buccal fat on one side and now I have a gaunt, indented look that is uneven. It now also looks like I have a fat perioral mound on the same side that protrudes unnaturally. The muscle also feel extremely tight when I purse my lips. How can I reverse this? Fat transfer? Fillers? Does anyone specialize in this? What would you recommend looking into? Thank you!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

I’m sorry to hear you’re unhappy with your results. Fortunately, you do have options to restore balance to your face. The best temporary solution for your predicament is likely dermal fillers, which allows your certified injector to add as much or as little volume as desired. A more permanent solution is a fat transfer. I would definitely recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your options, particularly given the muscle tightness you’re experiencing.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! That is unfortunate. I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon - you can find one at plasticsurgery.org. Possibly fat transfer, possibly a facelift may help. Maybe nonsurgical fillers would help!
Best of luck to you!

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Certainly injectable fillers are a reasonable first option for temporarily adding back volume in the more superficial area over the buccal fat pad. The actual buccal fat pad lies quite deep between the masseter and buccinator muscles so getting fillers into it externally is imprecise. More permanent options includes the intraoral placement of fat injections by which the buccal fat lad ease removed or the direct placement of an en bloc fat graft in a true reversal procedure of a buccal lipectomy.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The buccal fat pad is in a very defined fairly small place. To compensate for the removal of this tissue, fillers will be more accurate.  With fillers there is no limitation on how much can be placed in the small area. Fat transfer is not as predictable and has a lower chance of survival if trying to graft too much and a small Area.

Fillers are predictable consistent and easy to work with and fat transfer is the opposite of those. Fat transfer offers the possibility of a permanent solution.

Both are viable options. My recommendation is to work with fillers at least initially.

I steer people away from buccal fat pad removal because it tends to create problems for people later in life.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

How to repair buccal fat removal (gaunt, indented look) - Fat transfer? Fillers?

Answers (4)

Answer: Buccal fat reversal

Answer: Buccal fat reversal

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How to repair buccal fat removal (gaunt, indented look) - Fat transfer? Fillers?

Answers (4)

Answer: Buccal fat reversal

Answer: Buccal fat reversal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.