Buccal fat removal - is it risky or not?

Buccal fat removal is a risky surgery because the buccal fat pads are very close to the nerves that control facial expressions. Therefore, if one of these nerves is injured during the procedure, it could result in a crooked smile.

Facial nerves can be injured even if the incision is made above the parotid duct. The location of the incision does not determine the safety of the procedure. The surgical technique and the experience of the buccal fat removal plastic surgeon are more critical to ensuring safety. Driving a car is risky, but when comparing someone just starting to take driving lessons to a Formula 1 pilot, who do you think makes driving less risky?

John Mesa, MD
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist
New York - New Jersey - Miami

Dear Johnrickson12, thank you for your question.

Buccal fat removal is generally a safe and straightforward procedure when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon. However, like any surgery, it carries certain risks. The most common complications include infection, hematoma (bleeding under the skin), and, in rare cases, damage to the facial nerve, which can affect your smile.

To reduce these risks, it’s essential to carefully follow your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions. Additionally, ensure you have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about potential risks and preventive measures before moving forward.

Hello,

Thank you for your question about the risks and complications related to buccal fat reduction.

The risk associated with buccal fat reduction is generally low, particularly when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon with good visualization during the surgery. This is key to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

Regarding the approach, it’s important to note that the access used, whether above or below the parotid duct, does not significantly influence the risks. While some surgeons may prefer a specific approach to minimize the likelihood of nerve injury, the critical factor is the surgeon’s skill and experience. During the surgery, the buccal fat pad often becomes visible quickly during exploration, which means there is usually no need for extensive dissection that might increase risks.

If you are feeling anxious about the procedure, using sedation or general anaesthesia can be beneficial. These methods can increase the overall safety and comfort of the intervention by ensuring you are relaxed and still, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure with precision.

In summary, buccal fat reduction is typically a safe procedure with a low risk of complications, especially in the hands of a skilled surgeon with good visualization techniques.