How Can I Restore my Cheeks 10 Years After Buccal Fat Removal?

Question

I had *bolsas de bichat* removed (I think that's Spanish for buccal fat pads) a decade ago. Now I look completely different. My face is flat and not as attractive. What can I do to look like before? What's the best option: implants, fillers, or any other ideas? If using Radiesse, how much would be necessary to look like before?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Restoring cheeks after fat removal is a common question unfortunately. Your story is why I tell patients not to do this since they need the fat as they grow older to fill out the face. I would need to examine your face to tell if fillers would help and how much it would take to correct the problem. Fat grafting can be used but has its own problems in the face such as irregularities and lumps.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Over zealous removal of the buccal fat pads may lead to the hollow cheeks or a gaunt look. I prefer the use of Sculptra for adding volume to this area. Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm Volume, Radiesse, and Perlane are also appropriate. I would recommend consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best of Luck.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

To replace lost volume in your cheeks, I would recommend the use of a dermal filler.  For generalized volume, Sculptra is a great product.  If you have specific areas that need pin point treatment, then a product such as Juvederm will work well.

	 

	Good Luck.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The options for filling the cheeks out include placing cheek implants into the malar or submalar space to give more volumetric augmentation to the cheeks.  This is a permanent solution.  Fillers are usually a temporary solution and will require repetitive injections.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Without an exam it is impossible to advise exactly. However, fat or filler injection can usually help significantly. Both would usually require several injections to get the contour just right. This is especially true of fat if you want it to be permanent. If not fat, I generally use Radiesse since it has a good longevity.

How Can I Restore my Cheeks 10 Years After Buccal Fat Removal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Restoring volume to cheeks

Answer: Restoring volume to cheeks

Answer: Restoring Facial Fat Loss

Answer: Restoring Facial Fat Loss

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cheek Augmentation

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

How Can I Restore my Cheeks 10 Years After Buccal Fat Removal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Restoring volume to cheeks

Answer: Restoring volume to cheeks

Answer: Restoring Facial Fat Loss

Answer: Restoring Facial Fat Loss

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cheek Augmentation

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