How much buccal fat exists in our face? Is it possible I have more buccal fat to be removed? (Photo)

Question

I got buccal fat removal few years ago but I have since put on 30 lbs. I am chubby again but not as bad as before. I am wanting the surgery again, is it possible there is more buccal fat to be removed? How much does a person have? Attached is the photo of my buccal fat pads originally removed. They are each the size of a quarter.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It is hard to tell without a physical examination. I recommend you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

The results of buccal fat removal are masked gaining weigh. For example, if somebody of average height gains 30 lbs of weight, very likely the results of the buccal fat removal will be diminished significantly. The reason is that when someone gains a lot of weight, all the fat of the face that is not buccal fat pads tens to grow, thus "filling" the area treated by the buccal fat removal. A secondary buccal fat removal could be done in someone that has undergone partial buccal fat removal in the past. However, if the patient is overweight ( eg. 30lbs weight gain), it is possible the re-do of the surgery won't deliver the results desired until the patient reaches a normal weigh for their height.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Buccal fat is not a site where fat regrows because it is not an active metabolic site for fat turnover. Once the buccal fat pads are removed there is no benefit to try and go back for more. I have done that numerous times in patients with prior buccal lipectomies and no substantial residual fat pad has ever found.

How much buccal fat exists in our face? Is it possible I have more buccal fat to be removed? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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