The buccal fat pad is a deep pocket of fat situated below the malar eminence (cheek) and behind the buccinator muscle.Excess buccal fat pads often give rise to the appearance of overly full and rounded cheek. The appearance of such facial features is sometimes referred to as “chip monk cheeks”, “chubby cheeks” or “baby face cheeks”. The size of buccal fat pad varies with each individual patient, and the buccal fat pad in each cheek may be different in sizes and volumes. These conditions are often hereditary in nature and cannot be readily reduced by exercise or diet. These excess buccal fat pads can only be removed by surgery.
Buccal fat removal surgery should not be performed in people with thin and narrow faces as removal of these buccal fats may result in haggard facial appearance. Buccal fat removal surgery can also be performed along with other procedures such as face-lift, chin augmentation or neck liposuction.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
- Bothered by the appearance of chubby cheeks
- Having a positive outlook, realistic expectations and specific goals in mind for improvement of facial appearance
- Physically healthy with no active or serious pre-existing medical conditions
PRE-OPERATIVE EVALUATION
Communication is vital in order to achieve the patient’s goals. During the initial consultation, patients will have the opportunity to discuss their goals and desirable results with the plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon will work closely with the patients to reach an agreement about the expectations from the surgical procedures involved and their long term benefits. Every patient is different, therefore a specific treatment regimen is planned to suit an individual’s need.
- Discussion about patients’ expectations and desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and previous medical or surgical treatment
- Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Previous surgeries
- Examination of the face and its soft tissues
- Preoperative evaluation
- Discussion on choice and risks of anaesthesia
- Photography for preoperative and postoperative evaluation
PREPARATION
- Blood investigations or a medical evaluation
- Avoid certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking or alcohol well in advance of surgery, (2-3 weeks prior to the surgery)
- Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
RISKS AND SAFETY
It is essential for patients to understand that every surgical procedure has its own complications and risks involved. However, if a patient is assessed properly before the surgery and postoperative care is given adequately, these risks can be eliminated or reduced. The risks involved in masseter muscle reduction surgery are:
- Bleeding
- Blood clot
- Infection
- Poor wound healing at incision site
- Bruises and swelling
- Injury to the facial nerves resulting in temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness
- Injury to the salivary duct
- Asymmetry
- Anaesthesia risks
- Possibility of revision surgery
POST-OPERATIVE EXPECTATIONS
The final outcome of buccal fat removal surgery may not be apparent immediately after the surgery. It may take several months for the swelling and bruises to subside before the final results are seen. The expected outcome from the surgery will be a less chubby cheek. During the initial healing phase, patient may experience pain, numbness, bruises and swelling around the cheek or neck areas. These symptoms usually fade away after 3-4 weeks. Oral antibiotics and analgesics will be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection and postoperative pain respectively.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
- Follow the postoperative instructions given carefully
- Head elevation especially when sleeping for 3-4 weeks
- Take the prescribed medications as instructed
- Cold compressive dressing around the cheek might be used for 3-7 days
- Regular mouth wash or gargle after every meal
- Soft diet for 1-2 weeks
