The excision of the buccal fat pad for cheek refinement: volumetric considerations

Abstract

Background: although the excision of the buccal fat pad has become very popular for achieving a slimmer midface, not all patients are good candidates for this procedure. Unfortunately, studies that provide guidelines by emphasizing volumetric and technical details are limited. Objectives: the study compared preoperative and postoperative volumetric data to identify the amount of tissue that can safely be removed and important technical concepts involved in lower cheek contouring with buccal fat pad excision. Methods: patients complaining of cheek fullness were evaluated to determine if they were good candidates for the procedure. Eligible patients were screened with transbuccal ultrasound to determine tissue volumes and anatomical details. Intraoperative and postoperative, 6th-month volume measurements were undertaken and residual tissues and vascular pedicles reevaluated. Results: ultrasound imaging showed that the mean preoperative volume of the fat pads was 11.67 ± 1.44 mL, and the mean postoperative volume was 8.58 ± 1.07 mL. The mean volume of the excised tissues was 2.74 ± 0.69 mL. Postoperative buccal fat pad volume values correlated with the reported average in the literature for the same age group. Conclusions: Buccal fat pad removal is an effective technique for refining the facial silhouette that should be reserved for patients with increased buccal fat pad volume. Removal of only the excessive portion of the fat pad is important because this structure provides significant volume in the midface that can be difficult to restore once aging affects the surrounding soft and bony tissue.