The buccal fat pad is increasingly being removed (English: buccal fat removal), making it one of the most popular aesthetic procedures in the world today.
With the goal of better defining the contours of the face, there is growing demand for this intervention. In this sense, it can be considered a trend in contemporary aesthetic (plastic) facial surgery.
WHAT DOES BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL INVOLVE?
The procedure for removing the buccal fat pad is also known as bichectomy (English: bichectomy). Although many think of a drastically thinner facial appearance when this procedure is mentioned, it is essential to address any misunderstandings and clarify what this surgery entails.
The buccal fat pad is a mass made up of fatty tissue within a capsule, with several extensions. It is located in front of the masseter muscle and zygomatic bone and extends inward.
By removing it, a slight depression is achieved below the zygomatic bone, making the face more attractive.
BUCCAL FAT PAD – SURGICAL REMOVAL
The surgery for removing the buccal fat pad is performed under local anesthesia, although patients may request analgesosedation or even general anesthesia.
A minimal incision, approximately 1 cm in size, is made intraorally (through the mouth), through the mucosa of the cheek, so the scars are not noticeable. During this procedure, resorbable sutures are used, so there is no need for removal.
In contrast to, for example, a facelift, this intervention does not take long, lasting less than one hour for both sides.
It is important to highlight that removing the buccal fat pad does not involve the removal of fat tissue from the cheeks (unlike, for instance, liposuction from the abdomen or thighs).
The buccal fat pad is therefore a distinct anatomical unit, which is different from generalized excess fat in the body.
BUCCAL FAT PAD AND RECOVERY AFTER REMOVAL
The expected recovery after the removal of the buccal fat pad lasts only 2-3 days.
The results are permanent and visible within two weeks, or after the swelling subsides.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR BUCCAL FAT PAD REMOVAL?
It is advisable that buccal fat pad removal is not performed before the age of 18, or before the growth and development of the facial skeleton are complete.
There is no upper age limit, so women of various ages undergo this procedure.
