Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: an established technique?

• Main Authors: Moura, L.-B (Author), Pereira-Filho, V.-A (Author), Spin, J.-R (Author), Spin-Neto, R. (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medicina Oral S.L. 2018
• Subjects: adipose tissue; Adipose Tissue; Beauty; Buccal fat pad; Buccal lipectomy; cheek; Cheek; Cheek surgery; Cosmetic Techniques; esthetic surgery; esthetics; face; Face; Facial sculpting; human; Humans; mouth; Mouth; postoperative complication; Postoperative Complications; procedures; reconstructive surgery; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; surgery
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 Background: Buccal fat pad (BFP) is a singular structure between the facial muscles. Its removal may enhance the zygomatic prominences resulting in an inverted triangle of beauty. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of literature about BFP removal for facial aesthetic improvement. In order to answer the following research question: What are the indications, complication types and rates, surgical techniques and outcomes of the technique? Material and Methods: The initial search in Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases recognized 220 articles. The final review included eight of them. None of the included studies were clinical trials. Results: BPF removal was performed by intraoral incision or associated with the face lift procedure. In 71 patients submitted to the procedure and evaluated about complications, only 8.45% presented minor complications. Parotid duct and facial nerve injuries were not found. No study evaluated facial aging and long-term effects, therefore the harmless effect of the procedure to those features is not clear. Conclusions: Although it is not a novel procedure, there is a lack of information about long-term outcomes. Thus, controlled clinical studies should be performed to achieve adequate clinical evidence of those aspects. © Medicina Oral S. L. C.I.F.