Cheek fat (also called Bichat’s fat) is some fat pad situated on the cheek together with salivary gland, facial veins and nerves. Function of this fat – balancing and amortization of masticatory muscles movements, defense of neurovascular fibres, prevention of negative pressure for the baby while suckling. This unique fat (syssacosis) is not influenced neither by lipolysis nor utter physical exhaustion. Some patients may suffer of excess buccal fat due to genetics. This unproportional fat mass, the most of which is concentrated on the lower pole of the cheek, tends to deform esthetic facial triangle – it makes young people look older. It is necessary not to confuse this kind of facial fat with under-skin fat cover. Excess of the latter is formed in case of overweight and may be decreased by correcting index of the physical masses. Due to the reasons mentioned above buccal fat removal surgery is safe and is recommended for persons seeking for more subtle and oval facial form.
BEFORE SURGERY
Consultation of a dentist concerning the state of teeth and oral cavity is recommended. No consumption of aspirin, garlic, ginger or any other pharmaceuticals influencing blood coagulation in a period of 7 days prior to the surgery. Principles of the oral hygiene must be complied.
SURGERY
Buccal fat removal surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia, though general anaesthesia may be applied upon patient’s choice. A buccal fat removal surgery requires a small incision on the inside of the mouth, on the inner portion of patient’s cheek.
SURGERY RISKS
As any other surgical intervention, this surgery may have side effects. These may include postoperative bleeding, infection, pain, poor healing of incisions, scarring, facial asymmetry. These complications are very rare and most often appear due to nonobservance of postoperative regime and hygiene.
AFTER SURGERY
There are no scars left after the surgery. Cosmetic results may be perceived after tissues heal up and reconstruct in 2-3 months. In the primary stage swelling may be felt for 6-10 days similar as after tooth extraction. Suture resolves, though it may be removed after 14 days.
RESULTS
Cheeks gradually contour to their new appearance, smaller and more oval facial form. Long term effect of the surgery is achieved.