THE PROS AND CONS OF BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL

Plastic surgeon Dr Riccardo Frati outlines what your clients need to know about this trending fat-reducing procedure

If you check what’s popular on social media right now, buccal fat removal is one of the biggest talking points in aesthetics. That’s probably not surprising though, considering that celebrities, including Chrissy Teigen, Mindy Kaling, and Zoe Kravitz, have publicly credited the procedure for their angular, defined cheekbones.

However, it’s important that your patients know that this aesthetic procedure shouldn’t be viewed with frivolity like some other social media trends. It’s invasive and requires not only patient sedation, but a skilled pair of surgical hands to achieve.

Dr Riccardo Frati is a leading plastic surgeon with clinics in Harley Street London, Essex, and Manchester. He outlines the positives and drawbacks of the procedure below.

WHAT IS BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL?

Buccal fat removal involves the excision of the buccal fat pad, a mass of tissue located deep within the cheek. Conducted under local anaesthesia and sedation, the operating surgeon will make small incisions on either side of the inside of the patient’s mouth to expose the tissue.

By removing fat from the cheeks, the aim is to accomplish more sculpted, defined cheekbones.

This procedure can also emphasise the “submalar hollow” below the cheekbone.

WHAT ARE THE POSITIVES?

• Results are permanent

• It slims the face and defines the cheeks

• Incisions are made inside the mouth, causing no visible scarring

• It is a short procedure, which lasts less than an hour

• There is minimal downtime, lasting around three to four days

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS?

• The procedure is permanent, which means overcorrection by the surgeon or client dissatisfaction is incredibly difficult or impossible to resolve

• The procedure can potentially cause hollow cheeks as you age if it is overdone. This outcome will not be known for sometimes years post-treatment

• There is a risk of cheek asymmetry

• Other risks include damage to the salivary ducts and rarely, facial nerve damage

• Swelling can last for around two weeks, meaning a chance of prolonged downtime

• The full results are not apparent for up to three months.