1. Buccal Fat Removal

Hello.

I am Young-moon Yoo, the Chief Director of Vibe Plastic Surgery.

Excessive fat in both the cheeks and the double chin can make the face look larger and give off a dull, heavy impression.

That is why there is a lot of interest and many inquiries regarding facial fat removal.

Today, we will take a closer look at ‘buccal fat’ in particular.

1. Anatomical Knowledge

As shown in the illustration above, buccal fat is located in the cheek area and covers a much wider range than one might think.

Furthermore, it is surrounded by numerous blood vessels, nerves, and salivary gland ducts.

Through surgery, we primarily remove the area corresponding to the buccal extension of this wide fat pad.

2. Surgical Method

1. Identify the location where the salivary gland duct emerges. If damaged, it can cause problems with saliva secretion and lead to inflammation, so the incision must be made while avoiding this area.

2. An incision is made below that area to locate the fat pad. It can usually be found easily within about a minute.

3. Afterward, a portion of the excess fat is removed, bleeding is controlled, and the surgery is completed.

3. Effects and Side Effects

As shown in the figure above, the goal and effect of the surgery is to reduce the volume of fat in both cheeks.

The most important factor is identifying good indications—in other words, carefully selecting whether the patient will actually benefit from the surgery.

# Side Effect (1)

If a large amount of buccal fat is removed from someone who does not have much cheek fat to begin with, the cheeks may appear hollow, potentially giving an aged impression. Avoiding this side effect is paramount.

# Side Effect (2)

As we have seen, many blood vessels, nerves, and salivary ducts are located around the fat pocket. These structures must be carefully dissected to avoid damage. Because the field of vision is narrow, excessive dissection or removal can damage these structures, leading to problems such as temporary facial paralysis, salivary secretion disorders, and inflammation of the salivary glands.

As with all things, one must remember that overdoing it can lead to results worse than not doing it at all! If these side effects are carefully avoided, satisfying results can be achieved.

4. Results

Consultations and surgeries should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon!

Wishing you both health and beauty today :)

Right Thinking, Right Plastic Surgery - Young-moon Yoo