The buccal fat pad is an encapsulated mass of fat located in the mid-face area just below the cheekbone. It is responsible for fullness in the cheeks and most noticeable in babies where it aids in sucking functions. Thankfully, it does decrease in size as we age, however in some individuals the large size compared to other facial features does persist. This buccal fat pad can be the cause of facial fullness in adults and removal may be considered for any age group and can done in conjunction with other facial procedures. Weight fluctuations may affect the size of the buccal fat pad as well.
Removal of the buccal fat pad is usually done from the inside of the mouth and incisions are hidden in the mouth, so there are no external scars. With a subtle decrease in the width and fullness of this region, significant improvements in the harmony between facial areas can be achieved. Depending on how slim you want your face to look, the amount of fat removed can be varied. There is, however, a limited amount of fat in the buccal area and fat from other parts of the midface cannot be removed safely. Dr Mirmanesh will work with each patient individually so their goals can be achieved.
