Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce the fullness in the lower cheeks, creating a more sculpted and defined facial appearance. This procedure targets the buccal fat pads, which are naturally occurring fat deposits located deep within the lower cheek area. Many individuals consider this surgery to achieve a more contoured look, especially if they have naturally round or “chubby” cheeks that do not diminish with weight loss. A common question among those considering this cosmetic enhancement is whether the results are truly permanent.
The Nature of Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is generally considered a permanent procedure because the buccal fat pads, also known as Bichat’s fat pads, are surgically excised. These specific fat pads are distinct anatomical structures, and unlike other fat cells in the body that can shrink or expand, the removed buccal fat cells do not regenerate. Once these fat pads are removed or significantly reduced, they are gone for good, providing a lasting change to the cheek contour. The procedure involves making a small incision inside the mouth, typically near the upper molars, to access and remove the targeted fat. This internal approach means there are no visible external scars on the face. While the entire buccal fat pad may be removed, some surgeons opt to remove only a portion, depending on the desired facial shape and the patient’s existing anatomy. The permanence stems from the fact that the actual fat cells comprising these pads are physically removed, preventing them from growing back.
Factors Influencing Long-Term Facial Appearance
While the removal of the buccal fat pads is permanent, the overall appearance of the face can still evolve over time due to various processes and lifestyle factors. Aging naturally leads to changes in facial volume, skin elasticity, and bone structure. As individuals age, they may experience a natural loss of fat and muscle volume in other areas of the face, and the skin can become lax and begin to sag. Significant fluctuations in weight can also influence facial contours, even after buccal fat removal. While the buccal fat pads themselves will not return, other fat cells in the face can expand with substantial weight gain, potentially affecting the overall facial fullness and altering the sculpted appearance achieved by the procedure. These factors can alter the contour of the face, creating a different aesthetic over the years, even though the buccal fat pads remain absent. It is important to understand that these changes relate to the broader facial anatomy, not the regrowth of the removed buccal fat.
Considerations for a Permanent Change
Given the irreversible nature of buccal fat removal, careful consideration is important before undergoing the procedure. It is crucial for individuals to have realistic expectations about the outcomes and understand that the results are long-lasting. Consulting with a qualified surgeon is a key first step, as they can assess individual facial anatomy and discuss how the permanent removal might impact future facial harmony, especially as natural aging occurs. The decision should involve considering how facial aesthetics might change with age and how the permanent reduction of buccal fat could integrate with those future changes. Removing too much buccal fat, or performing the procedure on individuals who are not ideal candidates, can potentially lead to an overly gaunt or hollow appearance later in life as natural facial fat diminishes.