| BFR | Buccal Fat Removal |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Full cheeks can be reduced by removal of buccal fat (=bichectomy). This is often performed in younger patient from inside the cheek and can also be done as part of a facelift. Buccal fat causes fullness in the mid-cheek underneath the cheek-bones and in front of the masseter (=chewing) muscle. Other causes which can cause lower face fullness are underprojecting cheek bones, masseter muscle hypertrophy from tooth grinding / clenching, a wide lower jaw, jowls from ageing or general overweight. In these cases, buccal fat removal is not recommended / inefficient. Younger people have naturally more fullness. Some surgeons claim that buccal fat removal causes premature ageing. Buccal fat removal typically gives a subtle improvement because only 2-4ml of fat can be removed safely from each side. The surgery involves a cut in the inner cheek opposite the second upper molar tooth through which the fat is removed. The wounds are repaired with dissolvable sutures which do not require removal. Soft food and mouth wash are advisable for one week. |
| Scars | 1cm inside the upper cheek |
| Operation time | 1.5 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General or Local |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (thick, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Wound separation, Slough, Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness, paralysis), Injury to parotid (=salivary) duct, Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection (hollowness), Undercorrection, Inability to remove buccal fat, Asymmetry, Aesthetic imperfections, Seroma, Problems with jaw movement, Functional problems, Contour irregularities, Need for further surgery, Allergic reaction (General Anaesthetic: Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs). N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Smoking within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), diabetes, poor oral hygiene (General Anaesthetic: Contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery) |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities and driving 3 - 7 days, Physical work & sports 4 weeks |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Make-up, Weight loss, Lipolysis, Liposuction |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
