The Location of Buccal Fat and Its Effect on Facial Contours Through 3D CT Analysis

The contour of our face is largely based on the facial bones and is additionally determined by the soft tissues surrounding the facial bones (muscles, fat, and skin).

If you hope to change the contour of the face, you need an accurate understanding of which of the factors that determine facial contour should be changed.

For example, even if the lower jawbone that forms the facial contour is angular and prominent, if you expect the face to change to a V-line shape simply by changing only the soft tissue conditions surrounding the bone, you may end up with considerable disappointment and unnecessary hardship.

 

In consultations in the clinic, I often encounter cases where people lack understanding about buccal fat removal surgery and come in expecting results that are far removed from the direction and anticipated outcome of the procedure.

I think this is probably due to the influence of exaggerated and enticing advertisements through various promotional media.

 

Before buccal fat removal, double chin treatment, or cheek-area liposuction, the following points should be considered.

1.     Accurate understanding of the conditions of the facial bones and soft tissues

To help with understanding, it may be useful to analyze various conditions through 3D CT.

            As shown in the above 3D CT images, even if the conditions of the facial soft tissue are changed, the shape of the facial bones remains the same.

             

2.     The location of each soft tissue condition and how to improve it

If the muscles are developed – they can be reduced through Botox injections in the masseter area.

If there is a lot of subcutaneous fat – improvement can be expected through subcutaneous liposuction from the skin side, and the operation time is about 10 minutes.

Buccal fat – improvement can be expected by making a small incision inside the mouth (1 cm) and removing the fat as a pouch, and the operation time is about 10 minutes.

 

3.     Recovery period according to the postoperative stage

In all surgeries, swelling reaches its peak between 48 and 72 hours after surgery.

Sometimes, I meet people who say they heard from another medical institution that if buccal fat is removed, it can be seen as clearly reduced the very next day. In such cases, I firmly advise that the place saying such things is telling a lie during the consultation process, so it should be the first place to exclude when deciding on surgery.