Buccal Fat Pad Removal for Thinner Cheeks: A Case Report

Aims: In recent years there has been an increasing number of procedures for removing the buccal fat pad, also known as cheek reduction or face thinning surgery. Bichat buccal fat can be used as part of the therapeutic procedure in several cases of oroantral communication and in other oral surgery procedures. The objective of this case report was to demonstrate the procedure for removing the buccal fat pad for aesthetic purposes.

Study Design: Case report.

Place and Duration of Study: Case carried out in 2021 in a private dental office in the city of Santos-SP- Brazil.

Presentation of Case: After completing the anamnesis and oral clinical assessment, the patient underwent laboratory tests for preoperative evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging of the malar region. Buccal fat pad removal is a minor procedure, and the surgical technique is considered simple and safe if performed by trained and experienced professionals. The postoperative period requires rest in the first days and limited mouth opening is a common symptom, and the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories adequately controls any painful symptoms.

Results: The procedure can be performed by a dentist if the practitioner has a local anatomical knowledge, follows the indication for each case, and take all pre and postoperative care that is necessary to avoid complications.

Conlusions: When we have the correct indication, preoperative exams that indicate that everything is correct in relation to the presence of buccal fat pad and their relationship with adjacent structures and the execution of the technique with postoperative control, there is no way that professionals and patients cannot be happy with the buccal fat pad removal results.