What Is A Buccal Fat Pad?
Buccal Fat Pad, commonly called Bichat’s fat pad, is an identifiable mass of fat found in the cheek region on the front of your face. The name is derived from Bichat, the French Anatomist Marie Francois Xavier Bichat, who first identified the phenomenon in the 19th century. Buccal fat pads lie located deep in the buccal space. This can be described as the area between the buccinator muscles (cheek muscle) and other structures of the face.
The buccal fat pads’ main purpose is cushioning and supporting the face’s structure, specifically the cheeks. It helps to create a rounded facial shape, particularly in young children and infants. But as one gets older, it is believed that the buccal fat pad begins to shrink in size, leading to the appearance of a more defined and angular facial shape.
Procedure For Removing The Fat Pads From The Buccal Area
Here’s A Brief Outline Of The Procedure:
● Consultation:
The first thing to do is talk with a certified physician and plastic surgeon. During your consultation, you’ll discuss your goals and expectations regarding the procedure. The surgeon will assess the facial structure, evaluate your buccal area, determine the quantity of fat that needs to be removed, and decide whether you’re a suitable patient for this procedure.
● Anesthesia:
Buccal fat pad removal (ศัลยกรรมตัดไขมันกระพุ้งแก้ม, which is the term in Thai)may occur under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. The selection of anesthesia will be contingent on factors such as the surgeon’s preference as well as the length of the procedure.
● Incisions:
A surgeon makes tiny incisions inside the mouth, usually on the upper and lower cheeks close to those molars behind. The incisions are done within the mouth to prevent visible scarring of the face.
● Fat Pad Removal:
By making incisions, surgeons will find and access that buccal fat pad. The desired fat will be removed from the pad while considering the desired aesthetic result.
● Closure:
After the removal of fat after which, the incisions are sealed using dissolvable sutures. The need is not for stitches externally.
● Recovery:
The time to recover will vary from person to individual. However, it is generally some days of swelling, discomfort, and bruises. The surgeon can prescribe pain medications and give instructions on postoperative care, including dietary restrictions and dental hygiene guidelines.
● Results:
It can take some time for swelling to ease before the results are evident. The result of the reduction of the buccal fat pad is contingent on factors like the facial anatomy of the patient as well as how much fat is eliminated and the process of healing. It’s crucial to have realistic expectations and realize that the procedure is intended to give a more defined facial appearance.
