I've been seriously toying with the idea of Buccal Fat Removal but have felt too worried.

Your questions answered by our surgeon, Lucian Ion, FRCS(Plast)

Asked on 28 October 2010

Question

I was just wondering whether you could help me with a query I have; I've been seriously toying with the idea of Buccal Fat Removal for over a year now as I am incredibly unhappy with the appearance of my cheeks, but due to reports of nerve damage and facial sagging, have felt too worried. Are these common side-effects?

Answer

The risks related to buccal fat reduction is fortunately very low, including facial sagging as you mention. It is however very important to avoid aggressive reduction, and of course, the surgeon that performs the treatment needs to be familiar with the technique and the anatomy.

It is more common for buccal fat reduction to have two little rather than too much effect.

As an approach to understanding what you would like to achieve as an end result to your surgery, I would typically suggest 3-D imaging and procedure planning. Based on this, it is possible to identify what is the most likely operation or combination of operations that would be suitable to achieve your goal.

Mr Lucian Ion FRCS(Plast)
129 Harley Street
London
W1G 6BA