Fat-removal surgery

The cheek fat acts as a cushion (like a pillow) during chewing, facilitating the movements of the structures involved in this process. During childhood, the volume of Bichat's fat is large in relation to the bones and muscles, which explains the typically round appearance of children's faces. As our face grows and develops, it usually becomes smaller, but sometimes it remains large, giving the face a rounded appearance.

There is a surgical solution to correct the excess volume of Bichat's fat – buccal lipectomy. During the procedure, the buccal fat pad is partially or completely removed. The operation can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and twilight sleep and takes between 30 and 45 minutes. During this procedure, a small incision is made in the oral cavity through which the fat can be easily removed. The small incision is then closed with one or two stitches, which dissolve on their own. Buccal lipectomy has a rejuvenating effect on the face, as the procedure aims to narrow the cheeks and thus emphasize the cheekbones. This results in a more natural and attractive appearance.

The final result of buccal lipectomy is permanent; however, it only appears after a few months, once all swelling and scarring processes have been completed. These are possible immediately after the procedure and may be visible for 1-2 weeks.

Other possible side effects include post-operative bleeding or irritation of the facial nerve or salivary duct, although these are very rare.