Abstract
BackgroundBuccal fat pad (BFP) is a singular structure between the facial muscles. Its removal may enhance the zygomatic prominences resulting in an inverted triangle of beauty. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of literature about BFP removal for facial aesthetic improvement. In order to answer the following research question: What are the indications, complication types and rates, surgical techniques and outcomes of the technique?Material and MethodsThe initial search in Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases recognized 220 articles. The final review included eight of them. None of the included studies were clinical trials.ResultsBPF removal was performed by intraoral incision or associated with the face lift procedure. In 71 patients submitted to the procedure and evaluated about complications, only 8.45% presented minor complications. Parotid duct and facial nerve injuries were not found. No study evaluated facial aging and long-term effects, therefore the harmless effect of the procedure to those features is not clear.ConclusionsAlthough it is not a novel procedure, there is a lack of information about long-term outcomes. Thus, controlled clinical studies should be performed to achieve adequate clinical evidence of those aspects. Key words:Buccal fat pad, facial sculpting, cheek surgery, buccal lipectomy.
Highlights
The buccal fat pad (BFP) is a rounded biconvex adipose structure limited by a thin capsule
-Criteria for considering studies for this review Studies in which the methodology and/or results included information regarding the surgical excision of the Buccal fat pad (BFP) to improve facial aesthetics qualified for inclusion
In 1980, Epstein (10) first reported the BFP removal to improve the facial aesthetics. It is not a novel procedure, nowadays there is an extensive commercial marketing with appeal to facial aesthetics (6), and the procedure is disseminated as a routine
Summary
The buccal fat pad (BFP) is a rounded biconvex adipose structure limited by a thin capsule It is located in the middle third of the cheek and composed by three lobes. There are two methods to perform BFP removal, through intraoral approach or by facial approach during the facelift procedure. This study aims to perform a systematic review of the literature about BFP removal to improve facial aesthetics, regarding to the immediate effects, outcomes, and complication rate. Buccal fat pad (BFP) is a singular structure between the facial muscles. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of literature about BFP removal for facial aesthetic improvement. Results: BPF removal was performed by intraoral incision or associated with the face lift procedure. Controlled clinical studies should be performed to achieve adequate clinical evidence of those aspects
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