Buccal Fat Pad Excision for Facial Rejuvenation: The Relationship Between the Resected Position and Its Influence on Facial Shape and Volume.

[BACKGROUND] To date, facelift surgery has been the most common choice for those seeking antiaging solutions. However, buccal fat pad (BFP) excision has also been utilized recently.

[OBJECTIVES] An interrelation between the BFP, resection area, and its influence on facial shape and volume is scrutinized to achieve "tailor-made" outcomes in patients with BFP-related symptoms.

[METHODS] Patients were categorized into 2 groups: Type I with a bottom-heavy face and Type II with ptotic lower cheeks, typically seen in older people. The lower face was divided into upper and lower segments bilaterally. Then, the relationship between the resected position of the BFP and its influence on facial shape and volume was studied.

[RESULTS] BFP excision was performed for 133 patients (118 females and15 males) between May 2020 and June 2022. Sixty-one of these patients were categorized into Type I (39 patients) and Type II (22 patients) and were followed up for 12 months postoperatively. The volume of all lower facial segments decreased postoperatively in both types of patients. The variation rate of the upper segment volume in Type II patients was less than that in Type I patients. The results were consistent with a technique that did not remove large chunks of the BFP from the upper segment in Type II patients.

[CONCLUSIONS] BFP excision is an effective facial rejuvenation treatment if proper candidates are selected. To improve the accuracy of BFP excision, the relationship between the resected position of the BFP and its influence on facial shape and volume should be well understood.