Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: an established technique?

[BACKGROUND] Buccal 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 METHODS] The 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.

[RESULTS] BPF 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.

[CONCLUSIONS] Although 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.