Buccal pad of fat is also known as pad of Bichat. It is associated with sucking in infants and hence it gives prominent chubby cheek appearance in infants. It is also prominent in some adults giving the round shape to the face. Hence it can be removed to give the elongated appearance of the face and to enhance the prominence of the cheek bones.
It is removed by a minor surgical procedure. It can be done under local anesthesia or can be done under general anesthesia, when done along with some other facial surgeries.
It is done through inside mouth by a small incision in the molar area of the cheek and separating the buccinator muscle. It comes out as a golden yellow fat and the incision is closed by absorbable suture.
After surgery the patient will take liquid diet for 3 to 4 days and some antibiotic tablets. It is done as an outpatient procedure and the patient can attend to their normal work very next day.
It can also be combined with fat suctioning of the cheek, under chin and also sometimes along with chin augmentation with filler or silicone implant.
