Buccal Fat Removal Gone Wrong

When Buccal Fat Removal Doesn’t Go as Planned

Watching television shows like Botched can admittedly be fun, but plastic surgery gone wrong isn’t entertaining when you see it in the mirror. Most patients are happy with their buccal fat removal procedures, but a small number do experience unexpected results and regret. While realistic expectations and the right plastic surgeon can greatly minimize the chance of problems, every surgery comes with a certain amount of risk. We want you to fully understand what can go wrong, how to recognize that something has, and what options you have for improving the situation.

Signs Buccal Fat Removal May Not Have Healed Properly

Swelling after buccal fat removal surgery is unavoidable, and it may leave your cheeks looking even puffier than they did before the procedure. This is normal and will start to subside in a few days. It’s also normal for your cheeks to be asymmetrical during this time as they probably won’t swell evenly. These things don’t indicate a problem with your procedure. Signs there might be an issue, however, include:

• Excessive cheek hollowing or gauntness
• Facial asymmetry that doesn’t resolve after swelling
• Hard lumps or irregular texture in the cheeks
• Cheek collapse or sagging due to volume loss
• Visible indentations that worsen with age or weight loss
• Unnatural smile or changes to facial expressions

Common Reasons Buccal Fat Removal Results Go Wrong

There are several reasons that buccal fat removal can go wrong, and the simplest may be that you’re just not a good candidate. If you’re already displaying early signs of aging, which include a loss of cheek fat, or if you have a very lean face, it’s generally best for you to forgo buccal fat removal or do it only in combination with other facial surgeries, such as a facelift. Other potential issues could be caused by:

• Overly aggressive buccal fat removal
• Poor surgical technique or inexperience with facial balance
• Lack of planning for long-term facial changes or weight fluctuations
• Unrealistic expectations or inadequate patient education

What Can You Do if You’re Unhappy With Your Results?

If you’re unhappy with the results of your buccal fat removal procedure, the first thing you should do is take a deep, steadying breath. It can be incredibly upsetting to see poor plastic surgery results, but you’re not without options for help.

Before anything else can be done, you’ll need to wait for all the residual swelling from your surgery to ease. We know it’s hard to be patient right now, but sometimes patience pays off—“bad” results are often just swelling that has yet to resolve. If you do need a corrective procedure, your surgeon will need to see what they’re working with, and this also requires waiting for all of the swelling to dissipate. This can take three to six months.

Your next step is to schedule a follow-up with your plastic surgeon. They can review your healing and listen to your concerns. A skilled surgeon can assess whether your outcome is within expectations or if there truly is an issue. If there is a problem, they can discuss correction strategies with you.

It’s always a good idea to get a second opinion before surgery, but the practice gains importance when it comes to corrective procedures. If you feel your original surgeon did not adequately address your concerns, or if you’ve lost trust in them, schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic or facial surgeon. The surgeons at Mia Aesthetics have extensive experience in all facial surgeries, including buccal fat removal and revision.

Correcting Bad Buccal Fat Removal Results

When buccal fat removal goes wrong, the first question patients ask is, “Can buccal fat removal be reversed?” Technically, no. Once buccal fat is removed, it doesn’t regenerate. But take heart. There are aesthetic procedures that can restore facial volume and cheek contour. You don’t have to live with bad results.

Facial Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer)

Facial fat grafting is often an excellent option for improving a buccal fat removal procedure gone wrong. During this surgery, your surgeon will use liposuction to remove unwanted fat from areas such as your abdomen and thighs and then inject it into your cheeks. The new fat plumps and smooths hollow cheek areas safely since the only thing put into your face is your own fat. This is the most natural and customizable solution and is considered permanent.

Dermal Fillers (Temporary Correction)

We understand that you might not be eager to go back under the knife after a procedure goes wrong. If you prefer a non-surgical correction, consider dermal fillers like Juvéderm. Injected into the cheeks during an in-office visit, fillers offer a solution to hollow or uneven cheeks without a surgical commitment. Fillers are temporary and need to be touched up every 12 to 24 months but can go a long way toward improving the appearance of your cheeks.

Cheek Lift or Midface Lift

An option often presented to more mature patients, cheek lifts are quite helpful when buccal fat removal leads to sagging cheeks. If you’re also having issues with jowling, a midface lift can help. Both options reposition facial tissue for a smoother, more youthful contour.

How to Prevent Unwanted Results: What to Know Before Surgery

Understanding that buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure is vital when deciding whether you want it. Plastic surgeons can help to improve the situation if your buccal fat removal goes awry, but they cannot restore your appearance to exactly what it was before the surgery. Although it’s rare, it is possible to find yourself unhappy after buccal fat removal. If you’re ready to assume this risk, minimize it by choosing a plastic surgeon who:

• Specializes in facial contouring and balance
• Customizes fat removal to your facial shape
• Takes into account the likely effects of future aging
• Believes in a conservative approach
• Will turn away poor candidates (too lean, aging skin, etc.)

Recap: You Have Options if Your Buccal Fat Removal Went Wrong

If you’re unhappy with your results, you are not alone, and you’re not without options. Whether you need volume restored, asymmetry corrected, or sagging addressed, a facial specialist can help you regain a natural, confident look. Book a free virtual consultation with a Mia Aesthetics surgery team to begin your healing journey by discussing the choices available to you and creating a corrective plan.