What are the risks of buccal fat removal?

The decision to have buccal fat removal surgery is extremely personal. You'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of buccal fat removal surgery are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedures you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The possible risks of buccal fat removal surgery include, but are not limited to:

• Anesthesia risks
• Asymmetry
• Bleeding
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Injury to a salivary duct
• Injury to branches of the facial nerve, resulting in temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness
• Numbness or other changes in sensation
• Persistent pain
• Poor healing of incisions
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Prolonged swelling
• Suboptimal aesthetic result and/or minimal changes

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.