Volume Redistribution of the Buccal Fat Pad After Reduction Malarplasty

BackgroundDuring reduction malarplasty, cheek bulging could be found immediately after zygomatic complex is moved inwards, backwards and upwards. As patient is in the supine position during surgery, the effect of gravity is eliminated, so the only reason for the bulge is the redistribution of the soft tissue in the deep facial spaces. The buccal fat pad, with its main body behind the zygomatic arch and buccal extension in the cheek area, is most likely to be responsible for the bulge.Methods3D buccal extension models were reconstructed from preoperative and long-term follow-up CT images and the volume measured. By comparing the pre- and postoperative 3D models, the shape deviation of the buccal extension and facial soft tissue can be identified.ResultsEleven patients (22 buccal extensions) met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the preoperative buccal extension volume, the postoperative volume increased significantly. By comparing the reconstructed models, the buccal extension volume increase with anteroinferior protrusion can be visually detected, and cheek bulging was clearly identified on the lower face. The bulging area coincided with the projection of the buccal extension on the skin surface.ConclusionsReduction malarplasty may cause volume redistribution of the buccal fat pad. Therefore, preoperative assessment of the size of the buccal fat pad based on CT images is recommended. The buccal extension volume increase with anteroinferior protrusion is an important cause of postoperative cheek bulging and should be considered during treatment.Level of Evidence IVThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Automated summary

During reduction malarplasty, cheek bulging can occur due to redistribution of the soft tissue in the deep facial spaces after the zygomatic complex is moved. The buccal fat pad is likely responsible for this bulge, particularly the extension in the cheek area.