Post-Operative Evaluation of the Intra-Oral Buccal Fat Pad Removal Technique: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the number of procedures for buccal fat pad removal has increased. In cases of thinning of the face, bite injuries or bruxism, partial removal of the corpuscle is performed, always taking into account facial harmonization. Objective: The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the post-operative procedure of the removal of the BFP by pain parameters, mouth opening and presence of edema. This longitudinal cohort study was registered in clinical trials and all participants had access to the informed consent form. Methods: Forty BFP removal surgeries were performed with the technique of intraoral access. After the bichectomy procedure, the individuals were followed for 4, 7, 10, 15, 30, and 90 days. Visual pain scale, mouth opening measurements and clinical visual assessment were performed at all times. Results: We observed that the presence of edema and limited mouth opening for about 15 days were the changes most commonly found in surgeries performed. The results showed a significant decrease in painful symptoms after 15 days, regarding mouth opening, the results showed a return to normal levels after 30 days (p <0.05), the presence of edema ceased after 15 days. Conclusion: We conclude that the BFP removal, when performed following a precise indication, properly and with the recommendations of post-operative care, followed correctly, promotes limitation in mouth opening and painful symptoms by 15 days. The procedure is becoming a new area for the dental surgeon, who can perform the procedure safely, reliably and with aesthetic and therapeutic results.