I would like the fat removing as I have a chipmunk appearance when I smile.

Your questions answered by our surgeon, Lucian Ion, FRCS(Plast)

Asked on 12 December 2013

Question

Do you perform Fat transfer removal?

I had a facelift and fat transfer to my cheeks two years ago. If possible I would like the fat removing as I have a "chipmunk" appearance when I smile. I am having difficulty finding a surgeon who is prepared to undergo this surgery.

Answer

Removal of the superficial volume fat transfer is indeed a difficult task and can lead to uneven contours which may be more problematic then the current situation.

In some instances, it is possible to remove some of the buccal fat to assist with the impression that the volume in the cheek mound when smiling it is decreased because of decreased pressure from below.

Another option available is to use Thermage radio-frequency external treatment which produces a combination of some tightening of the skin and some volume reduction underneath with increased likelihood of a smoother overall contour.

We are anticipating that in the course of 2014 there may be also availability of injectable products targeted at removing localised areas of fatty tissue but the process of licensing is still ongoing and it is not possible to give you an exact timeframe for this availability.

I would be happy to see you in consultation and evaluate the characteristics of the facial shape and the degree of change that you would like to achieve. Based on this I can offer some opinions about treatment options and see whether this can be of help to you.

Mr Lucian Ion FRCS(Plast)
129 Harley Street
London
W1G 6BA