3D-CT study of buccal fat pad volume in patients with prominent zygoma

Abstract

Objective

To compare the symmetry of bilateral buccal fat pad(BFP) volumes in patients with prominent zygomatic bones before surgery.

Methods

Fifty cosmetic female patients were selected and scanned using computed tomography. Based on the symmetry of the patients' zygomatic bones prior to surgery, they were divided into the Sym group and the Asym group. The buccal extension of buccal fat pads on both sides were delineated and reconstructed layer by layer using the draw function of MIMICS 26.0, and their volumes were calculated. The Volume Asymmetry Index (VAI) was compared between the Sym group and the Asym group using a t-test. For patients in the Asym group, a paired t-test was used to compare the volumes of the buccal fat pads on the larger (L) and the contralateral side (S).

Results

The VAI in the Sym group was smaller than that in the Asym group (15.3 % ± 4.8 % vs 21.7 % ± 6.1, p = 0.02). For the Asym group, the volume of the buccal extension of buccal fat pad on the S side was smaller than that on the L side (S) (1.31 ml vs 1.66 ml p = 0.01).

Conclusion

For patients undergoing zygomatic reduction surgery, the symmetry of the buccal fat pads prior to surgery should be emphasized, and measures should be taken to adjust the volume symmetry of the buccal fat pads in patients with asymmetric prominent zygomatic bones.