Impact of buccal fat pad removal on electrical activity of masseter, temporal, and buccinator muscles, anxiety, aesthetic satisfaction, and quality of life.

Purpose: To evaluate the electromyographic activity of the masseter, temporal, and buccinator muscles, as well as anxiety levels, aesthetic satisfaction, and quality of life following bichectomy.

Methods: Nine patients were included. Electromyography of the masseter, anterior temporal, and buccinator muscles was performed, along with assessment of the number of masticatory cycles and mastication time until swallowing. Anxiety levels (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), the impact of surgery on quality of life (Glasgow Benefit Inventory - GBI), and patient aesthetic satisfaction were evaluated using questionnaires. Assessments were conducted before surgery (T0), 60 days after surgery (T1), and 120 days after surgery (T2). A 2-way repeated measures ANOVA was used and when the analyzed data were not considered normal, the Friedman test was used (p < 0.05).

Results: The activity of the masseter and buccinator muscles increased significantly after 30 days (T1) and 120 days (T2) after bichectomy compared to T0. The number of chewing cycles and time until swallowing and anxiety did not change significantly over time. Aesthetic satisfaction increased significantly after 30 days.

Conclusion: Removing the main body of the Bichat ball increased the electrical activity of the masseter and buccinator muscles during chewing of the tested foods. The participants' anxiety level over time was considered clinically acceptable. Buccal fat pad removal did not influence the number of chewing cycles and chewing time until swallowing. Aesthetic satisfaction increased 60 days after bichectomy. After 120 days of buccal fat pad removal, there was an improvement in the quality of life of the individuals.