Buccal space: the deep compartment of the cheek
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Definition
- Deep space of the cheek, between the masseter and the buccinator, that contains the buccal fat pad.
- Boundaries
- Laterally the masseter and fascia; medially the buccinator muscle.
- Contents
- Buccal fat pad, parotid duct, branches of the facial nerve and vessels.
- Relevance
- Explains the deep volume of the cheek and the closeness of important structures.
- Caution
- Deep area, with relevant nerves and vessels.
The buccal space is a deep compartment of the cheek, located between the masseter muscle, on the outside, and the buccinator muscle, on the inside. It is where the buccal fat pad, also known as Bichat's fat pad, sits. Understanding this space helps explain the fullness of the cheek and the risk of the structures that pass through it.
What is in the buccal space?
| Structure | Note |
|---|---|
| Buccal fat pad (Bichat's fat pad) | Volume can vary between people and with age |
| Parotid duct | Carries saliva from the parotid gland to the mouth |
| Buccal branch of the facial nerve | Responsible for movements of the lip and cheek |
| Vessels of the face | Branches of the facial artery and associated veins |
The precise description varies between authors and between anatomy textbooks; what matters is knowing that, in the deep cheek, there are relevant nerves and vessels.
Why does it matter in HOF?
The volume of the buccal fat pad contributes to the look of the cheek, especially in the lower part of the midface. In some patients, the deep fat looks fuller; in others, with aging, it descends and deepens the contour. The deep medial cheek fat is another component of the same area.
How do you talk to the patient?
The patient often complains of a "full face" or a "sagging cheek", without knowing that deep layers are involved. Explaining with a drawing where the volume sits helps align expectations and shows why certain procedures have limits.
In Harmy
The app's Cheekbone point lets you simulate volume and intensity in the cheek area on the frontal photo. The app does not show deep layers or internal anatomy.
Also called: cheek space, deep buccal space.
Frequently asked questions
What is in the buccal space?
The buccal fat pad (Bichat's fat pad), the duct of the parotid gland, buccal branches of the facial nerve, vessels of the face and loose connective tissue.
Why does the buccal space matter for aesthetics?
Because the volume of the buccal fat pad and the position of the space influence the look of the cheek and of the face contour, and because important nerves and vessels pass through it.