What is Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy)?
Bichectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at achieving a slimmer and more defined facial contour by removing fat pads from the cheeks (buccal fat pads). This procedure is particularly preferred by individuals with round facial features who desire a sharper and more proportionate appearance.
Who is a Suitable Candidate?
Bichectomy may not be ideal for everyone, and in some cases, additional procedures might be necessary. Suitable candidates typically have the following characteristics:
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Facial Structure: Individuals with round, full, or soft facial features.
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Age: Generally between 20-45 years old; good skin elasticity and overall health are important.
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Aesthetic Goals: Those who want to enhance their facial contours and achieve a more sculpted appearance.
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General Health: Good overall health is crucial for a smooth recovery process.
Facial Structure: Individuals with round, full, or soft facial features.
Age: Generally between 20-45 years old; good skin elasticity and overall health are important.
Aesthetic Goals: Those who want to enhance their facial contours and achieve a more sculpted appearance.
General Health: Good overall health is crucial for a smooth recovery process.
Procedures Combined with Bichectomy or Alternative Treatments
Facial fullness is not always caused solely by buccal fat pads. Other factors may contribute to the appearance of fullness:
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Receding Lower Jaw: A recessed lower jaw can create the illusion of excessive cheek volume. In such cases, combining bichectomy with jaw surgery may be more appropriate.
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Drooping Upper Face and Cheeks: Patients with sagging in the brows, eye corners, and cheeks may benefit from a temporal lift alongside bichectomy.
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Candidates for Facelift: Aging causes midface and cheek sagging, which can sometimes mimic excess cheek volume. In such cases, deep plane facelifts combined with bichectomy are preferred.
Receding Lower Jaw: A recessed lower jaw can create the illusion of excessive cheek volume. In such cases, combining bichectomy with jaw surgery may be more appropriate.
Drooping Upper Face and Cheeks: Patients with sagging in the brows, eye corners, and cheeks may benefit from a temporal lift alongside bichectomy.
Candidates for Facelift: Aging causes midface and cheek sagging, which can sometimes mimic excess cheek volume. In such cases, deep plane facelifts combined with bichectomy are preferred.
Surgical Process
Preparation
Before the procedure, a detailed facial assessment is conducted. The surgeon evaluates facial anatomy and discusses the patient's expectations. Additional or alternative interventions may also be considered.
Surgical Procedure
The bichectomy operation typically follows these steps:
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Anesthesia: If performed as an isolated procedure, local anesthesia is used. When combined with other surgeries, general anesthesia is preferred to ensure patient comfort.
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Incisions: Small incisions are made inside the mouth, ensuring no visible scars on the face. (For deep plane facelift surgeries, the buccal fat is removed through skin incisions instead of intraoral incisions.)
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Fat Removal: The surgeon carefully removes a predetermined amount of buccal fat. The procedure generally lasts 30-45 minutes.
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Suturing: Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions.
Anesthesia: If performed as an isolated procedure, local anesthesia is used. When combined with other surgeries, general anesthesia is preferred to ensure patient comfort.
Incisions: Small incisions are made inside the mouth, ensuring no visible scars on the face. (For deep plane facelift surgeries, the buccal fat is removed through skin incisions instead of intraoral incisions.)
Fat Removal: The surgeon carefully removes a predetermined amount of buccal fat. The procedure generally lasts 30-45 minutes.
Suturing: Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions.
Postoperative Care & Recovery
Patients are usually discharged on the same day. Mild swelling and bruising may be observed within the first 1-2 weeks.
Early Recovery Phase:
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Mild pain, swelling, and bruising are normal during the first few days. Applying cold compresses can help reduce discomfort and swelling.
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Diet: Patients should consume soft and liquid foods for the first few days and avoid hard or hot foods.
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Oral Hygiene: Proper oral care is essential to minimize the risk of infection. Patients should use prescribed mouth rinses.
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Final Results: The full outcome becomes visible within 2-3 months as swelling subsides, revealing a sharper and more proportionate facial contour.
Mild pain, swelling, and bruising are normal during the first few days. Applying cold compresses can help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Diet: Patients should consume soft and liquid foods for the first few days and avoid hard or hot foods.
Oral Hygiene: Proper oral care is essential to minimize the risk of infection. Patients should use prescribed mouth rinses.
Final Results: The full outcome becomes visible within 2-3 months as swelling subsides, revealing a sharper and more proportionate facial contour.
Advantages & Risks
Advantages:
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Aesthetic Improvement: Enhances facial definition, emphasizing cheekbones and jawline.
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No Visible Scars: Since the incisions are made inside the mouth, there are no external scars.
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Quick Procedure & Recovery: The operation is relatively short, and recovery is fast compared to other facial surgeries.
Aesthetic Improvement: Enhances facial definition, emphasizing cheekbones and jawline.
No Visible Scars: Since the incisions are made inside the mouth, there are no external scars.
Quick Procedure & Recovery: The operation is relatively short, and recovery is fast compared to other facial surgeries.
Potential Risks:
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Swelling & Bruising: Temporary swelling and bruising are common post-procedure.
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Infection Risk: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, making postoperative hygiene crucial.
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Nerve Damage: In rare cases, nerve injury may lead to temporary or permanent numbness in the cheek area.
Swelling & Bruising: Temporary swelling and bruising are common post-procedure.
Infection Risk: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, making postoperative hygiene crucial.
Nerve Damage: In rare cases, nerve injury may lead to temporary or permanent numbness in the cheek area.
Conclusion
Bichectomy is an effective option for those seeking natural yet defined facial contours. When performed by experienced surgeons, it is a safe procedure that delivers satisfactory results. Proper postoperative care and adherence to the surgeon’s instructions help minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcome.