Bichectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the fat tissue (buccal fat pads) from the cheeks to create a slimmer and more defined facial contour. This procedure is especially preferred by individuals with round facial features who want a sharper and more balanced appearance.
Who is it Suitable For?
Bichectomy may not be ideal for everyone. Even suitable candidates may sometimes require additional procedures for support. Individuals with the following characteristics may benefit from this procedure:
- Facial structure: Individuals with round, full, or soft facial features.
- Age: Typically between 20-45 years old; good skin elasticity and overall health are important.
- Aesthetic goal: People who want their facial features to appear more defined and sharper.
- General health: Good overall health before surgery is important for the healing process.
Surgeries Combined with or Alternatives to Bichectomy
Swelling in the cheeks is often not caused solely by buccal fat pads. There can be several reasons:
- Retruded lower jaw: A retruded lower jaw can create the illusion of fullness in the cheeks. In these patients, combining bichectomy with lower jaw surgery is usually more appropriate.
- Sagging in the upper face and cheek area: These patients often have sagging of the brow, eye corners, and cheeks. A temporal lift combined with bichectomy is appropriate for these cases.
- Candidates for facelift: With aging, sagging occurs in the midface and cheeks. This can give the false appearance of cheek fullness. In such cases, combining deep plane facelift with bichectomy is more suitable.
Operation Process and Preparation
Before the procedure, a detailed facial assessment is conducted. The surgeon examines facial anatomy and listens to the patient’s expectations. Sometimes, additional or alternative interventions are considered and explained.
Surgical Procedure
Bichectomy is generally performed with the following steps:
- Anesthesia: Isolated bichectomy is done under local anesthesia. When combined with other procedures, general anesthesia is usually preferred for patient comfort during surgery.
- Incisions: The operation is performed through small incisions inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars. (Only in deep plane facelift surgeries, no intraoral incision is made; cheek fat is removed via skin incisions.)
- Fat removal: The surgeon removes the buccal fat pads in the desired amount. The procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes.
- Sutures: Incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
After the Procedure
Patients are usually discharged on the same day. Mild swelling and bruising within the first 1-2 weeks are normal.
Recovery Process and Results
- Early phase: Mild pain, swelling, and bruising may occur during the first few days. Applying cold compresses can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Nutrition: Soft and liquid foods are recommended during the first few days; avoid hard or hot foods.
- Hygiene: Oral hygiene should be carefully maintained, and the doctor’s recommended mouthwash should be used to minimize infection risk.
- Final results: The full results may take 2-3 months to become apparent. Once swelling subsides completely, facial features appear sharper and more balanced.
Advantages and Risks
Advantages:
- Aesthetic improvement: Facial features become more defined, especially the cheekbones and jawline.
- No visible scars: Incisions inside the mouth leave no external scars.
- Quick procedure time: Usually completed quickly with fast recovery.
Possible Risks:
- Swelling and bruising: Short-term swelling and bruising after surgery are normal.
- Infection risk: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection; therefore, postoperative care and hygiene are critical.
- Nerve damage: Very rarely, nerve damage may cause numbness in the cheek area.
Conclusion
Bichectomy is an effective option for those seeking natural and sharp facial contours in aesthetic facial surgery. When performed by experienced surgeons, the operation is safe and can yield satisfying results. Proper postoperative care and adherence to the doctor’s recommendations help reduce the risk of complications and achieve the best results.