How is Bichectomy Performed?

Bichectomy is a surgical procedure applied to remove fat from the cheeks and to obtain sharper lines on the cheeks. It is an aesthetic operation preferred not only by women but also by men. The fat tissue called bichat in the cheek area develops much more than normal in some people. Sometimes, the excess of adipose tissue can be remarkable in thin people. It is not possible to remove the fat accumulation on the cheeks with diet and exercise. This adipose tissue, which occurs as a result of this condition, which is usually inherited from the parents through genetic inheritance, and causes a round face, can be removed at any time. Thus, the person can reach a face with finer and clearer lines.

First of all, the medical history of the person who wants to have bichectomy surgery is taken and the general health status is examined. After evaluating the face shape and proportions, the patient is given detailed information about the details of the planned operation and the post-operative process. With the determination of the operation date, the planning phase is completed. 

Bichectomy surgery is performed under local anesthesia. An incision of approximately 1 cm is made in the mouth. With the incision made, the bags called bichat are removed. Removal of Bichat bags does not cause any loss of function on the face. The incision is then closed with dissolving sutures. The operation is completed in approximately 45-60 minutes. Since the incision is made through the mouth, there is no scarring. 

Interest in Bichectomy Surgery is Increasing

With the cosmetic beauty industry becoming more and more sophisticated and accessible, people have more control over their appearance through surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Advances in modern medicine are among the most important reasons why cosmetic procedures such as bichectomy are becoming more and more common. 

Bichectomy, also known as Hollywood aesthetics, is the surgical removal of fat pads on the cheeks. With this procedure, thanks to the surgical shaping of the facial contours, stubborn cheek fat is removed forever, and more angular and distinct facial features can be obtained.

Bichectomy is a procedure that targets stubborn facial fat pads that cannot be removed by surgery, diet or exercise programs. Excess cheek volume is removed with the bichectomy procedure, making the cheekbones more prominent and reducing the rounded appearance of the face. Since the fat pads are not renewed after removal, the results of the surgery are permanent.

Bichectomy is a quick and relatively painless surgical procedure. After the surgery, it is very important for the patient to follow the doctor’s recommendations and follow the care instructions for a healthy and fast recovery process. However, as is the case with all surgical procedures, bichectomy, which is an invasive procedure, involves some risks. Possible risks include bleeding, poor wound healing, anesthesia risks, numbness, injury to facial nerves, deep vein thrombosis, infection, hematoma, seroma, long-term swelling, injury to the salivary duct, cardiac and pulmonary complications, inadequate aesthetic result, permanent pain and revisional surgery risk. Performing the surgery by an expert and experienced surgeon ensures that the risks are minimized. Thus, permanent side effects or damages are not encountered after bichectomy surgery. 

Why is Bichectomy Performed?

Depending on aging and weight gain, the facial area may gain a very fatty appearance over time. With the removal of fat from the cheek, that is, the bichectomy procedure, excess fat is removed from the cheek. Thus, the facial contour is reshaped. In some cases, it provides an attractive V-shaped face by removing the bichat fat pads that cause thin people to look excessive or not fit their body structure. Bichectomy is applied as one of the facial rejuvenation and facial thinning aesthetic procedures in aesthetic surgery.

The recovery process after bichectomy surgery may vary depending on the technique applied and the structural characteristics of the patient. It may take several weeks for the results to be fully seen after the operation. Although the recovery period of bichectomy surgery is shorter and more comfortable than other surgical procedures, it should not be forgotten that a specific recovery period will still be needed.

In order for the postoperative recovery process to be easy and fast, smoking and alcohol consumption should be limited before the operation and should be stopped if possible. Blood thinners such as aspirin should not be taken for at least 1 week before the operation. After the operation, the patient should follow a semi-liquid diet. During the healing process, maximum attention should be paid to oral hygiene. Otherwise, infection may develop in the sutures in the mouth. The patient is discharged from the hospital after the operation and can continue their daily life. Ice application is an effective method against swelling that may occur on the face. Medications prescribed by the doctor should be taken regularly.

If the patient has a medication or drugs that they regularly take due to a different health problem, they should inform their doctor about it. 

Bichectomy can be applied to people who are dissatisfied with their face proportion and who are uncomfortable with the roundness of their cheeks due to their plump appearance, to remove the fat on their cheeks, to contour the face and to define the facial features.