Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy)

A bichectomy is a surgical procedure to partially remove the sebaceous glands in the cheek. It is also referred to as Hollywood cheek.

In this article, we talked about bichectomy surgery to get rid of cheek fat, how it is performed, who it is suitable for and the healing process.

Buccal Fat Pad

The French anatomist Marie François Xavier Bichat described the buccal fat pad, one of the several fat pads in the face.

A buccal fat pad removal or bichectomy may be helpful in cases when a patient has a round, full face that does not go away despite weight loss, or in cases where the patient is at normal weight but has always had a chipmunk face.

Cheek fat is fat deposits in the inner cheek area. These fats may be genetically more prominent in some people and may affect facial features.

Losing weight can reduce fat deposits on the cheeks and help slim the face overall. However, because each person’s body structure is different, the effect of weight loss on the face can vary from person to person. How much the cheeks become thinner and how facial contours change as a result of weight loss depends on individual factors.

Bichectomy Surgery

Bichectomy is a partial removal of the sebaceous glands inside the cheek. The difficulty of the surgery depends on the complexity of the surgical procedure and the experience of the doctor. Therefore, it is important to discuss with a plastic surgeon and clarify your expectations.

The bichectomy procedure usually takes between 30-60 minutes. It should be noted that the duration of the surgery and the amount of fat to be removed may vary depending on the anatomy of the person and the size of the sebaceous glands.

Since the facial structure of each individual is different, it is difficult to specify which face type this procedure is suitable for. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate the procedures and results suitable for your facial structure and share them with you.

Bichectomy is an irreversible procedure. Therefore, it is important to clarify your expectations and risks with your doctor before surgery.

Procedure

The bichectomy procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia.

1. Anesthesia: Before the operation begins, the anesthesiologist selects and administers the appropriate anesthesia. This ensures that the patient does not feel pain during the operation.
2. Making incisions: The surgeon usually makes incisions through the mouth to access the sebaceous glands in the cheek. These incisions are invisible from the outside and leave no scars.
3. Removal of the sebaceous glands: The surgeon partially removes the sebaceous glands in the cheek. This procedure reduces fat deposits in the cheeks and shapes the facial contours.
4. Closing the sutures: After the removal of the sebaceous glands, the surgeon carefully closes the incisions. These stitches are usually self-dissolving stitches and are placed so that they cannot be accessed through the mouth.
5. Recovery: In the postoperative period, patients may experience swelling, bruising and mild pain, usually for a few days. Your surgeon will provide you with postoperative care instructions and information about the healing process.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages?

Advantages:

• Shaping facial contours by reducing fat deposits on the cheeks
• Achieve a slimmer and more contoured facial appearance

Possible Disadvantages:

• Postoperative swelling, bruising and pain
• Risk of infection
• Wound healing problems
• Asymmetry or unintended consequences

Bichectomy operation only affects the fat in the cheeks and has no direct effect on the jowl area. Different treatment options should be considered for fat accumulation in the jowl area.

Who is it not suitable for?

Bichectomy is not a procedure that can be applied to everyone. It is generally a suitable option for people with round facial features.

Bichectomy is a procedure generally preferred for adults and is not accepted for individuals under the age of 18. This procedure can be performed after the facial development is completed and the health status of the individual is evaluated.

Whether or not a bichectomy will be performed on an individual with braces depends on the details of the braces treatment and the condition of the individual. If a bichectomy is necessary during braces treatment, this can be decided in consultation with the orthodontist surgeon.

Bichectomy is generally not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers.

After Bichectomy

Recovery Process

Since a bichectomy is usually an hour-long procedure, the need for hospitalization is rare.

Minimal facial swelling with mild pain and discomfort is normal after a bichectomy, but this usually subsides within a few days and can be controlled with medication.

The stitches usually fall out on their own within a week, but sometimes they may need to be removed by your doctor. Since the stitches are sutured through the cheek so that the suture marks are almost invisible, there are no visible scars.

Since the bichectomy procedure permanently removes the fat cells, no fat regeneration is expected.

Bichectomy results are usually permanent, but the aging process and lifestyle factors can affect the outcome.

Back to Daily Routine

Soft and liquid foods are usually preferred in the first days. It is recommended that you gradually return to your normal diet.

Brushing your teeth after a bichectomy is generally not recommended because it can damage the sutures due to the sensitivity in the facial area.

Drinking coffee is also generally not recommended, as drinks containing caffeine can cause swelling and discomfort.

It is important not to smoke, as smoking can negatively affect the healing process of the stitches and increase the risk of infection.

There is no problem taking a shower.

For sleep it is recommended to sleep on your back, it is important to avoid sleeping positions that put pressure on the cheek.

Non-Surgical Cheek Thinning

Agassi Cheek Slimming Procedure

Agassi Cheek Slimming, also known as V Line, is a non-surgical cheek thinning procedure. Botox and fillers are usually used in this procedure.

1. Botox: In the Agassi Cheek Slimming procedure, the contraction of the cheek muscles is reduced with Botox. In this way, the cheeks can have a thinner and contoured appearance.
2. Filler: Using hyaluronic acid fillers, areas of volume loss in the cheek area are filled. In this way, the cheeks become more prominent.

Exercises

Cheek slimming exercises are exercises used to strengthen and tighten the cheek muscles. Here are some cheek slimming exercises;

1. Balloon Face Exercise: Inflate your mouth like a balloon and then slowly release the air. You can work the cheek muscles by repeating this exercise.
2. Cheek Squeeze Exercise: Squeeze your cheek muscles by pushing your retracted cheeks outwards. Hold this position for a few seconds and then relax. You can strengthen the cheek muscles by repeating this exercise.
3. Lip Movements: You can exercise your cheek muscles by pursing and relaxing your lips. For example, you can move your lips from side to side or pull your lips inwards.
4. Cheek Massage: You can use your fingers to gently massage your cheeks. Gently press your fingertips on your cheeks and massage in a circular motion. This can help relax and tighten your cheek muscles.

Cheek slimming exercises can help tone and tighten your cheek muscles if done regularly. However, it is important to consult a specialist before starting any exercise program.

Operations Combined with Bichectomy

Chin, jowl and neck liposuction procedures can be combined with bichectomy. These procedures are surgical methods used to reduce fat accumulation in the face and neck area and to achieve a firmer appearance.

• Chin liposuction: It is the removal of excess fat in the lower jaw area to make the jawline more prominent. When combined with bichectomy, this procedure can help to shape facial contours in a more aesthetic and balanced way.
• Double chin liposuction: It is the removal of fat tissue accumulated under the chin and in the neck area. This procedure aims to achieve a more attractive neckline by reducing the appearance of sagging and deformity in the jowl area. If performed in combination with a bichectomy, a more harmonious reshaping of the face and neck area can be achieved.
• Neck liposuction: It is the process of removing fatty tissue and loose skin tissue accumulated in the neck area. This procedure aims to achieve a tighter neck line by reducing the sagging and double chin appearance in the neck area. When combined with bichectomy, a more comprehensive correction of aesthetic problems in the face and neck area can be achieved.

Cost of Bichectomy in Turkey

In 2023, bichectomy prices vary according to doctor and hospital preference, but average price of Bichectomy is between $1,500 – $2,500. Please contact us to get a price.