What Is Bichectomy?
Bichectomy is known abroad as “Buccal fat pad removal.” Its literal translation is “removal of cheek fat.” Removing cheek fat yields different results in men and women. In men, cheek fullness is reduced, giving a slimmer, healthier, and more vibrant appearance.
In women, reducing cheek fullness has a different effect. Young women generally have fuller cheeks, giving them a childlike expression. When cheek fat is removed, the cheeks become flatter.
As a result, women gain a “more mature” and “sexier” look. Female patients appear more feminine. Notice that famous models often have flat or even slightly hollow cheeks. You can achieve this look with a bichectomy.
Can the Extracted Fat Be Injected Into Any Other Part of the Face?
I do not recommend this. A bichectomy is performed from inside the mouth, which is not considered a sterile area. Even if the surgical site does not get infected, it is not correct to inject fat taken from the mouth into another area. You risk transferring oral bacteria from the inside of the mouth to the area where you inject the fat.
How Is a Bichectomy, or Cheek Thinning, Performed?
The surgery is done through an incision inside the mouth. Through a short incision, the Bichat fat pad is located in its anatomical position, and the fat tissue giving fullness to the cheek area is removed. This fat pad is actually a shapeless structure that extends up to the temple and has four or five extensions. During the operation, only the portion in the cheek is removed, amounting to about 3 cc of fat tissue.
In other words, there is no such thing as removing the entire Bichat fat pad. If you try to remove too much (by pulling out the Bichat fat pad), you may remove the part extending into the temple as well, causing the temples to become hollow. Therefore, the correct approach is to remove only the approximately 3 cc portion in the cheek. Removing more is not beneficial.
Who Can Have a Bichectomy?
Anyone over 18 years of age who complains of cheek fullness can undergo this surgery.
What Will the Face Look Like After a Bichectomy?
After the surgery, there will be a bandage around your cheeks, which needs to be removed after 5 days. It takes about 1 month for the final result of the surgery to settle.
What Are the Advantages of a Bichectomy?
With a very short and simple procedure, you can achieve a result similar to having a facelift. It is particularly effective for women.
Is There an Age Limit for Bichectomy Surgery?
There is no specific limit. However, we do not recommend it for those under 18. For example, someone who is 16 and has full cheeks might naturally lose that fullness by age 18.
How Permanent Is a Bichectomy?
The results of the surgery are permanent. The removed Bichat fat pad does not form again. Even if one gains weight, the cheeks will not accumulate fat as they did before.
Which Face Type Suits a Bichectomy?
The surgery will produce a striking result for anyone with full cheeks.
Does the Face Become Sunken After a Bichectomy?
The Bichat fat pad is a shapeless structure with several lobes. Only the portion in the cheek is removed. The amount of fat removed is about 3 cc. Removing 3 cc of fat flattens the cheek area, giving a slightly hollow appearance, but it does not “sink.”
A severely sunken cheek appearance requires a compatible bone and muscle structure. Typically, significantly hollow cheeks are a congenital trait. We already perform fat injections for such patients. Therefore, cheeks do not become sunken from a bichectomy alone.
Will There Be Sagging After a Bichectomy?
If the patient is not very old, there is no sagging. Bichectomy is generally performed on women aged between 20 and 30. In these patients, the skin has not yet sagged, and the skin elasticity is good. Therefore, when cheek fat is removed, the skin does not sag; on the contrary, it tightens. This is why the cheeks become flatter or slightly hollow.
However, it is different for older patients who already have sagging cheeks; this should be noted. If the cheeks are already sagging, a bichectomy must definitely be combined with a facelift.
If the cheek tissue lacks elasticity (if there is sagging), the skin of the cheeks will not tighten after removing cheek fat. Therefore, for patients whose cheeks are already sagging, a bichectomy should be performed together with a facelift.
Does a Bichectomy Affect the Double Chin?
No, it does not. If there is also fat accumulation in the double chin area, additional liposuction in that area is necessary.
When Does the Face Settle After a Bichectomy?
The results of the surgery become apparent in about 1 month.
When Does the Swelling Subside After a Bichectomy?
If the bandages placed on the cheeks are kept on for 5 days, swelling is not excessive. Still, it takes 1 month to see the final outcome of the surgery.
Is Edema and Bruising Expected After the Procedure?
Definitely not.
Bichectomy Prices 2025
Surgery fees vary from hospital to hospital. Also, due to the economic situation in our country, fees may change throughout the year. Therefore, for information on surgery fees, please consult Op. Dr. Oytun idil at +90 533 5690649 (GSM / Whatsapp). You can reach us for information about bichectomy prices 2025.