Bichectomy
Enhancing Facial Contours by Removing Buccal Fat
Bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at enhancing facial contours by removing fat from the buccal fat pads—the fat deposits located in the lower cheeks. This procedure has become increasingly popular among individuals seeking a more sculpted, slimmed-down facial appearance, as it helps accentuate the cheekbones and define the jawline. By removing or reducing the buccal fat, the face can appear more angular and youthful.
This article will explore what bichectomy entails, who makes a good candidate, its benefits, risks, and the recovery process.
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Before Surgery
After Surgery
What is Bichectomy?
Bichectomy is a relatively simple and minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that involves the removal of buccal fat pads from the cheeks. These fat pads are located between the facial muscles in the hollow area beneath the cheekbones. Although everyone has buccal fat, the size of these fat pads can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals naturally have fuller cheeks due to larger buccal fat pads, which may create a rounder or “chubby” appearance, even if the individual is not overweight.
Bichectomy is designed to remove or reduce the size of these fat pads, resulting in a more contoured, angular face and prominent cheekbones.
How is Bichectomy Performed?
Bichectomy is a straightforward procedure that is typically performed under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used in certain cases. The surgery generally follows these steps:
- Anesthesia: The surgeon will numb the inside of the mouth with local anesthesia to ensure the patient feels no discomfort during the procedure.
- Incision: A small incision (about 1-2 centimeters) is made inside the cheek, on the inner lining of the mouth, so there are no visible scars on the outside of the face.
- Fat Pad Removal: The surgeon gently applies pressure to the outside of the cheek to push the buccal fat pad forward. The fat is carefully extracted through the incision, and the surgeon will determine how much fat to remove based on the patient’s facial structure and aesthetic goals.
- Closing the Incision: Once the fat has been removed, the incision inside the mouth is closed with dissolvable sutures.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from bichectomy is typically quick, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort. Here’s what to expect during the recovery process:
- First Few Days: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the cheeks are common. Cold compresses and prescribed pain medications can help alleviate these symptoms.
- Diet: Patients are usually advised to follow a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after surgery to avoid irritating the incisions inside the mouth.
- Oral Hygiene: It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene during the recovery process to reduce the risk of infection. Patients are often given a special mouthwash to use several times a day.
- Return to Normal Activities: Most patients can return to work and normal activities within 3-5 days after surgery, although strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 1-2 weeks.
- Final Results: While some initial results may be visible within the first week, it can take several weeks to a few months for the swelling to fully subside and for the final results to be seen.
Who is a Good Candidate for Bichectomy?
Bichectomy is suitable for individuals who are dissatisfied with the roundness or fullness of their cheeks and are looking for a more defined facial contour. Ideal candidates include:
- Individuals with full or chubby cheeks: Those who have excess buccal fat that creates a rounder facial appearance and wish to achieve a slimmer, more contoured look.
- Healthy individuals: Candidates should be in good overall health, free from serious medical conditions that could interfere with healing.
- Non-smokers: Smoking can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so patients should be non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before and after the surgery.
- People with realistic expectations: It’s important for candidates to understand that the goal of bichectomy is to enhance facial contours by reducing cheek fullness, but it will not drastically change one’s overall appearance.
Benefits of Bichectomy
There are several key benefits to bichectomy, including:
- More defined facial structure: By removing excess fat from the cheeks, the procedure creates more prominent cheekbones and a better-defined jawline, giving the face a more sculpted appearance.
- Minimally invasive: Bichectomy is a relatively simple procedure with small incisions made inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars.
- Quick recovery: The recovery time for bichectomy is generally short, with most patients able to return to work and normal activities within a few days.
- Permanent results: Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not grow back, so the results of the procedure are permanent.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with bichectomy. Some of the most common risks include:
- Swelling and bruising: Some swelling and bruising in the cheeks are common in the first few days after surgery, but these symptoms typically subside within a week.
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision sites, but this can be minimized by following proper post-operative care instructions.
- Asymmetry: There is a small risk that the results may be uneven, with one cheek appearing more hollow than the other. This can usually be corrected with revision surgery.
- Nerve damage: In rare cases, damage to the facial nerves may occur, resulting in temporary or permanent numbness or weakness in the cheeks.
- Excessive hollowing: Removing too much buccal fat can result in a “gaunt” or overly hollow appearance, especially as the patient continues to age and naturally loses fat from the face.
Conclusion
Bichectomy is a popular cosmetic procedure for individuals seeking a more defined, sculpted facial appearance by reducing the fullness of the cheeks. The surgery is minimally invasive, with a quick recovery time and permanent results. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine if bichectomy is the right option for your aesthetic goals and to ensure realistic expectations.
If you’re considering buccal fat removal, scheduling a consultation with an experienced facial plastic surgeon can help you determine the best approach to achieve your desired results
