What Is Bichectomy Surgery?
Bichectomy is a surgical procedure in modern aesthetic surgery that involves removing excess fat tissue from the middle part of the cheeks to provide sharper and more attractive facial features. Also known as “Hollywood Cheek,” this procedure is preferred especially for people with round or square facial features to achieve a thinner and “V-shaped” facial structure. The cheek area, which becomes prominent due to aging or genetic factors, is put into a more aesthetic form with this procedure. This application is not just a fat removal process, but also an artistic touch made to capture the golden ratio of the face.
Where Are Bichat Fat Pads Located?
Bichat fat pads are deep fat tissues located on both sides of the face, between the chewing muscles (masseter and buccinator). While these fat masses help with the sucking function during infancy, they generally become a source of aesthetic fullness in adulthood. These pads are structurally different from fat in other parts of the body; it is almost impossible for them to melt with diet or exercise. For this reason, no matter how much weight individuals with very full faces lose, their faces may always look heavier or more childish than they are due to this special fat tissue in their cheeks.
Who Is Bichectomy Performed On?
Bichectomy is generally applied to individuals who have completed their facial development, usually between the ages of 18 and 20, and who complain about the fullness in their cheeks. Every healthy individual who wants to make their facial features more prominent, desires their cheekbones to stand out, and wants to have a “sharper” facial line can be a candidate. However, the analysis of the person’s facial structure before the operation is very important; because when performed on people with very thin faces, it may cause an excessive collapse effect on the face in later ages. Therefore, the experience of the surgeon and the suitability of the patient’s face type are the most basic factors determining the success of the operation.
Why Is Pre-Surgical Doctor Consultation Important?
The consultation held before the surgery is the most critical stage directly affecting the success of the operation. During this meeting, your doctor analyzes your facial structure, skin quality, and bone structure in detail. Discussing whether your expectations are realistic is of vital importance to prevent post-operative disappointments. In addition, you need to inform your doctor about your chronic diseases, if any, the medications you use, and the operations you have had before. This stage is the best opportunity to determine whether the operation is safe for you and to create a treatment plan specific to you.
How Many Minutes Does Bichectomy Surgery Take?
Although bichectomy is a surgical procedure, it is a very short and practical application. It is generally completed in a total of 30 to 45 minutes for both cheeks. The short duration of the process ensures that the patient is less tired both physically and psychologically. Since the operation is performed quickly, it also shortens the time spent under anesthesia, thus minimizing complication risks. The manual skill and experience of the surgeon play a major role in the efficient use of this time and in removing the fat tissue in the right amount without creating trauma.
Is Local Anesthesia Or General Anesthesia Preferred?
Bichectomy surgery can be performed under both local anesthesia and general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and the surgeon’s evaluation. In most cases, local anesthesia (which can be supported with sedation) is sufficient since the procedure is performed with a small incision from inside the mouth. Local anesthesia allows the patient to stand up immediately after the procedure and eliminates the need for hospitalization. However, if the patient is extremely excited or if other aesthetic procedures will be performed in the same session, general anesthesia may be preferred. In both methods, the patient does not feel any pain or ache.
Are Stitches Used During The Operation?
Yes, stitches are used in the bichectomy operation to close the areas cut from the inside of the mouth. However, these stitches are usually of the self-dissolving (absorbable) type. In this way, the patient does not need to go to the doctor again to have the stitches removed, and the wound healing inside the mouth occurs much faster. Although the presence of stitches can be felt with the tongue for the first few days, they usually disappear completely within a week. This stitching technology facilitates the return of patients to their social lives as a part of the comfort offered by modern aesthetic surgery.
Does Bichectomy Leave Scars?
One of the biggest advantages of bichectomy surgery is that it leaves no visible scars from the outside. Since the surgical incision is made in an area of approximately 1 centimeter inside the cheek (oral cavity), no wounds, stitch marks, or spots occur on the outer surface of the skin. This feature ensures the privacy of the operation and ensures that it is not understood that the patients have undergone an aesthetic intervention. When the healing process is completed, the change in the face is perceived as a natural thinning or genetic beauty. This makes bichectomy popular especially among people who are on social media and in the public eye.
What Is Felt Immediately After The Surgery?
Immediately after the surgery, a slight numbness and tension are normal as the effect of anesthesia begins to wear off. A very small leak may be felt inside the mouth, but this situation is easily controlled with simple prescribed painkillers. There may be a slight feeling of fullness in the cheeks for the first few hours. Patients are generally discharged 1-2 hours after the operation. Sensitivity may occur in the area where the stitches are located inside the mouth in the first days, but this situation is not at a level to prevent daily activities. Most patients can rest on the day of the operation and return to their light work the next day.
How Is The First Day After Bichectomy Spent?
The first day the operation is performed is the time when the patient needs the most rest and needs to pay the highest level of attention to oral hygiene. Generally, it is recommended to consume soft and liquid foods for the first 24 hours. Ice compresses applied from the outside to the cheek area are very useful to keep the possible swelling (edema) at a minimum. It is expected to have a slight sensitivity while talking or chewing on the first day. Starting to use the mouthwashes given by the doctor is critical to prevent the risk of infection. Most patients prefer to spend the first day resting at home and with light activities.
How Is Edema Removed During The Recovery Period?
As in every surgical procedure after bichectomy, it is natural for some edema to occur. To throw off this edema quickly and allow the facial features to emerge, ice should be applied at regular intervals for the first 48 hours. In addition, keeping the head elevated while sleeping (using double pillows) helps the swelling to subside by regulating blood circulation. Consuming plenty of water and reducing salt use will also speed up the healing process by reducing fluid retention in the body. Generally, a large part of the swelling subsides at the end of 1 week, but one should be patient for a few weeks for the final result to fully settle.
What Is The Nutrition List After Bichectomy?
Since the bichectomy operation is performed from inside the mouth, the diet is very important for the healing process. For the first 3-5 days, grain-free, warm (not hot), and soft foods should be preferred. Soups, fruit purees, yogurt, and smoothies are ideal. Very hot or very cold drinks should be avoided because these temperature changes can cause sensitivity in the stitch areas. Hard, crusty foods or foods that may cause injury inside the mouth should be avoided. It is mandatory to rinse the mouth with clean water or with the mouthwash recommended by the doctor after each meal to prevent food residues from damaging the stitches.
When Can You Return To Normal Life?
Bichectomy patients can generally return to their social lives the day after the operation. However, those working in physically demanding jobs or doing heavy sports are recommended to rest for 3-5 days. If the intensity of talking at work is high, a slight difficulty in speaking or fatigue may be felt for the first few days. Generally, after 48 hours have passed since the operation, most of the patients continue their daily routines in a way that it will not be obvious that they have undergone a procedure from the outside. Since the risk of bruising is very low, patients do not see any harm in entering social environments.
When Are Bichectomy Results Fully Seen?
Since the fat tissue in the cheeks is removed after the surgery, thinning starts immediately, but it takes time to see the real result due to the edema. Within the first month, the swelling on the face subsides and the lines begin to become clear. However, it usually takes between 3 and 6 months for the tissues to fully heal, for the skin to adapt to its new form, and for that famous shadow between the “cheekbone-jaw line” to become clear. It is important to be patient in this process and not to neglect doctor check-ups. As the results emerge, it will be noticed that the face has gained a more elegant, thinner, and more characteristic appearance.
What Are The Risks Of The Operation?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some rare risks associated with bichectomy. These may include conditions such as infection, bleeding, asymmetry, or damage to the salivary gland ducts. However, in operations performed under sterile conditions by an experienced plastic surgeon, these risks are almost non-existent. Since the operation is performed in an area very close to the facial nerves, the surgeon’s knowledge of anatomy is of vital importance. Procedures performed with the wrong technique can lead to permanent asymmetry or temporary weaknesses in lip movements. Therefore, doctor choice is the most important decision for the safety of the operation.
What Is The Difference Between Bichectomy And Face Lift?
Bichectomy and face lift are two different procedures serving different purposes. Bichectomy aims to thin the cheeks and emphasize the cheekbones by removing excess fat tissue (Bichat fats) in the face; it is generally applied to young and middle-aged patients. Face lift, on the other hand, is the process of moving up and stretching the sagging skin and muscle tissue along with the signs of aging. In some cases, both procedures can be combined in elderly patients with very wide faces to achieve a more dramatic and rejuvenating result. Bichectomy reduces volume, while face lift recovers sagging tissues.
Is It Right To Have Bichectomy At A Young Age?
The amount of fat tissue in the face naturally tends to decrease with age. For this reason, the most suitable age range for bichectomy is usually between 20 and 40 years old. Before the age of 20, this surgery is not recommended because facial features are not fully established; because baby fats may decrease on their own over time. Taking an unnecessarily large amount of fat at a very young age can cause the person to look older and more sunken than they should be when they reach their 40s or 50s. Therefore, an expert doctor should plan the amount of fat intake by taking into account the future aging process of the patient.
Can Men Have Bichectomy?
Yes, in recent years, bichectomy has become quite popular among men as well. In men, it is desired that facial features be more masculine, sharp, and angular. Round and full cheeks can add a more feminine or childish air to men’s faces. By removing the excess fat in the cheeks with bichectomy, the jawline and cheekbones become more prominent, creating a more charismatic and masculine profile. When planning the operation in men, care should be taken not to collapse the face too much and to protect the masculine lines, unlike in women.
How Does Smoking Affect The Process After Bichectomy?
Smoking after surgical procedures is one of the biggest factors negatively affecting the healing process. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and prevents blood flow to the tissues by narrowing the vessels. Since bichectomy is a procedure performed from inside the mouth, cigarette smoke directly contacts the stitch areas, increasing the risk of infection and delaying wound healing. Doctors generally strongly recommend not to smoke at least 1 week before and 2 weeks after the surgery. Following this rule for a faster and smoother healing process will directly affect the success of the operation.
When Can Sports Be Done After The Operation?
It is recommended to avoid physical activities for the first few days after bichectomy. Light activities such as walking can start 3-4 days after the operation. However, it is necessary to wait at least 2 weeks for heavy exercises that increase blood pressure and cause blood to rush to the face, weight lifting, or intense cardio workouts. During this time, the body overcomes the surgical trauma and tissue healing reaches a safe level. It is also very important to be careful not to take a blow to the face area while doing sports. Heavy sports performed in the early period can cause bleeding in the cheeks or an increase in edema.
Are Cheekbones More Prominent With Bichectomy?
One of the most basic aesthetic goals of bichectomy is to indirectly highlight the cheekbones. When the middle region of the cheeks is emptied, the shadow under the cheekbones deepens. This situation makes the cheekbones appear higher and more prominent even without any fillers. This effect, which creates an illusion as if contour makeup has been applied, adds a more energetic and attractive look to the face. If the patient’s cheekbones are structurally very faint, a more perfect facial profile can be obtained by applying cheekbone fillers or fat injection together with bichectomy.
Is There A Risk Of Asymmetry In The Face?
Every person’s face is naturally slightly asymmetrical; the fat tissue in one of our cheeks may be a little more than the other. The surgeon’s task during bichectomy is to adjust the amount of fat taken from both cheeks to correct this asymmetry. If the exact same amount of fat is taken millimetrically from both cheeks, the existing natural asymmetry may become more prominent. An experienced surgeon ensures this balance with the measurements made before and during the surgery. However, it is normal for one side to swell more than the other during the healing process, and this situation can create a temporary perception of asymmetry. These differences usually disappear when full recovery is achieved.
Why Is Oral Hygiene Critical After Bichectomy?
Since the operation area is inside the mouth, the risk of infection is slightly different from external skin operations. The oral cavity naturally hosts many bacteria. Therefore, maximum care should be paid to oral hygiene to prevent the stitches from getting infected. It is necessary to keep the mouth clean after every meal, to use the antiseptic mouthwashes recommended by the doctor regularly, and to act gently on the stitch areas while brushing teeth. In case hygiene is not paid attention to, problems such as inflammation in the stitches, abscess formation, or prolongation of the healing period may be encountered. Good oral care is the key to a trouble-free recovery.
How Are Surgery Prices Determined?
Bichectomy prices can vary depending on many different factors. The experience and reputation of the surgeon who will perform the operation, the equipment of the hospital, the anesthesia method used, and the city or country where the operation is performed are the basic elements determining these prices. In addition, whether additional procedures such as jaw fillers, nose surgery, or cheekbone aesthetics will be performed along with bichectomy also affects the total cost. Instead of turning to the cheapest option in aesthetic operations, choosing a reliable clinic and an experienced doctor is a more logical investment to avoid the cost and stress of future complications.
What Happens If Weight Is Gained After Bichectomy?
Bichat fat pad tissues removed with bichectomy do not reform in the body. That is, the removal of this tissue is a permanent procedure. However, if the person gains excessive weight after the operation, other fat tissues in the face and the subcutaneous fat layer can expand. In this case, the face may fill up again to some extent, but it will never fully return to that excessively round appearance before the bichectomy. The ideal is to maintain the weight by adopting a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle after the operation. In this way, the sharp and aesthetic facial features obtained with the surgery will maintain their permanence for a lifetime.
In Which Season Should Bichectomy Be Performed?
Bichectomy is an operation that can be safely performed in any season of the year. Unlike procedures such as rhinoplasty or laser treatments, which require avoiding sunlight in the summer months, bichectomy has no direct negative effect of the sun on the healing process because the bichectomy incision is inside the mouth. However, extreme heat can make it a little difficult to throw off the edema or reduce the comfort of the patient. Winter months, on the other hand, can generally offer a more comfortable atmosphere for the edema to subside faster and for the patient to rest at home. Consequently, the most important criterion is when the patient feels ready and when they can allocate time for the healing process.
Should Massage Be Done After Bichectomy?
Unless your doctor has a specific recommendation, it is not recommended to apply hard massages to the cheek area immediately after the operation. In the first days, the tissues are very sensitive and the stitches should not be damaged. However, in the later stages of the healing process (usually after the 2nd week), some surgeons may recommend lymph drainage massages performed with very light, circular movements to disperse the edema and soften the tissues. Such massages can support healing by increasing blood circulation. As always, it is safest to get your surgeon’s approval and follow their instructions before making an application on your own.
What Are The Psychological Effects Of The Operation?
The face is the first area noticed in social communication and has a great impact on a person’s self-confidence. For people who feel heavier or older than they are due to extreme fullness in their face, bichectomy can be a great source of morale. Seeing a more characteristic and aesthetic facial line when looking in the mirror makes the person feel more confident in their social relationships. Many patients state that they are happier while having their photos taken after the operation and that they find themselves more attractive. Physical change often brings with it an inner feeling of happiness and renewal.
Who Are The Best Candidates For Bichectomy?
The most ideal candidates for bichectomy are those whose faces are disproportionately full even though their body mass index is within normal limits. Those whose facial features have disappeared due to their cheeks, whose cheekbones have become unclear, and who have a “U” type facial structure benefit the most from this procedure. In addition, results are much more pronounced and aesthetic in people with tight skin and high elasticity. In older people with a lot of skin sagging, bichectomy alone may not be sufficient. Everyone who has realistic expectations, is in good general health, and is looking for a more refined look on their face is an ideal candidate.
How Should Medication Be Used After Surgery?
After bichectomy, your doctor will usually prescribe an antibiotic, a painkiller, and a special mouthwash. Antibiotics are of vital importance to prevent the wounds inside the mouth from getting infected and should be used regularly until the box is finished. Painkillers, on the other hand, are used only when needed to relieve mild aches. Blood thinners such as aspirin and similar medications should be avoided for the first week as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Meticulously following the usage hours and doses of the medications ensures that the healing process is completed comfortably and safely.
Does Bichectomy Permanence Last For A Lifetime?
Yes, bichectomy is a permanent aesthetic procedure. Bichat fat tissue cells removed during surgery are not reproduced by the body. The area where this tissue is removed remains empty and the thinning here becomes permanent. Even though other tissues in the face sag or change with the aging process, that basic thinness created by the bichectomy is preserved. However, the general appearance of the face can change over time; therefore, the surgeon taking fat by considering the aging effects while planning the operation ensures that the result remains aesthetic for many years. Bichectomy is one of the rare aesthetic procedures that shows its effect for a lifetime once performed.
Can Those Receiving Dental Treatment Have Bichectomy?
People receiving dental braces, implants, or other dental treatments can also have bichectomy. However, if there is an active gum infection or an open wound in the mouth, these problems must be treated first. In those using dental braces, the healing process may be a bit more sensitive because the braces put pressure on the inside of the cheek. If a dental operation (for example, wisdom tooth extraction) is planned in the near future, leaving at least a few weeks between it and bichectomy is healthier in terms of tissue healing. Coordination between your dentist and aesthetic surgeon will ensure both processes proceed smoothly.
Is Alcohol Consumption Forbidden After Bichectomy?
Alcohol consumption is not recommended for the first 1 week after the operation. Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding by thinning the blood and delay the reduction of swelling by causing water retention (edema) in the body. Also, if you are using antibiotics or painkillers, alcohol can interact with these drugs and damage your liver or reduce the effect of the drugs. After the first critical days of the healing process are over and medication use is finished, you can return to social-level alcohol consumption with your doctor’s approval. However, it is always best not to disturb the hydration (water balance) of the body for a healthy recovery.
Which Procedures Can Be Done Together With Bichectomy?
Bichectomy is frequently combined with other procedures to improve the holistic aesthetics of the face. The most popular combinations are Jawline fillers that emphasize the jawline, cheekbone fillers, and nose aesthetics (Rinoplasti). Liposuction applied to the jowl area to better balance the fat distribution in the face also gives great results together with bichectomy. These procedures performed in the same session allow the patient to achieve a dramatic and harmonious change in their face by experiencing a single healing process. Your surgeon will plan which procedures are most suitable for you to capture the golden ratio of your face.
What Are The Advantages Of Having Bichectomy In Turkey?
Turkey has become a center of aesthetic surgery worldwide and has enormous experience in bichectomy. Turkish surgeons have high expertise in facial anatomy and have performed thousands of successful operations. Modern hospitals, state-of-the-art equipment, and high service quality make Turkey attractive for international patients. In addition, while much more advantageous options are offered compared to Europe and America in terms of cost, quality is never compromised. Turkey is a reliable port in health tourism for those who want to both have a holiday and reach their dream look.
Achieve Perfect Results With Cure Holiday
You are at the right address to achieve the thin and sharp facial features of your dreams. Cure Holiday cooperates with Turkey’s most experienced plastic surgeons and the best-equipped health institutions to offer you a flawless treatment process. We work for you to have a fully equipped experience covering accommodation, transfer, and consultancy services, not just a surgery. Contact Cure Holiday to get the most natural and aesthetic results in your bichectomy operation and to feel safe in professional hands. With Turkey’s hospitality and our expertise, we would be happy to accompany you on the road to your new look.