Bichectomy

What is Bichectomy?

The goal of bichectomy is to make the face thinner by removing buccal fat. Now, if you are wondering what buccal fat is, here comes the answer. Buccal fat is a rounded fat deposit located in the middle of a cheek. It sits just under the cheekbone, in-between the facial muscles.

Everyone has buccal fat, but not the same amount. Some skinny people can have more of it than their bulkier counterparts.

A properly executed bichectomy can re-shape the face and give it a less round appearance.

However, unwarranted buccal fat removal can also produce a negative aesthetic result. Other complications can follow. That's why everyone should approach this procedure with care.

Each person's face has a unique anatomy. Not in terms of different bones, muscles, and other tissues. But, in terms of how it all looks together in one piece. The aesthetic appeal depends on angles, distances between facial features, bone size, distribution of fat, and so on.

Lack of volume is usually not good for the skin. However, in some cases, it can be an improvement. If you are considering buccal fat removal, seek first advice from an experienced plastic surgeon. That is the best guarantee you'll make the right choice.

Under total anesthesia, it is possible to combine bichectomy with other plastic surgery procedures, such as breast augmentation, for example. However, keep in mind that these are all surgical procedures with some risk attached to them.

The Procedure

For bichectomy alone, there is no need for total anesthesia. The surgeon will numb the cheek with a lidocaine injection. Then, they will make an incision inside the mouth, where lower and upper teeth meet.

The incision reveals the buccal fat pad, which is then gently taken out. The wound is then cauterized and closed with absorbable sutures. The entire procedure lasts around thirty minutes.

Recovery takes between seven and ten days. In the beginning, patients may experience some swelling, mild pain, and discomfort, especially while chewing. So, a soft food diet is the best choice. Full results become visible after four to six months.

For optimal recovery, ice the cheek area for two days after the procedure. Also, avoid exercise or other demanding physical activity for the next two weeks. Your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic therapy to prevent infections. Don't expect to go back to work during the first week after surgery.

Who's a good candidate?

Anyone can get buccal fat removed from their cheeks, but that's not always a good idea.

If your face is already thin and narrow, a bichectomia will not make your cheekbones stand out. However, dermal fillers will. So, you can save money and get a better aesthetic effect with a minimally invasive procedure rather than surgery.

On the other hand, skinny individuals with chubby cheeks are the best candidates. Slightly overweight patients can benefit too. In such cases, combination treatment with neck liposuction can emphasize the final result.

After bichectomy

Things to consider after surgery

Since there will be small sutures inside the mouth after surgery, avoid eating solid food on the first day. On the first day of surgery, the patient may have difficulty chewing and chewing may damage the sutures. After having liquid food on the first day, you can switch to slightly solid food as from the second day and proceed with solid food thereafter. Avoid mouthwash for three days after surgery. The sutures are hardly felt after cheek surgery. Exercise great care in cleaning your mouth to prevent any infection. The sutures in your mouth will be completely absorbed in a few days. The cheeks will no long be tender.

There may be some edema and swelling around the surgical site after cheek reduction for 2-3 weeks, which is normal. Ice packs can be used to minimize edema and swelling. Most patients can resume social activities immediately after surgery. The net results of the operation will be visible in three weeks.