You may have heard of the buccal fat removal or bichectomy procedure before. While most of us focus on problem areas such as the abdomen or hips when losing weight, our face is the first to reflect our body weight. As the weight gains, it slowly becomes rounder and may appear swollen. However, one should not always look for excess weight behind this situation. Fat deposits cause a fuller appearance. Removing these helps shape the face aesthetically and emphasizes the jawline.
Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
1-2 hours | Outpatient | 1-2 weeks |
Bichectomy is a great solution to regain your lost self-confidence. With the surgeon removing the fat in the cheek area, the surgeon will narrow the cheeks relatively quickly and gently, define the cheekbones, and thus you will have a slimmer appearance. Buccal fat removal performs by highly qualified plastic and facial surgeons who respect the proportions and harmony of the face. The surgeon performs the procedure to maintain the symmetry of your face and make the result as natural as possible. After the process, you will achieve permanent thinning of chubby cheeks, subtle highlighting of your cheekbones while maintaining the harmony of your face, and a youthful facial appearance.
As with any aesthetic operation, a personal consultation requires before this procedure. A plastic surgeon will evaluate whether bichectomy is a suitable solution for you. The process does under anesthesia, so only a basic pre-operative blood test awaits you. After consulting with the nutritionist, we recommend that you include some food supplements in the menu about a week before the procedure, which can accelerate recovery.
During buccal fat removal, the surgeon makes a small incision in the oral mucosa and then removes some or all of the fat pocket in the cheek area from the inside of the mouth (inside the mouth). Then the doctor sutures the wound with absorbable sutures. Although operations usually perform on both cheeks, only one cheek can operate in case of asymmetry.
The procedure area may swell and be slightly red for several days. However, both will disappear quickly and will not distract you from ordinary activities. More oral cavity hygiene is required, as the procedure performs inside the mouth. You should follow a particular drinking regimen and diet a few days after the surgery and avoid increasing physical activity. You will usually see the final results of the operation within 2 months.
What is Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy)?
Buccal fat removal, or Bichectomy, as we know it, is the procedure of removing excess fat from the cheek by the surgeon to get rid of excess fat in the cheek area. Large fat deposits cause the underside to have a more rounded, fuller appearance. Removing these fats causes a more aesthetic face shape and makes the jawline clear. This facial rejuvenation surgery improves your appearance, increases self-confidence, and contributes to a more enjoyable life.
Patients with a genetic predisposition to round faces or overweight people are suitable adepts for buccal fat removal. While specifying the process, it is necessary to understand the beginning as an aesthetic whole. When planning to correct any part of the face, it is essential to consider that the other region may be incompatible. As a result, the entire face may have an unnatural appearance. Buccal fat in the cheek area is a well-defined adipose tissue between the muscles and the mucous membrane.
It is a fundamental structure in the face’s cheek contour in the middle and lower parts. In other words, they are fat bags located under the cheeks. It consists of making some cuts on the inside of the cheeks and removing the Bichat ball on both sides by the surgeon to have a more stylized face. In addition, there is no trace that you can see with the eye, and it is an operation that we recommend for people with a round face.
Who Should Have Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy) Procedure?
Buccal Fat Removal is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess fat from the cheek area, also known as buccal fat pads. It usually applies to people who want to improve their facial features and achieve a more defined or thin appearance. The procedure may be appropriate for people with excess fat in the cheek area that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. It can also be suitable for people who have naturally fuller cheeks and want a more defined facial contour.
It is essential to discuss your goals and expectations with your surgeon to determine if bichectomy is the correct procedure for you. Your surgeon will also assess your overall health and evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the process based on factors such as age, medical history, and skin elasticity.
It is important to remember that the buccal fat removal procedure is a surgical procedure and carries some risks and potential complications. It is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits before deciding whether to proceed with the process.
This procedure highly customizes to the individual patient. This process is safe and may be suitable for any healthy person with chubby cheeks. Before scheduling your buccal liposuction consultation, take time to research the process. See photos of previous patients before and after buccal fat removal. Make sure you understand what to expect during surgery. This cosmetic procedure is safe and suitable even for those who have lost much weight but still have an entire facial appearance.
Bichectomy is a proper procedure for men and women who aren’t satisfied with the fullness of their faces.
What are the Risks of Buccal Fat Removal?
Sequelae may occur due to trans and post-surgical complications such as lesions in the parotid canal or parotid gland and trauma to the buccal branch of the facial nerve if the facial volume changes in bichectomy aren’t correctly diagnosed.
Another critical factor to consider is that with the evolution of age, there are remodeling of tissues, exceedingly soft tissues, caused by natural aging. From this point of view, it probably increases facial aesthetics in young patients, as it reveals the features of the middle third of the face. It is essential to discuss the potential risks and complications of the procedure with your surgeon before deciding whether to continue the process. They will be able to provide you with more information and help you weigh the potential risks and benefits. Check out the risks of bichectomy:
- Inflammation: The most common is a minor rash, lasting 2-3 days, and can be very similar to other dental procedures. The advantage is that the post-operative period is practically painless, and there will be almost no discomfort for a couple. In addition, infections are sporadic since antibiotic prophylaxis uses, and the face area is a very well-oxygenated and resistant due to its good blood supply. Therefore, it is the fastest healing region of the body.
- Mild crush: In rare cases, a small bruise may appear that quickly heals within a few days. In these cases, radiofrequency therapy can apply to speed up your recovery.
- Drowsiness: Some people may experience a feeling of numbness for a few days. It can be challenging to open your mouth fully because the muscles in this area can become irritated, for example, when you have pain. The muscles in the mouth area may contract slightly due to inflammation.
- Injury: It is scarce to injure any other facial or nerve structure during the intervention, as the ball of Bichat is more profound, and when we remove it, the entrance is far from the facial nerves and essential structures.
- Inflammation and injury of the buccal duct: It is important to predetermine the mouth of the parotid salivary gland and access it from a distant point to prevent inflammation or damage in its chimney. The doctor perfectly fixes it in the mouth and removes the incision from the mouth.
- Undesirable result: The most common inconvenience you may experience is that the result is less than you would like. Note that the result will depend on the amount of fat in that area, round faces will have larger bags, and hence the effect may be more pronounced. On the other hand, the size of fat disappears with age. You have to wait 4 to 6 months to evaluate the final result, which is usually common sense but very grateful and can become evident over time. It is essential to clarify that having a bichectomy will not cause future sagging or premature drooping of the face, as the Bichat bag doesn’t affect the sagging of the face with age.
What Will You Encounter During a Buccal Fat Removal Consultation?
During the pre-operative bichectomy consultation, your surgeon will take time to discuss and understand your goals. Also, the surgeon explains each procedure in detail, answering all your questions. A doctor always has to approach the patient individually. Therefore, it is helpful to choose a doctor you can trust.
You must also follow all the surgeon’s instructions to achieve the best possible results and minimize the potential risks associated with buccal fat removal. It’s good to come to the doctor’s appointment and to the procedure itself mentally well-prepared. However, you can expect to discuss the following with your surgeon during the consultation:
- Your medical history: Your surgeon will ask questions about your past medical conditions, medications you are currently using, and whether you have any allergies. This information is vital to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
- Your goals and expectations: You must communicate your goals and expectations for the procedure to your surgeon. They will be able to advise you on whether bichectomy is the proper procedure for you based on your specific goals and wishes.
- Risks and complications: Your surgeon will discuss with you the potential risks and complications of the procedure, including bleeding, infection, and scarring. They will also discuss what you can do to minimize these risks.
- Pre- and post-operative instructions: Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on what to do before and after the procedure to achieve the best possible result. This may include instructions on how to care for the surgical site, what medications to take, and when to see the surgeon.
- Anesthesia: Your surgeon will discuss the type of anesthesia used during the procedure and each option’s potential risks and benefits.
- Cost: Your surgeon will discuss the procedure’s fee and any financing options that may be available.
It is essential that you ask any questions you may have during the consultation and that you fully understand the procedure and its potential risks and benefits before making a decision.
How Should You Prepare for Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?
First of all, it is necessary to pass the required medical examinations. In consultation with the surgeon, you will discuss the detailed procedure. You should not take some medications before surgery, or you should adjust existing medicines according to the doctor’s instructions. If you smoke, stop smoking long before the operation. Avoid aspirin, some anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding. Above all, follow your doctor’s instructions. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the bichectomy procedure:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions: Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on preparing for the procedure. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications and achieve the best possible result.
- Stop taking certain medications: Your surgeon may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or certain supplements, before the procedure. It is essential to follow these instructions to reduce the risk of bleeding during the process.
- Arrange transportation: You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will not be able to drive on your own due to the effects of the anesthesia.
- Plan your recovery time: A bichectomy usually do on an outpatient basis, but you will need to take some time off from work or other activities to rest and recover. Planning and making the necessary arrangements for this recovery period is essential.
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine: Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help improve your overall health and recovery after the procedure.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, you must stop smoking at least a few weeks before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
- Stay hydrated: It’s essential to stay hydrated before and after the procedure to promote healing and minimize swelling.
Following these steps and discussing your concerns with your surgeon can help ensure a successful bichectomy procedure and recovery.
How is Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy) Procedure Performed?
The course of the operation is relatively quick and isn’t a complex surgical intervention. Before the procedure itself, the surgeon makes an ultrasound of the cheeks. Meanwhile, the expert evaluates the fat body size on the face. Check out the bichectomy procedure steps:
- Anesthesia
You will most likely be under general anesthesia during the treatment. Thus, your pain situation will disappear, and you will just sleep.
- Incision
The surgeon makes a small incision from your cheek area where your fat mass is located, from the inside of the mouth, where it will either altogether remove it or only reduce it. The specialist does the procedure symmetrically on both sides of your face.
This procedure, possible surgery, and reduction of part of your face can help people bothered by facial asymmetry. The result, in this case, is the correction of visible facial asymmetry in the cheek area. The operation time takes about 1 to 2 hours.
What to Consider After Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?
Buccal fat removal is a safe and effective procedure that requires only anesthesia. It improves the contours of the lower and upper cheek area and gives permanent results. The process leaves no visible traces. Thus, since the incision makes through the mouth, the skin in the facial area remains intact. Along with bichectomy, you can have other procedures to help you look younger. These include, for example, eyelid surgery (upper and lower eyelids) or fillers to remove wrinkles. Check out the things to consider after the bichectomy procedure:
- After the procedure, the face is sensitive, and bruises and swelling may occur under the eyes or in other parts of the face. In the first days after the procedure, we recommend you sleep with your head up or in a semi-sitting position. You should also avoid leaning forward and making intense facial expressions.
- The sutures in the mucosal area can be absorbed. Therefore, it doesn’t need to remove from the foot. Since it is an intervention in the oral cavity, post-operative nutrition is in the form of liquid.
- Frequent disinfection of your oral cavity is critical. For this, you can rinse with mouthwash or chamomile tea. Regular dental cleaning (with great care around the wound) is also essential.
- Swelling and bruises usually absorb within 7 to 10 days after the surgery when the patient comes to the postoperative control. We recommend you return to physical activity up to 3 weeks after the surgery.
- Many people claim that healing from buccal liposuction is virtually painless. Most patients recover without serious complications or permanent problems after a bichectomy. Recovery from surgery usually only takes about a week, but it may take several months in some patients.
What is the Recovery Process After Buccal Fat Removal?
Check out the recovery process after the Buccal Fat Removal procedure:
- Pain and swelling: You can expect pain and swelling in the cheek area after the procedure. Your surgeon will provide pain medication to help you manage discomfort. The swelling should begin to subside in a few days, but it may take several weeks to resolve completely.
- Bruising: It is normal to see some bruising in the cheek area after the procedure. This problem will disappear entirely in a few days or weeks.
- Stitches: If your surgeon used stitches to close the incisions, these would need to be removed a few days after the procedure.
- Activity restrictions: Your surgeon will likely recommend avoiding strenuous activities and exercising for a few weeks after the procedure to allow your body time to heal.
- Follow-up appointments: Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have.
- Final results: It may take several weeks or even months for the final results of the procedure to appear. The fat cells removed during the course permanently remove, so the results should be long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight.
It is essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-procedure care and to call them if you have any concerns. You can help ensure a successful recovery and achieve the desired results with proper care and attention.
How Long After Buccal Fat Removal Will You See the Final Result?
It may take several weeks or even months for the final results of the buccal fat removal to appear. The time it takes to see the final results can depend on various factors, including the amount of fat removed, the person’s healing process, and overall health.
You can expect to experience some swelling and bruising in the cheek area for the first few days after the procedure. This is normal and should begin to subside within a few days. Once the swelling and bruises have improved, you will start to see the first results of the procedure.
As the swelling and bruising continue to improve and the skin tightens around the new contours of the cheek area, it may take several weeks or months for the final results to become apparent. The fat cells removed during the procedure are permanently released, so the results should be long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight.
If you have any concerns about the final results of buccal fat removal, you must discuss them with your surgeon. They will be able to provide you with more information and guidance on what to expect.
You will see a decrease in nasolabial fold depth after the bichectomy. You will also notice changes such as a distinct shadow line under the cheek (blushing effect), a better appearance of your teeth, more expressive eyes, and a more pronounced jawline. You will see the actual and final result of the operation after 3-4 months, and the effect is permanent.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?
Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy) cost varies completely according to many factors. Several factors can affect the price:
- Surgeon’s experience and training: Surgeons with more experience and specialized training may charge more for their services.
- Location of examination: The cost of the bichectomy procedure may vary depending on the location of the practice. Practices in urban or high-income areas may charge more for the process.
- Type of anesthesia: The anesthesia used during the procedure can affect the cost. General anesthesia requires an anesthesiologist and can be more expensive than local anesthesia.
- Scope of the procedure: The cost of buccal fat removal may also depend on the extent of the process. A more extensive method involving removing a significant amount of fat may be more expensive than a less extensive procedure.
- Type of facility: The cost of the procedure can also be affected by the type of facility where it performs. A process done in a hospital setting may be more expensive than one done in a private surgical center.
- Inclusion of other procedures: The overall cost may be higher if you have other methods simultaneously with your bichectomy.
It is essential to discuss the price of the procedure with your surgeon and ask about any financing options that may be available.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Performed?
It isn’t uncommon for people to consider traveling to another country for medical procedures to take advantage of lower costs. However, there are several important factors to consider when considering traveling abroad for a medical practice such as a bichectomy:
- Quality of care: It is vital to ensure that you receive high-quality care from experienced and qualified medical professionals. Research the credentials and reputation of the surgeon and the facility where the procedure will perform.
- Possible complications: There is always a risk of complications with any surgical procedure, which may be higher if the system performs in a foreign country. It is essential to carefully consider potential risks and weigh them against potential cost savings.
- Language barriers: If you don’t know the language of the country where the procedure will perform, there may be communication barriers that can affect the quality of care you receive.
- Travel expenses: In addition to the cost of the procedure, you will need to factor in travel, accommodation, and other expenses related to your trip. This can significantly increase the overall cost of the system.
It is essential to carefully research and evaluates all these factors before deciding to travel abroad for a medical procedure. If you continue the process, follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are the buccal fat removal costs by country:
COUNTRY | COST |
United States | $1500 to $8000 |
Brazil | $1200 to $5500 |
China | $1150 to $7000 |
Japan | $3300 to $7000 |
South Korea | $2300 to $6250 |
India | $1200 to $4100 |
Argentina | $1250 to $6200 |
Mexico | $1000 to $5700 |
Germany | $1350 to $7000 |
Turkey | $900 to $3500 |
Colombia | $1100 to $6100 |
Italy | $1300 to $6750 |
France | $1450 to $7200 |
Spain | $1400 to $7500 |
Taiwan | $1100 to $6000 |
Venezuela | $1000 to $4100 |
United Kingdom | $1750 to $8200 |
Netherlands | $1250 to $6500 |
Egypt | $1150 to $5000 |
Peru | $1200 to $4400 |
AVERAGE COST | $900 to $8200 |
Attention! For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a specialist surgeon for personal guidance.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32868718/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30084868/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6250453/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6051676/
https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2002/06000/Anatomical_Structure_of_the_Buccal_Fat_Pad_and_Its.52.aspx