Bichectomy (Cheek Fat Removal)

Bichectomy, popularly known as cheek thinning surgery, is an aesthetic operation that makes facial features more prominent by removing excess fat tissue in the cheek area. Especially people whose face looks round, filled or “baby-faced” prefer bichectomy operation for thinner and sharper facial features.

Removing the “Bichat fat pads” on the cheeks helps to emphasize the cheekbones and jawline, providing a slimmer, symmetrical and aesthetic appearance.

Who is a suitable candidate for bichectomy?

Bichectomy surgery is suitable for individuals who think that their cheeks are fuller than normal and want to make their facial features sharper. Although there is no age restriction, it is known that having it done after the age of 25, when the fat distribution in the cheek area undergoes a natural change, may produce more precise results.

Since facial volume can change with weight in overweight people, it is important to reach the ideal weight first. Especially in overweight people, it is necessary to know that a significant change in facial contours cannot be achieved with bichectomy alone, so bichectomy is a shaping operation rather than a slimming procedure for the face. Bichectomy gives the most effective results in people who want to thin their facial contours but who remain fullness in the cheek area even when they lose weight.

How is bichectomy surgery performed?

Bichectomy, also known as cheek aesthetics, is performed through a small incision made through the mouth, so there is no visible scar on the face. The operation can be performed under local or general anesthesia and takes an average of 30-45 minutes.

During the operation, excess fat tissue in the cheek is removed. After the procedure is completed, the incision is closed with self-melting stitches. Thus, a comfortable result is achieved both aesthetically and functionally. Since the bichectomy surgical field includes important facial nerves and salivary gland duct due to its anatomical neighborhood, it is important to consult plastic surgeons specialized in this field to prevent complications.

Recovery process after bichectomy

Although the recovery process after bichectomy is quite fast, mild swelling and bruising may be seen on the cheeks after surgery and these complaints decrease within a few days. Patients can usually be discharged on the same day and return to their daily life in a short time.

In the first days, eating liquid and soft foods and paying attention to oral hygiene accelerates the healing process. For the final results to appear, the edema should be completely resolved and this usually takes 2-3 months. Postoperative pain can be easily relieved with painkillers. Patients are advised to use facial corsets that press on the cheek area during the period outside their social life and will help to resolve swelling and edema faster.

Is bichectomy surgery permanent?

Since the fat tissue removed during bichectomy does not regenerate, it is considered a permanent procedure. However, excessive weight gain can create a plump appearance on the cheeks again. For this reason, maintaining weight after surgery and healthy living habits are important for the long-term permanence of the results. Bichectomy is a permanent solution that clarifies facial contours and gives the person a sharper, aesthetic appearance.

Aesthetic procedures that can be combined with bichectomy

Although bichectomy (cheek thinning surgery) often gives satisfactory results alone, it can be combined with different operations for a more balanced and holistic appearance in facial aesthetics. One of the most preferred procedures is chin aesthetics (mentoplasty) or jawline filling. This combination allows both the cheeks to thin and the jawline to become more prominent. Thus, a sharper, triangular face form is achieved. Apart from this, if there is an accompanying jowl disorder, a more balanced and aesthetic appearance can be achieved by applying liposuction to the jowl area.

Bichectomy can also be combined with rhinoplasty (rhinoplasty) or blepharoplasty (blepharoplasty). Along with touches around the nose and eyes, cheek thinning increases the overall symmetry of the face and gives a youthful, dynamic appearance. In some cases, it is supported by fat injection or filler applications, allowing the cheeks and cheekbones to stand out in a more balanced way. These combinations give the facial features of the person a more aesthetic, symmetrical and natural appearance.