BICHECTOMY

Before having a bichectomy, patients can decide how they want their facial features to look. In consultations with the surgeon, the amount of fat to be removed, incision sites, and expected results are planned in detail.

Why is Bichectomy Preferred?

Bichectomy surgery is generally preferred for the following reasons:

• Full Cheeks: People with full cheeks due to genetic or general facial structure may prefer this surgery to achieve a slimmer facial appearance.
• Indistinct Cheekbones: Excessive fullness in the cheeks can reduce the prominence of the cheekbones. Bichectomy can make the cheekbones more prominent.
• Round Face Shape: Fat tissue in the cheeks can make the face appear rounder. Bichectomy can achieve a more contoured and oval face shape.
• Self-Confidence and Aesthetic Concerns: People who are not satisfied with the fullness of their cheeks may prefer this surgery to feel better and address their aesthetic concerns.
• Desire to Look Better in Photographs: Full cheeks can appear more prominent in photographs. Bichectomy can achieve a slimmer facial appearance, leading to better results in photographs.

How Does the Pre-Bichectomy Selection Process Work?

Bichectomy operation should be performed by an experienced aesthetic surgeon. Each surgeon's application method may differ, but the general process consists of the following steps:

• Consultation and Evaluation: Before the bichectomy operation, a consultation is held with the surgeon. At this stage, the patient's general health status, expectations, facial structure, and fat tissue in the cheeks are evaluated.
• Anesthesia Application: Bichectomy is usually performed under local anesthesia. In some cases, sedation may also be applied according to the patient's preference or the surgeon's discretion. This ensures the patient is comfortable throughout the operation.
• Incisions and Fat Removal: Incisions for bichectomy are made inside the mouth, in the cheek mucosa. Buccal fat pads are accessed through these small incisions, and a portion or all of them are removed in a controlled manner.
• Healing Process: The patient's healing process after the operation is usually short. Symptoms such as swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal and will subside over time. It is important to follow the surgeon's recommendations to speed up the healing process.

What are the Types of Bichectomy?

Bichectomy is essentially based on the same principle (removal of buccal fat pads), but the technique preferred by the surgeon and the amount of fat removed may vary.

• Standard Bichectomy: This is the procedure of removing a certain amount of buccal fat pads. The surgeon determines the amount of fat to be removed according to the patient's facial structure and desired outcome.
• Minimal Bichectomy: This is a technique where a smaller amount of fat is removed, providing a more natural, slight thinning.
• Bichectomy with Combined Procedures: In some cases, bichectomy can be combined with other aesthetic procedures such as chin filler, cheekbone filler, or facelift to achieve a more prominent facial contour.

Can I decide how I want my cheeks to look before bichectomy surgery?

Before having a bichectomy, patients share their expectations about their facial features and how they want their cheeks to look with the surgeon in detail. The surgeon plans the most appropriate result by evaluating the patient's wishes, facial structure, and existing fat tissue. The possible appearance can be evaluated by discussing over photographs before the surgery.

How long does bichectomy surgery take?

Bichectomy surgery usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The duration may vary depending on the scope of the procedure and the surgeon's technique.

Are there any risks in bichectomy surgery?

Bichectomy is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any surgical operation, there may be risks such as infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related complications, or wound healing problems. These risks are minimal when performed by experienced surgeons. Rarely, complications such as temporary nerve damage in the face, salivary gland injury, or asymmetry may also occur.

For what age range is bichectomy surgery suitable?

Bichectomy is generally suitable for individuals aged 18 and over whose facial features are fully developed and who are of legal age. However, it is important that the fullness in the face is significant and the patient has realistic expectations.

Am I a suitable candidate for bichectomy surgery?

If you are bothered by the fullness of your cheeks, are in good general health, and have realistic expectations about the surgery, you may be a suitable candidate for bichectomy.

In which cases is bichectomy not recommended?

• In case of active infection,
• In those with serious uncontrolled systemic diseases,
• In those with blood clotting problems,
• In people who are very thin and already have significant hollowness in their face.

Will I have loss of sensation in my cheeks after surgery?

Temporary loss of sensation or numbness in the cheek area may rarely occur after bichectomy. This condition usually resolves on its own within a few days or weeks.

Will my face sag after surgery?

Bichectomy thins the face by removing fat tissue from the cheeks. Sagging is not expected when performed with correct techniques and if your skin elasticity is good. However, in older individuals or those with poor skin elasticity, slight sagging may rarely occur.

Does gaining or losing weight affect the results?

The buccal fat pads removed with bichectomy are permanently gone. However, in case of excessive weight gain after surgery, there may be some increase in fat in other areas of the face, as well as in the cheeks. However, the general thinness of the cheeks is preserved.

Will I need to have surgery again after bichectomy?

In most cases, repeat surgery after bichectomy is not necessary. However, in rare cases such as insufficient fat removal, asymmetry, or if the patient's expectations are not fully met, an additional correction procedure may be performed.

What are the Advantages of Bichectomy?

Bichectomy surgery offers many aesthetic advantages. Here are the prominent benefits of this operation:

• More Defined Facial Features: As the fullness in the cheeks decreases, the cheekbones become more prominent, and the face appears more contoured.
• Thinner Cheeks: Excessive volume in the cheeks is removed, resulting in a more elegant and thinner facial appearance.
• More Oval Face Shape: A more oval and balanced face shape can be created for individuals with round facial features.
• Better Appearance in Photographs: Reduced fullness in the cheeks allows for more defined facial features in photographs.
• Increased Self-Confidence: An increase in self-confidence is observed after surgery for individuals who are not satisfied with their facial appearance.

What does bichectomy surgery aim for?

The main goal of bichectomy surgery is to make the facial features more prominent, slim the cheeks, and achieve a more contoured appearance by removing the buccal fat pads that cause excessive fullness in the cheeks.

• ✔ More Prominent Cheekbones: As the fullness in the cheeks decreases, the cheekbones come to the fore.
• ✔ Thinner Cheeks: Excessive volume in the cheeks is removed.
• ✔ More Contoured Face Line: A slimmer and V-shaped appearance is achieved in the lower part of the face.
• ✔ Better Appearance in Photographs: Facial features appear more defined.

Can other procedures be performed during the operation?

Yes, in some cases, bichectomy can be combined with other procedures such as chin filler, cheekbone filler, or liposuction for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation or contouring. This depends on the patient's needs and the surgeon's evaluation.

Will there be fat regain after surgery?

The buccal fat pads removed with bichectomy are permanently gone. However, in case of excessive weight gain after surgery, there may be some increase in fat in other areas of the face, as well as in the cheeks. However, the removed buccal fat pads are not expected to return.

How long does it take for the results to fully appear?

The distinctness in facial features can be noticed immediately as the initial swelling subsides. However, it may take several months (1-3 months) for the face to fully heal and settle into its new shape. It is important to be patient during this process.

Will I feel pain during and after the surgery?

You will not feel any pain during the surgery as local anesthesia will be applied. After the surgery, you may feel mild to moderate pain for the first few days. This pain can usually be controlled with painkillers and will decrease over time.

Will drains be placed after the surgery? When will they be removed?

Drains are generally not needed in bichectomy because the procedure is minimally invasive and the risk of bleeding is low.

Will my cheeks feel very swollen after surgery?

It is normal for your cheeks to be swollen after surgery. This swelling is usually most prominent in the first few days and will decrease over time. Applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling.

Do I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?

Bichectomy is usually a day-case procedure. After a few hours of observation post-surgery, you can usually be discharged on the same day if there are no problems.

How soon can I get up?

You can usually return to your normal activities on the same day or the day after bichectomy. However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and movements that could put pressure on your face for the first few days.

When can I return to work after bichectomy?

Most people can return to work 1 week after the bichectomy procedure. However, this period may be longer depending on the extent of swelling and bruising. It is recommended that those working in jobs that require speaking or facial expressions rest for a few more days.