Delicate and Defined Facial Features: Bichectomy (Cheek Reduction)
Even after losing weight, are you unable to get rid of that round and full expression on your face? Get rid of that stubborn fat on your cheeks with a quick and permanent magic touch. Define your cheekbones and jawline, giving your face that attractive "V" (inverted triangle) shape.
What is Bichectomy and Why is it Preferred?
Bichectomy is a procedure to remove genetic fat pads called "Bichat's fat pads," located on the inside of the cheeks, through a small incision inside the mouth. Because these fat pads are resistant to fat reduction, they won't shrink with diet or exercise. Bichectomy removes an ideal amount of this fat, slimming the facial oval, naturally highlighting the cheekbones, and giving the face a more aesthetic, slender, and characteristic proportion. Since the procedure is performed entirely from inside the mouth, there are no visible stitches or incisions.
- People who, despite being thin, always have round and full (chubby) cheeks.
- Those who want their cheekbones and jawline to be more defined and sharper
- Those who aim to give their face an "inverted triangle" (V) shape, i.e., the Hollywood Cheek look
- Those looking for a facial slimming procedure that leaves no visible surgical scars and recovers very quickly.
- Those who prefer a more mature, bony, and attractive profile instead of a round/childlike facial expression
Not the same amount of finesse for every face, but just the right amount for each face's needs.
The most important detail in a bichectomy operation is precisely adjusting the amount of fat to be removed, according to the patient's facial anatomy and skin type. At Dr. Nurten Küçük, my greatest priority in this surgery is to remove only the golden ratio amount that will give the face the ideal 'V' shape, instead of completely removing the fat, in order to avoid unwanted sagging in the cheeks as we age. Our goal is not to make your face look thin or sickly, but to highlight your bone lines in a very natural and elegant way.
Quick procedure with local anesthesia.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia (only the inside of the cheek is numbed) and is completed in a short time, averaging 30-45 minutes. You can walk home or back to work the same day.
Oral Care and the First Days
Because the incision is inside the mouth, you will be advised to consume only liquid and soft foods that do not require chewing for the first 3-4 days, and to maintain oral hygiene with mouthwash. External bruising is very rare.
V-Shape and Lasting Attractiveness
The stitches inside the mouth dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed. There may be slight swelling in the cheeks for the first few weeks. When the swelling completely subsides in about 1-1.5 months, those defined cheekbones and delicate facial features will become permanently apparent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the removed fat grow back, and will my cheeks return to their original shape if I gain weight?
The Bichat fat pads removed during a bichectomy are not regenerated by the body and do not return, meaning the slimming effect is permanent. Even if you gain weight in the future, your cheeks will not return to their pre-operative round and chubby state.
Will I have a visible surgical scar on my face?
Absolutely not. The procedure is performed entirely through a tiny incision of about 1 centimeter inside the mouth, in the cheek mucosa, so there will be no scars or stitches on your face. Your secret is safe with us.
Is there usually a lot of pain or swelling after a bichectomy?
Pain is minimal and easily controlled with simple painkillers. A feeling of fullness (edema) in the cheeks may be experienced for the first few days after surgery, but this is usually not a noticeable or bothersome swelling. Most of our patients are able to return to their social lives the next day.
Will this cause unwanted sagging in my cheeks as I get older?
This entirely depends on the surgeon's experience and planning. Removing all the fat pads uncontrollably can lead to sagging in the future. However, removing fat in the correct amount and with a conservative approach, appropriate to the patient's facial anatomy, will not cause the face to sag; on the contrary, it will make the face look firmer, more lifted, and more attractive.
Take the first step towards a natural transformation of your face.
For an initial consultation, examination, and personalized treatment plan, please contact us immediately.