Removal of Buccal Fat
Bichectomy
The surgical removal of buccal fat is known as a bichectomy.
This cosmetic surgery procedure is designed to remove fat from the cheek to reduce puffiness, slim and define the mid and lower face, creating a narrower look with more prominent cheekbones and jawline definition, resulting in a more sculpted appearance.
It is considered a simple procedure that is performed using local anaesthesia via a small incision inside the mouth.
Removal of buccal fat has become a popular procedure, linked to celebrities, and is often called Hollywood cheek surgery, cheek contouring, or cheek reduction surgery.
It is ideal if you are under 40 and have full cheeks (sometimes called chipmunk cheeks) and seek a more defined or chiselled facial structure. It can also be an option for those with facial asymmetry.
Bichectomy or the surgical removal of buccal fat is designed to achieve a more youthful look, create more definition to the facial structure, and results in a slimmer, more sculpted look. Results are permanent.
Depending on the level of correction required, and your age, either partial or full buccal fat pad removal can be performed.
Partial buccal fat removal is more suitable for those in their 30s and 40s who want to have the appearance of high cheekbones but need to retain some residual fat in the lower cheek area to avoid looking gaunt. Younger patients can benefit from full buccal fat pad removal as they naturally have more volume in the lower face, and this can achieve a more dramatic look.
Treatment cost
Price From* After consultation the doctor will confirm the cost.
Treatment Summary at a glance
Up to 30 mins
One
Local
Pain, swelling, and bruising
Removal of fat from cheek
Permanent
After 1 week
2-4 weeks
How does it work?
A small incision is made in the cheek inside the mouth. The surgeon then presses on the outer cheek which causes buccal fat to protrude through the incision and a small amount of fat can then be removed from the buccal fat pad to achieve the desired look. The incision is approximately 1cm long. Stitches or absorbable sutures are used to close the incision once the fat has been carefully removal.
It is regarded as a quick and simple cosmetic surgery procedure. The quantity of fat removed will vary by individual.
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FAQ's
Your suitability for bichectomy will be assessed by our surgeon who will decide if you are the correct candidate for the procedure. A full medical history will also be taken to make sure that there are no contraindications for you to have the procedure, such as any medication that you may be taking, underlying medical conditions (including hemifacial atrophy), your wound healing history, or dental concerns.
It is an ideal procedure for those will full cheeks, likened to apples, chipmunks etc. If you have a very thin or narrow face, you will not be a good candidate for this procedure. Patients over 45 are generally not suitable as the removal of buccal fat can increase the appearance of jowls or sunken cheeks in older patients.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women are not suitable for surgical procedures.
The buccal fat removal surgery will be performed using local anaesthesia so you will be awake but will not feel the procedure.
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to perform.
Mild pain, facial swelling, and bruising are common for a few days post-surgery, resolving after a couple of weeks. Any pain and discomfort post-surgery can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or medicines prescribed by our surgeon. You may also use ice packs to reduce facial swelling.
Your mouth will be sore which will make eating, drinking, and speaking more difficult. You will be advised to follow a liquid diet for the first 24-72 hours to avoid damaging the incision sites. You can then move to soft food and resume your normal diet after approximately 2 weeks. You will be advised to sleep on your back for the first few nights post-surgery to avoid compressing your face.
Due to the risk of infection with wounds inside your mouth, you will be given a special mouthwash to use regularly to keep your mouth clean of bacteria.
The incisions will take 1-2 weeks to fully heal. As the sutures are absorbable, there is no need to have your stitches removed when you attend your follow-up appointment.
Your ability to return to work and normal activities will be dependent on your need to speak but expect to take at least 3-7 days off.
The results can take 2-4 weeks as the swelling reduces and the shape of your face settles. As fat has been permanently removed from the cheek pad, you can expect a slimmer, more contoured appearance to the middle and lower parts of your face.
The long-term results will also be dependent on whether you have a partial for full fat pad removal procedure. With a partial removal, if you gain weight in future, the prominence of the fat pad will increase, and the shape of your face will change or revert.
It is advised to stick to a healthy diet and exercise so you can maintain a healthy weight which will avoid fat gain in any remaining buccal fat pads.
The results can take 2-4 weeks as the swelling reduces and the shape of your face settles. As fat has been permanently removed from the cheek pad, you can expect a slimmer, more contoured appearance to the middle and lower parts of your face.
The long-term results will also be dependent on whether you have a partial for full fat pad removal procedure. With a partial removal, if you gain weight in future, the prominence of the fat pad will increase, and the shape of your face will change or revert.
It is advised to stick to a healthy diet and exercise so you can maintain a healthy weight which will avoid fat gain in any remaining buccal fat pads.
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