Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics)

What Is Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics)?

Bichectomy is a cosmetic surgical procedure that makes facial contours more defined by removing the cheek fat pads (Bichat’s fat). In recent years, this procedure—also known as the “Hollywood cheek”—has become an ideal solution for those who want a sharper jawline and slimmer facial contours.

Unlike traditional facial contouring methods, bichectomy is a surgical procedure that provides permanent results. However, as with any cosmetic intervention, bichectomy is an operation that should be evaluated individually.

Bichectomy is the surgical removal of the fat tissue called “Bichat fat pads” located inside the cheeks. This operation helps the cheeks appear slimmer and more defined, giving the face a sharper look.

Especially for individuals with rounder and fuller facial features, bichectomy offers a more proportionate and aesthetic appearance. The main goal of the surgery is to define the jawline by reducing fullness in the lower part of the face.

Bichectomy aesthetics is also known by many people as the “Hollywood cheek” surgery. The reason for this is the popularity of celebrities’ sharp facial features. In recent years, this procedure has been increasingly preferred by both women and men and is an ideal option for those who want a younger and fitter facial profile.

The Popularity of Bichectomy Aesthetics

Bichectomy has attracted great interest in recent years due to social media and the influence of celebrities. For people who want to slim the facial contours and achieve a more attractive look, this operation provides a permanent solution.

This surgery is especially preferred for the following reasons:

•  A more defined jawline: Bichectomy removes excess fat tissue in the cheeks, making the jawline look sharper.
•  A youthful and dynamic appearance: Slimmer cheeks add a younger and more aesthetic feel to the face.
•  Permanent results: Fat cells removed with bichectomy do not come back, so results are lifelong.
•  Minimal scarring and fast recovery: Because small incisions are made inside the mouth, there is no visible external scar, and recovery is quite fast.

How Is Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics) Performed?

Although bichectomy is a surgical operation, it is a fairly simple procedure that is completed in a short time. It is performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation and usually takes 30–45 minutes.

The surgery is performed through small incisions made inside the mouth. In this way, there is no external scar and a natural healing process is achieved.

Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics) Surgery Process

Bichectomy is performed through the following steps:

Anesthesia Administration

Bichectomy surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. In this way, the patient does not feel pain or discomfort. In some cases, mild sedation (putting the patient to sleep) may also be applied.

Making Small Incisions Inside the Mouth

The surgeon makes small incisions approximately 1–2 cm long inside the cheeks, aligned with the upper and lower teeth. Because these incisions are inside the mouth, no visible surgical scar remains.

Removal of Fat Tissue

Through the incisions, the Bichat fat pads are carefully pulled out and excess fat tissue is removed. Symmetry is preserved by removing equal amounts of fat from both cheeks.

Closing the Incisions and Placing a Dressing

After the fat is removed, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. In this way, stitches do not need to be removed and the healing process is faster.

Post-Operative Check-Ups

After bichectomy surgery, the patient is discharged following a short rest period. The procedure is generally completed on the same day and does not require hospitalization.

Who Is Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics) Suitable For?

Bichectomy is not suitable for everyone. This procedure is generally recommended for individuals with round or chubby facial features. The aim is to make the face slimmer and more defined. However, people considering this surgery need to meet certain criteria.

Suitable Candidates for Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics)

If you have the following characteristics, bichectomy surgery may be suitable for you:

•  If you have round and full cheeks: If there is a noticeable layer of fat in your cheeks and you want more defined facial contours, bichectomy may be an ideal option.
•  If you are over 18 years old: For bichectomy, it is generally necessary to be over 18, because facial structure continues to develop up to this age. Operations performed at earlier ages may cause undesired results in later years.
•  If you want to define your jawline: Bichectomy makes the jawline sharper and gives the lower face a more triangular shape.
•  If you have genetically chubby cheeks: In some people, cheek fullness does not disappear even with weight loss. In this case, bichectomy can provide a permanent solution.
•  If your general health is good: It is suitable for individuals with no serious health problems or conditions that prevent surgery.

What to Consider Before and After Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics) Surgery

Bichectomy is a minor surgical operation, but there are important points to consider before and after the procedure. Following these rules helps ensure a successful surgery and a fast, smooth recovery.

What to Do Before Bichectomy Surgery

Before a bichectomy procedure, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations and the steps below:

Doctor Examination and Planning

•  Have a detailed consultation with your surgeon: Your facial structure should be examined and the most suitable aesthetic plan should be created for you.
•  Analyze the desired look carefully: You can request before-and-after simulations from your doctor to understand how facial contours may change after bichectomy.

Pre-Operative Nutrition and Habits

• Avoid blood thinners: Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be stopped before surgery.
• Stop smoking and alcohol use: Smoking and alcohol can slow down healing. Quitting at least 1 week before surgery helps speed up recovery.
• Drink plenty of water: Adequate hydration positively affects the healing process.

Preparation on the Day of Surgery

•  Come on an empty stomach: If sedation will be applied, you should not eat or drink anything for 6–8 hours before the procedure.
•  Wear comfortable clothes: Choose clothing that will help you feel comfortable after surgery.

What to Consider After Bichectomy Surgery

Recovery after bichectomy is usually fast, but it is necessary to pay attention to certain points.

First 24 Hours: Apply Cold Compresses

• Apply cold compresses to your cheeks: During the first 24 hours, you can use an ice pack on your cheeks to reduce swelling. However, be careful not to place it directly on the skin.

Nutrition and Fluid Intake

• Consume mostly liquids and soft foods: In the first few days, you should avoid hot, spicy, and hard foods. Soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies support healing.
• Drink plenty of water: Hydration is very important during recovery.

Pay Attention to Oral Hygiene

•  Use mouthwash: To prevent infection of the sutures, use the antiseptic mouthwashes recommended by your doctor.
•  Brush your teeth carefully: In the first few days after surgery, you should brush your teeth very gently.

Be Patient with Swelling and Bruising

•  Swelling usually resolves within 1–2 weeks: There may be mild swelling and bruising in the cheeks, but this will improve over time.
•  You should wait 3–6 months to see the full result: It may take a few months for the facial contours to fully settle after bichectomy.

Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics) Benefits and Risks

Bichectomy is a popular aesthetic surgery that defines facial contours and provides a more aesthetic appearance. However, like any surgical procedure, bichectomy has advantages and some possible risks.

Bichectomy Advantages

The most important benefits of the bichectomy operation are:

Sharper and More Aesthetic Facial Contours

• When excess fat tissue is removed from the cheeks with bichectomy, the jawline and cheekbones become more prominent.
• It is especially effective for individuals with round facial contours in terms of slimming the face and defining the contours.

Provides Permanent Results

•  Fat cells removed with bichectomy do not form again.
•  It provides permanent slimming regardless of diet or weight changes.

Leaves No Surgical Scar

•  Because the procedure is performed inside the mouth, no surgical scar is visible from the outside.
•  Incision sites heal completely over time and become unnoticeable.

It Is a Quick and Easy Procedure

•  The operation usually takes 30–45 minutes.
•  It does not require hospitalization; the patient is discharged the same day.
•  Recovery is fast; most people can return to normal life within 1 week.

Provides a Younger and More Dynamic Appearance

•  As the face becomes slimmer and more contoured, a youthful, energetic, and dynamic appearance is achieved.
•  Especially when performed before signs of aging begin, it can help you look younger for many years.

Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics) Risks and Possible Side Effects

Bichectomy is generally a safe procedure, but like any surgical intervention, it has some risks and side effects.

Swelling and Bruising

•  In the first few days after surgery, there may be swelling and mild bruising in the cheeks.
•  Swelling usually decreases within 1–2 weeks, and it may take 3–6 months to see the full result.

Risk of Excessive Hollowing

•  If too much fat is removed from the cheeks, an overly hollow appearance may occur.
•  This may make a person look older and more tired than they are.

Risk of Infection

•  Incisions made inside the mouth may carry a risk of infection if aftercare is not performed properly.
•  Following the doctor’s recommended mouthwashes and hygiene rules minimizes the risk of infection.

Asymmetry

•  If equal amounts of fat are not removed from both cheeks, facial asymmetry may occur.
•  Therefore, choosing an experienced surgeon is very important.

Risk of Nerve Injury

•  If facial nerves are damaged during bichectomy, temporary or permanent numbness may occur.
•  Although this risk is low, it becomes almost zero when performed by experienced surgeons.

What to Consider Before Getting Bichectomy

•  Choosing the right doctor before the operation is very important.
•  A detailed consultation with the surgeon is necessary to determine whether the procedure suits your facial structure.
•  Expectations should be realistic, and surgical planning should be done carefully to avoid undesired outcomes such as excessive hollowing.

Cheeks Slim and Facial Contours Become More Defined

•  As swelling decreases, facial contours become more defined due to the removal of cheek fat.
•  Cheekbones become more prominent, and the face takes on a V-shaped structure.
•  The jawline gains a sharper appearance.

Important Note: In the first months, some people may not notice “excessive slimming.” However, the effect of bichectomy becomes more apparent as the face fully heals.

A Slimmer and Younger Appearance Is Achieved

•  Because cheek fullness decreases, the face looks slimmer and younger.
•  The “baby face” look caused by chubby cheeks disappears.
•  Facial contours become sharper and more attractive.

Permanent Facial Contouring Occurs

The new form of the face after bichectomy is permanent because:

•  Fat cells do not form again.
•  Cheek fat does not return with dieting or weight changes.
•  Changes achieved with bichectomy last a lifetime.

However, be careful! In the case of excessive weight loss, the face may become too thin and develop a hollow appearance. Therefore, it is important to plan well with your doctor before the procedure.

The Overall Proportion and Symmetry of the Face May Change

•  After bichectomy, facial contours become more balanced.
•  Because the jawline and cheekbones become more prominent, the face may look more symmetrical.
•  However, if equal amounts of fat are not removed from both cheeks due to a poorly performed bichectomy, asymmetry may occur.

Recovery Process After Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics) Surgery and What to Consider

First 24 Hours

•  Rest: It is important to get plenty of rest during the first 24 hours after surgery.
•  Cold Application: To reduce swelling and bruising that may occur on the face, cold compresses can be applied intermittently during the first 24 hours.
•  Nutrition: Because of intraoral sutures after the procedure, soft and warm foods should be consumed.

First Week

•  Oral Hygiene: To minimize the risk of infection, antiseptic mouth rinses should be used after every meal.
•  Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and mild bruising in the cheeks are normal during the first week; these symptoms usually decrease within 7–10 days.
•  Sleeping Position: Sleeping with the head elevated may help reduce edema.

First Month

•  Physical Activities: Heavy exercise should be avoided for the first week; afterward, light activities can be started with the doctor’s approval.
•  Diet: Spicy and hard foods should be avoided, and balanced, healthy nutrition should be prioritized.
•  Follow-Up Appointments: You should attend the follow-up appointments determined by your doctor regularly.

Long Term

•  Observing Results: The final results of surgery are usually fully seen within 3–6 months.
•  Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreens should be used to protect the face from the harmful effects of the sun.
•  Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced nutrition and regular exercise are important for maintaining the results.

Important Note: Each individual’s healing process may vary. Therefore, it is very important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and instructions exactly during the post-operative period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics)

We have compiled the most frequently asked questions and answers about bichectomy for you.

1) Is bichectomy permanent?
Yes, bichectomy is a permanent procedure. After the fat cells are removed, they do not form again, so the new shape of the face remains lifelong.

2) Does bichectomy surgery hurt?
No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation. Therefore, the patient does not feel any pain during the operation. However, there may be mild pain and discomfort after surgery, which can be easily controlled with prescribed painkillers.

3) When does swelling go down after bichectomy?
Post-operative swelling usually decreases within the first week. Completely resolving and for the facial contours to settle may take 3–6 months.

4) How long does the bichectomy procedure take?
Bichectomy is a fairly short operation. It is usually completed within 30–45 minutes, and the patient is discharged the same day.

5) Should I follow a diet after bichectomy?
It is recommended to consume soft foods for the first few days. To speed up healing of the intraoral stitches, spicy, hard, and hot foods should be avoided.

6) How does the face shape after bichectomy surgery?
There may be mild swelling in the first weeks, but as swelling subsides, the jawline and cheekbones become more defined. Final results can usually be seen fully within 3 to 6 months.