What is Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics)?
The cosmetic procedure of removing fatty tissue from the cheeks to slim the facial features is called bichectomy.
This procedure gives the face a sharper and more proportionate appearance. Bichectomy is particularly preferred by those who are unhappy with their full cheeks. The Bichat fat is surgically removed through a small incision inside the mouth. This makes the cheekbones more prominent and gives the face a V-shape. Since bichectomy is performed under local anesthesia, it is generally painless and comfortable. When planned according to the individual’s facial structure, it provides very natural results. In recent years, it has become popular among those who want to slim down their aesthetic appearance.
How is a bichectomy performed?
A bichectomy is performed by removing cheek fat through a small incision inside the mouth.
First, local anesthesia is applied to numb the area. During a bichectomy, the surgeon makes a 1-2 cm incision inside the cheek and carefully removes the tissue known as Bichat fat. The procedure is performed on both cheeks to ensure symmetry. The operation takes approximately 30-45 minutes, and the patient can be discharged the same day. Mild swelling and tenderness may occur after a bichectomy, which usually subsides within a few days. This procedure, which enhances facial features, offers natural and lasting results. A noticeable slimming of the face can be achieved with a simple intervention.
Who is a suitable candidate for bichectomy?
Individuals with round and full faces and good general health are suitable candidates for bichectomy.
This procedure is generally preferred for individuals who, despite being thin, have indistinct facial features. To undergo bichectomy surgery, one must be 18 years of age or older and have completed facial development. More successful results are obtained in individuals with sufficient skin elasticity. The procedure is more effective in individuals with significant fat tissue in the cheeks. Bichectomy is ideal for those who want to achieve a lasting slimming effect on their face but experience disproportion in their overall structure. For suitable candidates, it provides satisfactory results in terms of facial aesthetics.
Is Bichectomy a Permanent Procedure?
Since cheek fat tissue does not regenerate, bichectomy provides permanent results.
The Bichat fat removed during a bichectomy is not regenerated by the body, which guarantees the permanence of the results. However, if the person gains weight in later years, a general fullness may occur in the face. The refined facial features obtained after the procedure are maintained for many years as long as a stable weight is maintained. When professionally performed, bichectomy naturally improves facial proportions. Since the incision scar remains inside the mouth, it is not noticeable from the outside. For those who want permanent and natural results, bichectomy is a very advantageous choice.
Is bichectomy harmful?
When performed by a skilled surgeon, bichectomy is generally harmless.
Although bichectomy is a simple cosmetic procedure, it can carry a risk of complications if performed incorrectly. Because it works close to facial nerves, nerve damage can occur in inexperienced hands. Furthermore, removing excess tissue can cause the face to appear sunken with age. Therefore, expert evaluation is crucial before undergoing bichectomy. When performed on the right candidates and with the correct technique, the procedure is safe. A detailed examination and selection of an experienced physician are critical for achieving lasting and balanced results. A professional approach minimizes the risk of negative outcomes.
Recovery Process After Bichectomy
The recovery process after bichectomy is usually completed within 7 to 14 days.
Mild swelling, pain, and bruising may occur in the first few days, but these effects will subside quickly. Maintaining good oral hygiene after a bichectomy reduces the risk of infection. Pain relievers and antibiotics prescribed by your doctor should be used regularly. Eating liquids and soft foods for the first few days helps with healing. Full results usually begin to show within a few weeks. The recovery process after bichectomy can vary from person to person, but it is generally comfortable and fast. As the swelling subsides, facial features become more defined and the slimming effect becomes noticeable.
How does bichectomy (buccal fat removal) change the shape of the face?
Removing cheek fat helps to define facial features and create a slimmer, sharper appearance.
A bichectomy procedure makes the cheekbones more prominent and defines the jawline. It can dramatically slim down individuals with round and full faces. This aesthetic intervention brings the face closer to a V shape and supports symmetry. After a bichectomy, the face becomes younger, more elegant, and more proportionate. Since the procedure is permanent, the results are maintained over time. A striking change can be achieved with a minor aesthetic intervention. Bichectomy is an ideal method for those who want to naturally reshape their facial features.
When does it become noticeable that the face has become thinner after a bichectomy?
The slimming effect after bichectomy usually starts to become noticeable within 3 to 4 weeks.
Due to swelling, puffiness, and tenderness in the initial days, the final shape of the face is not immediately visible. As this swelling subsides after bichectomy, the slimming of the cheeks becomes clearly noticeable. Once the healing process is complete, the cheekbones become more prominent and the facial features settle. For some individuals, it may take 2 to 3 months to see the full results. To speed up the process, ice application and attention to the care steps recommended by the doctor should be followed. Slimming after bichectomy is a process that requires patience but offers lasting results.
How long does a bichectomy surgery take?
The buccal fat removal (bichectomy) procedure, a cheek aesthetic surgery, is usually completed in 30 to 45 minutes.
Bichectomy surgery is a short and comfortable procedure performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision inside the cheek and removes the Bichat fat tissue. This procedure is performed separately for each cheek and the total time does not exceed 1 hour. The patient can be discharged the same day after the operation. Bichectomy is a practical procedure that yields quick results. A few days of rest after the procedure is sufficient. This procedure, which is ideal for slimming facial features, is also quite advantageous in terms of time.
Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics) Prices 2026
Bichectomy prices in 2026 typically range between $2,000 and $8,000, depending on country, clinic standards, and procedure scope.
When do you see results after a bichectomy?
Changes in facial features usually begin to become noticeable within 3 to 4 weeks after bichectomy.
In the first few days, the final shape of the face is not immediately visible due to edema and swelling. Recovery of the tissues after a bichectomy takes time and requires patience. As the swelling subsides, the cheekbones become more prominent, and the face becomes slimmer. In some individuals, it may take 2-3 months for the full results to settle. Regular post-operative care and adherence to doctor’s recommendations will speed up the process. The results obtained with bichectomy are permanent, so it is not a temporary aesthetic change. As the results become clearer, facial features appear defined and balanced.
Is Bichectomy a Painful Procedure?
Since it is performed under local anesthesia, bichectomy is usually painless.
Patient comfort is prioritized throughout the procedure, and no pain is experienced. Mild pain, swelling, and tenderness may occur in the first few days after a bichectomy. This is considered normal and can be controlled with prescription pain relievers. Cold application also reduces swelling and provides relief. Short-term discomfort may be felt while eating due to the incision inside the mouth. However, these symptoms usually subside within a few days. Bichectomy is a facial reshaping procedure with a low pain level and quick recovery.
Is Bichectomy a Permanent Procedure?
Since cheek fat does not regenerate, bichectomy provides permanent results.
The Bichat fat tissue removed during a bichectomy does not regenerate, ensuring the long-term effects of the procedure. The slimming and definition achieved in the facial features are maintained as long as a stable weight is maintained. However, in cases of excessive weight gain, there may be a general fullness in the face. When applied to the right individuals, bichectomy provides a natural and balanced appearance. The facial shape settles over time after the surgical intervention, and this new appearance becomes permanent. Therefore, the procedure is suitable for those who want long-term facial contouring.
Do stitches need to be removed after a bichectomy?
Thanks to the self-dissolving sutures placed inside the mouth, there is no need to remove stitches after a bichectomy.
The small incisions made during a bichectomy procedure are usually closed with self-healing sutures. These sutures are placed in the oral mucosa and are therefore invisible and undetectable from the outside. They dissolve and disappear in approximately 7-10 days. No dressing is required after a bichectomy; simply maintaining oral hygiene is necessary. Eating soft foods and avoiding hot drinks during this period contributes to healing. Thanks to the self-dissolving sutures, post-operative care is quite comfortable.
Does a bichectomy make the face look too thin?
Depending on facial structure, a bichectomy procedure can provide a noticeable slimming effect, but it won’t make you look excessively thin.
Bichectomy surgery creates a more noticeable effect, especially in individuals with full cheeks. When performed on individuals with thin facial features, there is a risk of creating a sunken or aged appearance. Therefore, a detailed assessment of facial proportions is necessary before the procedure. When properly planned, bichectomy surgery proportionally slims facial features. When applied to suitable candidates, it results in a more elegant and balanced facial appearance. The aim is not to excessively slim the facial features, but to accentuate the contours.
Can a bichectomy procedure be repeated?
Bichectomy, once performed, usually doesn’t need to be repeated and rarely may require a second procedure.
During a bichectomy, the Bichat fat removed is permanent. Therefore, in most people, the procedure is a single one and does not require repetition. However, in some cases, if the desired result is not achieved or asymmetry occurs, re-intervention may be considered. The second procedure is usually planned carefully and is limited. Since facial features settle over time after bichectomy, it is necessary to wait to see the final result. If a repeat procedure is considered, an expert evaluation should definitely be obtained. The need for repetition is quite rare.
