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Buccal Fat Removal Bichectomy
Buccal fat refers to the fatty tissue located between the bones of your cheeks and jawline. These fat pads contribute to the overall shape of your face. Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure aimed at eliminating the excess fat in this specific facial region. By undergoing this procedure, the natural bone structure, particularly the cheekbones and the indented areas between the cheeks and jawline, can be emphasized. This surgical treatment is also occasionally referred to as cheek reduction.
What does Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy Surgery) involve?
A desirable facial appearance is characterized by a slender structure and well-defined features. Occasionally, an individual’s facial and cheek structure can create the perception of being overweight, despite being at their ideal weight. In Turkey, Bichectomy surgery is performed to eliminate excess fat tissue from the cheek area, enhancing the visibility of cheekbones and creating a more slender and youthful appearance on the face. This procedure is also referred to as “Hollywood cheek surgery”.
The procedure involves making a small cut inside the mouth and removing about 40% of the fatty tissue in that area. This process, which typically takes around 30 minutes, does not leave any visible scars as the incision mark remains inside the mouth. Some slight swelling may occur after the surgery. It is crucial for the patient to maintain good oral hygiene following the bichectomy procedure. The outcome of the procedure becomes evident within 3-4 weeks.
Who is an ideal candidate for removing buccal fat?
If any of the following situations describe you, then you could be considered a suitable candidate for buccal fat removal.
- You’re in good physical health.
- You’re at a healthy weight.
- You have a round, fuller face.
- You dislike the fullness of your cheeks.
- You are experiencing pseudoherniation, which is the presence of a small, rounded mass of fat in your cheek caused by a weakened buccal fat pad.
- You are exploring the possibility of undergoing a procedure known as facial feminization surgery.
- You have realistic expectations.
- You don’t smoke.
What happens before a buccal fat removal surgery?
Prior to undergoing buccal fat removal surgery, you will have a consultation with your healthcare provider. During this meeting, you will have a conversation about your desired outcomes from the surgery and receive information about what to anticipate before, during, and after the operation.
When you first go to see your doctor, they will give you a physical examination and may also take pictures of your face. They will also ask you about your general health, including your family’s health history and any previous surgeries you have had. They will collect basic health information, including your blood pressure, and talk to you about any medications you are currently taking. It is important for you to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including herbs and supplements. To ensure the best results, your doctor may ask you to quit smoking or using tobacco products before the surgery.
In the meanwhile, your healthcare professional will attend to your queries and inform you about what you can anticipate during the surgery. They will give personalized advice according to your specific objectives and discuss potential risks involved in the procedure.
What Happens During Buccal Fat Removal?
After consulting with your surgeon, discussing and agreeing on goals, as well as addressing financing and any other concerns, the scheduling of your procedure will take place.
The process of buccal fat removal typically lasts for approximately 45 minutes. Throughout the procedure:
- You will receive either general anesthesia, which is administered intravenously to put you to sleep during the procedure, or local anesthesia, which is a numbing medication injected into the inner cheek with a needle.
- While you are in a state of sleep or total numbness, the surgeon creates a small cut within the cheek.
- The surgeon can see the soft buccal fat pad and uses forceps to hold it and pull it through the cut. Then, the surgeon takes out the necessary amount of buccal fat pad to create the desired outcome.
- The cut is sealed with sutures that will dissolve over time.
- The same procedure is performed on the opposite side of the face.
How Long Will It Take To Recover?
If you perform a job that does not involve much talking and requires you to sit at a desk, you should be able to go back to work within 3 days to a week after your surgery. However, if your job is more physically demanding, you may need more time to heal. It is important to talk to your surgeon about this before deciding to undergo the procedure.
After your surgery, you will not be allowed to engage in any form of physical activity for approximately three weeks. It is crucial during this time to avoid raising your blood pressure as it can hinder the healing process. This implies that you will be unable to partake in any strenuous activities or sports for a period of six weeks or longer.
You are instructed to refrain from washing your face or wearing make-up on the first day after your surgery, but afterwards you will be able to do so. During the initial days, you will only be able to consume soft foods, and for the first two weeks after the operation, you should limit the amount of chewing. It is advisable to avoid salty foods in order to reduce swelling. Additionally, after eating, it is important to rinse your mouth with water to prevent anything from entering the incisions inside your mouth.
After your surgery, it is anticipated that you will need to come for at least 2 follow-up appointments. The initial visit, which usually occurs within 7-10 days, involves removing the stitches unless they are designed to dissolve. The second appointment, scheduled around 3 weeks later, is a routine check-up to ensure that you are able to resume your normal activities and perform gentle exercises.
After undergoing buccal fat removal, what outcomes can I anticipate?
Swelling after buccal fat removal surgery can initially mask the true outcome. It may take a few months for the final results to become apparent, as the cheeks gradually adjust to their new shape. The postoperative appearance should show reduced fullness and a less chubby look in the cheeks.
Medicine and surgery are not precise sciences, so while positive outcomes are anticipated, they cannot be guaranteed. In certain cases, it may not be feasible to achieve the best possible results through just one surgery, necessitating the need for additional surgical procedures.
If you encounter difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or irregular heart rhythms upon returning home after surgery, it is essential to promptly seek medical help. In the event that any of these issues arise, it is possible that you may need to be admitted to the hospital and receive further medical intervention.
It is crucial to follow the medical advice given by your doctor in order for your surgery to be successful. It is important to avoid putting too much pressure, rubbing, or moving the surgical cuts while they are healing. Your physician will provide you with detailed instructions on how to take care of yourself.
Treatment in Türkiye:
The medical staff of surgical teams, doctors, and consultants at REHABTÜRK can provide the best treatment options and free consultations, striving to stay up-to-date on the latest medical technologies and methods.
