Bichectomy/Buccal Fat Removal (Cheek Aesthetics)

Everything About Buccal Fat Removal – Cheek Esthetics

With buccal fat removal, achieving finer facial features is now possible.

Full and plump lips, a slender face, a straight nose, a small chin – these factors greatly contribute to beauty. The proportion of each feature of the face and the harmony of these proportions are expressed as the Golden Ratio. If a person has a face with golden proportions, it is considered flawless aesthetically.

Buccal fat removal is a type of operation effective against the appearance of excess fat in the cheeks, which causes a person to look heavier than they actually are, and potential deformations in the cheek area. Especially in women, cheeks that appear full at a young age due to excess fat become less attractive over time as they begin to sag with age. Buccal fat removal surgery improves this appearance and yields satisfactory results.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

An ideal face shape is considered to have distinct and slender features. Sometimes, a person’s face and cheek structure can make them appear heavier than they actually are. Shaping the face with buccal fat removal involves removing excess fat tissue from the cheeks. Also known as the “Hollywood cheek,” buccal fat removal surgery reveals the cheekbones, providing a slimmer and youthful appearance.

The procedure is performed by making a small incision inside the mouth, through which about 40% of the fat tissue in that area is removed. Lasting around half an hour, this procedure does not create aesthetically disturbing scars since the incision is inside the cheek. Small swellings may occur after the operation. It is important for the patient to keep the inside of the mouth clean after the procedure. The results become evident within 3-4 weeks after the operation.

How is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?

Buccal fat removal (Cheek Esthetics) is a painless procedure. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. Only thin local needles applied to the area are felt during the local application. No pain or discomfort is felt during the procedure.

After necessary control processes, a 1.5 cm incision is made inside the mouth. The excess part of the fat cushion is removed by reaching the fat pad, and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures. Although the fat removed in buccal fat removal surgery occupies a large area inside the cheek, its amount is not excessive. However, it can be used to cover small deformities in the facial region.

Why is Buccal Fat Removal Done?

Buccal fat removal is a recommended procedure for both women and men. Due to the different facial structures of women and men, appropriate planning should be made.

Buccal fat removal can be easily preferred to address the following aesthetic concerns:

• Indistinct and small cheekbones
• Square or round face appearance due to excess fat tissue in the cheek area

Buccal fat removal achieves very successful results, especially in the younger age group. The cheeks of these individuals sag due to genetic reasons, and they may appear round due to the existing fat layer. After the procedure, this disproportion disappears, resulting in a satisfying appearance.

You can contact our consultants for before and after photos of Buccal Fat Removal (Hollywood Cheek).

What are the Stages of Deciding on Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?

First, a consultation is held between the doctor and the patient. The patient’s facial structure is analyzed to determine whether they are suitable for surgery. Then, the patient’s expectations are evaluated, and discussions are made about the desired appearance to be achieved. After decisions are made on these matters, information about the surgery is provided.

Before the operation, discussions are held about what to pay attention to, anaesthesia, the operation process, the recovery process after the operation, and what to pay attention to after the operation.

The patient’s medical history is evaluated.

After determining the operation date, the planning stage is completed.

When Does Buccal Fat Removal Show its Effects?

The desired result after Buccal Fat Removal (Hollywood Cheek) becomes apparent after the swelling and healing process following the surgery is completed. Swelling after the operation usually decreases within a few days to a few weeks, but it may take several weeks to months for it to completely subside and the results to be clearly seen.

Is Buccal Fat Removal a Risky Surgery?

Although buccal fat removal surgery appears to be a simple operation, like any surgery, it carries some low-risk factors. The formation of these risks may be due to errors made by the surgeon during the operation. Therefore, the professional knowledge of the doctor who will perform the operation, their experience with this operation, and the examination of previous surgical results are important issues. Whether the patient is suitable for the operation conditions is another important factor affecting the risk factors.

Buccal fat removal surgery does not have any harmful effects. Although rare, some pain may occur in the cheek area after the surgery.

What are the Precautions Before and After Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?

Before buccal fat removal surgery, patients should avoid consuming blood-thinning medications and foods such as aspirin. It is recommended to stop smoking and alcohol consumption a week before. Stopping smoking and alcohol consumption is important for the fast recovery of buccal fat removal. If regular medications are being taken, the doctor performing the operation should be informed.

The recovery process varies for each person. Swelling may occur in the first few days after the surgery. Although swelling is considered normal, it typically disappears within about 1 week. It may take 2-4 months to clearly see the effects of the procedure on the cheeks. Nutrition is crucial after Buccal Fat Removal surgery. It is important to follow the doctor’s advice on this matter. Solid foods should not be consumed on the first day after buccal fat removal surgery. Chewing movements can damage the stitches inside the mouth. Therefore, liquid foods should be consumed on the first day. In the following days, a gradual transition to solid foods can be made. Careful attention should be paid to oral hygiene to prevent infection, smoking should not be done after the procedure, and the mouth should be rinsed frequently with the provided mouthwash. The stitches dissolve within a few days, and sensitivity disappears.

How to Reduce Swelling After Buccal Fat Removal?

Some swelling may occur after Buccal Fat Removal surgery. This is a normal condition. Keeping the head elevated, applying cold compresses, resting, and maintaining a healthy and balanced diet are important supportive steps to reduce swelling after Buccal Fat Removal. The swelling subsides after a while.

What are the Risks and Side Effects?

The risk of complications in Buccal Fat Removal surgery is generally very low. It is important for the plastic surgeon to be knowledgeable about the anatomical structure of the area where the procedure will be performed. In some cases, bleeding may occur.