Bichectomy

Bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal, is a cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at enhancing facial contours. It involves the removal of buccal fat pads, which are located in the lower cheeks. These fat pads can vary in size, and their removal can create a more sculpted, defined facial appearance, often desired for aesthetic reasons.

This procedure is particularly popular among individuals seeking to diminish the appearance of chubby cheeks, achieving a more chiseled look. The surgery is relatively simple and is performed under local anesthesia.

It typically involves small incisions inside the mouth, ensuring no visible external scars. While generally safe, as with any surgical procedure, bichectomy carries risks and potential complications. It's crucial for candidates to have realistic expectations and to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon.

How Does Bichectomy Work?

Bichectomy is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve facial aesthetics by reducing the size of the buccal fat pads located in the lower cheeks. These fat pads, also called Bichat fat pads, contribute to the fullness of the cheeks. The procedure works as follows:

1. Consultation and Evaluation: The process typically begins with a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, you'll discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations for the surgery. The surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin elasticity, and the amount of buccal fat present to determine if you are a suitable candidate for bichectomy.
2. Anesthesia: On the day of the procedure, you will be administered local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. This ensures that you won't feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery.
3. Incisions: The surgeon makes small incisions on the inside of your mouth, usually near the back molars. These incisions are carefully placed to avoid visible external scarring.
4. Fat Removal: Through the incisions, the surgeon accesses the buccal fat pads. They gently tease apart the fat from surrounding tissues and remove the desired amount of fat. The surgeon takes care not to over-remove fat to prevent a hollow or gaunt appearance.
5. Closure: After the buccal fat pads are removed, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures or surgical glue. There is no need for stitches to be removed later.
6. Recovery: You may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the days following the procedure. These side effects are normal and typically subside within a week or two. Your surgeon will provide post-operative care instructions to aid in a smooth recovery.
7. Results: Over the following weeks and months, as the swelling subsides and the tissues heal, you will begin to notice the improved contour of your cheeks. The results become more apparent, providing a more sculpted and defined facial appearance.

It's important to note that the amount of fat removed and the specific techniques used may vary from patient to patient, depending on their individual goals and facial anatomy. Bichectomy is a relatively straightforward procedure, and while it provides noticeable results, it's essential to choose a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon to minimize risks and achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, it's crucial to have realistic expectations regarding the final appearance, as the procedure is designed to enhance facial contours, not drastically change your overall facial structure.

Who is Suitable Candidate for Bichectomy?

Here are some criteria that can help determine who is a suitable candidate for bichectomy:

1. Excess Buccal Fat: The most suitable candidates for bichectomy have a significant amount of buccal fat that contributes to overly full or chubby cheeks. This procedure is intended to create a more sculpted and defined facial appearance by reducing the volume of these fat pads.
2. Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in good physical health and have no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery. A thorough medical evaluation will be conducted by the plastic surgeon to ensure that you are a suitable candidate.
3. Realistic Expectations: It's crucial for candidates to have realistic expectations about the results of bichectomy. This procedure is not meant to drastically change your facial structure but to enhance your existing features by reducing cheek fullness. Open and honest communication with your surgeon about your goals is essential.
4. Stable Weight: Candidates should be at a stable weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Significant fluctuations in weight can affect the long-term results of bichectomy.
5. Non-Smoker: Smoking can increase the risks of complications during and after surgery, so candidates are generally advised to quit smoking for a period before and after the procedure.
6. Commitment to Recovery: Bichectomy requires a brief recovery period, during which you may experience swelling and discomfort. Suitable candidates should be willing to follow post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
7. Realistic Understanding of the Procedure: Candidates should have a clear understanding of how bichectomy works, its potential risks and complications, and what can be achieved in terms of facial enhancement. This understanding helps in making informed decisions about the surgery.
8. Consultation with a Qualified Surgeon: Ultimately, the best way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for bichectomy is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in performing this procedure. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your individual facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.

It's essential to consult with a qualified surgeon who can evaluate your unique situation and provide expert guidance on whether bichectomy is the right choice for you. Keep in mind that bichectomy is a cosmetic procedure, and the decision to undergo it should be made carefully after considering all relevant factors.

Will There Be Visible Scars After Bichectomy?

One of the advantages of bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal, is that there are typically no visible external scars after the procedure. This is because the surgeon makes small incisions on the inside of the mouth, specifically within the cheek area, near the back molars.

These incisions are strategically placed to ensure they are not visible from the outside. As a result, you won't have any noticeable scars on your face or cheeks.

The incisions are made on the inner side of the cheeks to access and remove the buccal fat pads, which are responsible for the fullness of the lower cheeks. Since the incisions are located inside the mouth, they remain hidden, and there is no need for stitches to be removed, as dissolvable sutures or surgical glue are typically used.

However, it's important to keep in mind that while there are no visible external scars, there will still be internal healing taking place.

During the recovery period, you may experience some mild discomfort, swelling, and possible bruising inside your mouth, but these are temporary and part of the normal healing process. Following your surgeon's post-operative care instructions will help minimize any potential complications and ensure a smooth recovery without any visible scarring.

How Long Do The Results of Bichectomy Last?

The results of bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal, are generally considered to be permanent. Once the buccal fat pads are surgically removed, they do not grow back. This means that the reduction in cheek fullness achieved through bichectomy should be long-lasting.

However, it's important to note that while the fat pads do not return, the overall appearance of your face can still change over time due to factors such as aging and lifestyle choices. Here are some considerations regarding the long-term results of bichectomy:

1. Aging: The natural aging process can lead to changes in facial volume and skin elasticity. As you age, your face may naturally lose some fat, and the contours may shift. While the results of bichectomy are permanent, the overall appearance of your face may continue to change as you get older.
2. Lifestyle Factors: Maintaining a stable weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help preserve the results of bichectomy. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the distribution of fat in your face and impact the long-term outcome.
3. Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a role in the way your face ages and how fat is distributed. Some individuals naturally have more prominent cheekbones and less buccal fat, while others may be genetically predisposed to fuller cheeks.
4. Maintenance: To maintain the sculpted and defined appearance achieved through bichectomy, it's important to continue following a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine. Consult with your surgeon for personalized recommendations on post-operative care and maintenance.
5. Consultation with Your Surgeon: If you have any concerns about the long-term results or notice any changes in your facial appearance over time, it's advisable to schedule follow-up consultations with your plastic surgeon. They can assess your situation and provide guidance on potential options for maintaining or enhancing your facial aesthetics.

While the results of bichectomy are considered permanent in terms of fat reduction in the treated area, it's important to have realistic expectations and understand that your overall facial appearance may evolve over the years. Regular communication with your surgeon and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain the desired look for as long as possible.

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