What is a Bichectomy?
Bichectomy, performed for individuals who want to enhance their facial features, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing excess fat from the cheek area. It’s also commonly known as “cheek reduction surgery.” The goal is to slim down the lower face and emphasize the cheekbones. Even with weight control, some individuals may genetically retain significant fullness in the cheeks. This can cause the face to appear rounder than it actually is. A bichectomy removes this excess fullness, giving the facial features a more proportionate appearance. The result is a more elegant, youthful, and aesthetically pleasing facial appearance.
How is Bichectomy Surgery Performed?
The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes approximately 30-45 minutes. The surgeon carefully removes the fat pads, known as “Bichat,” by making a small incision inside the mouth. This procedure leaves no visible scars because the incisions are completely inside the mouth. After the surgery, the stitches are closed with special, self-dissolving sutures. Patients are usually discharged the same day and can quickly return to their normal routine. Eating a soft diet, avoiding hot foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene for the first few days will speed up the healing process. Natural-looking results are usually visible within 3-4 weeks.
Who is a Candidate for a Bichectomy?
This procedure is generally suitable for adults who want to enhance their facial features and have disproportionate fullness in the cheek area. Those who are not overweight but have a fuller facial structure are ideal candidates. This procedure is not recommended for extremely thin individuals or those with significant facial hollowness. Before surgery, the overall facial proportions are evaluated, and a personalized plan is developed. Bichectomy, performed on suitable candidates, provides a striking balance in facial aesthetics. In the long term, permanent slimming is achieved, resulting in a more attractive facial appearance.
How Does Bichectomy Change the Face Shape?
Removing the fat pads in the cheek area slims the lower face. This results in more defined cheekbones and a sharper jawline. After the procedure, the overall facial appearance appears more symmetrical, elegant, and aesthetically pleasing. Facial features become more prominent, especially in photographs, resulting in a greater sense of self-confidence. Bichectomy is a permanent procedure; the removed fat tissue does not regenerate. To achieve natural results, the procedure must be planned according to your facial structure. You can contact us for a personalized evaluation and, together, we can plan the most appropriate aesthetic solution for your face shape.
Is Bichectomy Permanent?
Bichectomy is a cosmetic procedure performed for individuals seeking permanent facial slimming, with results that last for many years. Because the fat removed during surgery doesn’t regenerate, the resulting slimming is permanent. However, overall body composition and weight fluctuations can cause minor changes in facial shape. Therefore, maintaining an ideal weight after surgery helps maintain the balance of facial features in the long term. When performed with proper technique, the results appear natural and achieve a harmonious aesthetic balance with the facial features. When performed with proper planning and by experienced surgeons, a single procedure is sufficient.
How Long Does a Bichectomy Take?
Removing excess fat from the cheek area is a relatively quick procedure. It’s usually completed in 30 to 45 minutes. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake but doesn’t feel any pain. In some cases, sedation can make the procedure more comfortable. Excess fat is removed through a small incision made inside the mouth, and the procedure leaves no visible scars. Immediately after the surgery, the patient can return home after a short recovery period. The return to daily life is rapid, making bichectomy a practical and comfortable cosmetic procedure.
Post-Operative Recovery:
The recovery process is quite smooth and rapid. You may experience mild swelling or tenderness in the first few days after surgery. This usually subsides within a few days. Since the stitches dissolve on their own, they do not need to be removed. It is recommended to avoid hot foods and stick to a soft diet for the first 3-5 days. Oral hygiene is extremely important; therefore, gargling with salt water accelerates healing. Once the swelling has completely subsided, facial features begin to become clearer. The facial contours typically reach their final shape within 3-4 weeks. Following the doctor’s recommended post-procedure care will ensure lasting and balanced results.
Things to Consider After Bichectomy:
For the first few days after surgery, rest is essential, avoiding pressure on the face and strenuous exercise. Regular gargling is recommended to allow the sutures in the mouth to heal, and alcohol and smoking should be avoided. During this period, hot foods and beverages should be avoided; if possible, warm or cold foods should be preferred. Antibiotics and painkillers recommended by your doctor should be taken regularly. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated is also beneficial to reduce swelling. Facial features begin to become more defined within the first week, and within a few weeks, the desired aesthetic appearance will be achieved. You can contact us for a quote to achieve a more attractive and balanced facial shape, and we can work together to develop the most suitable plan for you.
Does Bichectomy Create a Natural Facial Appearance?
When performed with the proper technique, bichectomy naturally slims facial features and highlights cheekbones. The goal of the procedure is not to completely change the facial structure, but to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. During the surgery, only excess fat is removed, resulting in a natural slimness without compromising facial proportions. The results become apparent within a few weeks, and the facial expression becomes more graceful. When performed by experienced surgeons, the facial appearance is preserved naturally, avoiding an artificial or excessive appearance. Bichectomy preserves the facial features, enhances symmetry, and creates aesthetic balance.
Bichectomy Prices 2025:
Bichectomy prices in 2025 generally range between 1,500 USD and 3,500 USD, depending on clinic standards and surgeon expertise. This cosmetic procedure removes excess cheek fat to create a slimmer and more contoured facial appearance. The total cost varies according to anesthesia type, clinic facilities, and whether additional facial procedures are combined. Recovery care and post-operative follow-ups may also influence the overall price. On average, bichectomy is considered a safe and effective option for patients seeking a more defined and proportional facial structure.
Is Bichectomy a Painful Procedure?
Because local anesthesia is used during the procedure, there is no pain. Afterward, there may be only mild tightness or tenderness. This usually subsides within a few days. With simple painkillers prescribed by your doctor, the procedure is quite comfortable. Bichectomy is a short procedure, and patients usually return home the same day. With careful care during recovery, pain or discomfort is minimal. When performed under appropriate conditions, patients experience a comfortable recovery.
Will the Cheeks Appear Sunken After Bichectomy?
A slight thinning of the cheeks is observed after the surgery, but this isn’t perceived as sunken. The goal is to balance the facial features and make the cheekbones more defined. The surgeon removes the appropriate amount of fat tissue for each patient’s facial structure. This achieves a natural slimming effect, avoiding an excessively thin or sunken appearance. Once healing is complete, the cheeks will blend into the overall facial shape, resulting in a natural aesthetic appearance. With proper planning, the results are balanced, elegant, and lasting. Those seeking to slim their facial features and achieve a more defined appearance can contact us for a quote and detailed information to determine the most appropriate plan for their needs.
Can This Procedure Be Performed Without Weight Loss?
Bichectomy is a cosmetic procedure that can be performed without weight loss. This is because it targets the genetically permanent “Bichat” fat pads in the cheek area. Even if weight loss reduces body fat, the fatty tissue in this area usually remains, maintaining the rounded appearance of the face. Bichectomy removes this permanent fat, resulting in a slimmer, more balanced, and more proportionate facial contour. Therefore, cheek reduction can be achieved without weight loss. While the patient achieves their desired facial shape after the surgery, the results are minimally affected by changes in body weight. We create a personalized plan tailored to each patient’s facial structure, achieving a natural look and aesthetic balance.
Does the Social Security Institution (SGK) cover bichectomy?
The Social Security Institution (SGK) does not cover bichectomy because it is performed for cosmetic purposes. Because this procedure is not medically necessary, it is not covered by the SGK. In other words, the procedure is entirely a matter of personal preference and is considered a private healthcare service. However, in some cases, if there are functional disorders, such as significant facial imbalances or asymmetries, this can be documented with a doctor’s report. However, except in such special cases, there is no government support for bichectomy. A detailed evaluation of the procedure is performed after the examination. You can obtain a clear information about the cost of the procedure by contacting us and we can create a personalized treatment plan for you.
When Does the Face Set After Bichectomy?
It’s quite normal to experience mild swelling and swelling in the first few days after the procedure. These symptoms usually subside within 5 to 7 days. However, it takes some time for the facial features to fully settle. The facial shape begins to become more defined within an average of 3 to 4 weeks, with the final results achieved after approximately 2-3 months. During this period, the tissue recovers, the swelling disappears completely, and the face regains a proportionate shape. Following postoperative care recommendations accelerates the healing process and ensures natural results. We take a personalized approach to each patient’s facial structure when planning the procedure, ensuring the best aesthetic outcome.