Publicado por Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 13/09/2023
When patients take an interest in buccal fat pad surgery it is normal for many questions to come up, because there are a lot of myths and mistaken beliefs. Today we want to explain what it is and how much the face changes with a bichectomy, along with the benefits of this procedure.
What is a bichectomy?
Bichectomy in Madrid is a procedure to remove the fat deposits in the face, called buccal fat pads, which serve no function in the body. And so your face will have a better shape, slimmer and more defined.
A bichectomy is a surgical procedure that can sculpt and slim the face by removing the buccal fat pads in the cheeks. These pockets of fat sit in the lower section of the cheeks, and sometimes drop towards the jaw as we age, which leads to that childlike appearance.
The goal of this procedure is to remove the excess “baby fat” while preserving the naturally soft appearance of the face.
Do you feel your face is very round? Do you think your cheeks make you look less mature? Do people mistake your age because you have a childlike face shape due to excess fat?
Round or chubby cheeks are that way because of genetics; your overall weight has very little to do with having a round face shape or poorly defined cheeks. But this quick, effective procedure was created for exactly that, and it will let you achieve a more mature appearance and the facial contour you want.
Benefits of a bichectomy
A bichectomy is surgery with a purely aesthetic purpose. So its benefits are directly associated with personal appearance and how the patient sees themselves.
Improved facial appearance
Removing the buccal fat pads has an immediate effect on facial appearance, since the patient will achieve a more defined, slimmer face. This is possible because of the reduction in the size of the cheeks and, with it, the cheekbones become more prominent, bringing out this feature.
This surgery can even improve the symmetry of the face and define the chin.
Increased self-esteem and confidence
Those who are not happy with the way their face looks, and more specifically those who are uncomfortable with how their cheeks look, find in bichectomy a procedure that can give them back their self-worth and self-confidence.
Patients who change the appearance of their cheekbones, and achieve a more symmetrical, defined face, will feel more comfortable and confident in their personal and professional relationships and with themselves.
How much does the face change with a bichectomy?
Fat in the face is necessary up to a point; it helps maintain a youthful appearance. A lot of fat in the cheeks can make you look very childlike, even chubby. That baby fat usually disappears in adulthood, but if it does not, you have options for slimming your face.
Unwanted fat in the cheeks can give you a rounded face, hiding the definition of the cheekbones that makes you look far more attractive. Faced with this problem, the solution is buccal fat pad surgery, which is recommended for patients looking to get rid of a rounded face with a bichectomy.
Bichectomy for a rounded face is simple, quick surgery and an excellent option. What is more, the incisions are made inside the mouth, so you will have no visible scars.
Immediate changes in facial contour
If you are wondering how much the face changes with a bichectomy, you should know that it will make you look slimmer, with a more balanced facial appearance. You will reduce the excess fat in your cheeks.
After surgery, within three weeks you should be recovered and seeing the first results of the bichectomy, but it could take months to see the full results. It is important to be patient and follow the aftercare.
The change you achieve in your face with this surgery will help you gain self-esteem and self-confidence. You will be able to compare the bichectomy before and after, and you will see a big difference in your face.
With buccal fat pad surgery these pockets are removed and the face takes on a slimmer, more defined appearance. They can be removed completely or in part; this will give the face balance and symmetry.
In general, your face will change with a bichectomy because it slims the cheek area. But if you want a complete change to your face, you will need to complement this procedure with a facelift, which will improve the jawline and the neck and slim the face further.
A bichectomy will make you look and feel more attractive and will give you confidence, which can lead you to a happier life. It is a straightforward procedure that does a great deal to improve the appearance of your face, and with it, your self-esteem.
Will my face look hollow after a bichectomy?
There is a widespread belief that a bichectomy ages people. This is because removing the excess fat slims the cheeks, but it depends on each patient.
Depending on the person’s facial structure, a bichectomy could cause a hollow appearance in those who do not have a good bone structure, or whose skin is very stretched. If that happens, it is not down to the surgery, but to the lack of prominence of the cheekbones, which are the basis of good jaw projection.
A good surgeon will analyse your bone structure first, and will then tell you whether you are a good candidate for a bichectomy. In that case they might suggest other types of procedure to improve your facial appearance and will explain how a bichectomy works compared with other procedures.
Improved chin and jaw definition
A bichectomy can help you get rid of the appearance of a double chin and will give you a better facial contour, and a more mature, slimmer look to your face.
Excess fat in the cheeks can accentuate excess fat under the chin, since it can add extra weight to your face, which blurs the jawline and can give the illusion that your cheeks are directly connected to the fat under your chin. And if that is not enough, you could complement the bichectomy with a chin implant.
You can also ask your surgeon about the price of a rhinoplasty in Madrid.
Recovery after a bichectomy
After a bichectomy it is normal for the patient to have a lot of swelling and mild pain, and even tenderness in the cheeks. Let us look at what recovery is like after this surgery.
Recovery time and post-operative care
Bichectomy is surgery that requires relative rest for a week, after which the surgeon will check that everything is in order and will go on to remove the stitches. After that first week the patient can go back to their everyday activities as normal.
Although the recovery time is quick, the changes in the face really start to become visible after two or three weeks; and the definitive results at six months.
As for the care needed during recovery, we can highlight the following:
- A liquid diet.
- Speaking little, to avoid unnecessary effort.
- Maintaining proper oral hygiene.
- In addition, the doctor might also recommend wearing a compression bandage for 2 days.
- The patient must avoid smoking or drinking alcohol.
- They must not do high-intensity physical exercise until that area of the face has healed completely, in order to avoid the risks of a bichectomy during recovery.
When will I see the results of the bichectomy?
You now know how much the face changes with a bichectomy, but it is important to be clear that you will not see this result immediately, but once you have fully recovered.
Depending on the amount of fat removed, and according to bichectomy patients’ testimonials, some of them have immediately noticed their face looking slimmer. But it is important that you follow all the surgeon’s recommendations for recovery.
Bear in mind that the buccal fat pads will not grow back; the results are permanent, although there is always the possibility that fat cells remaining in the area will grow if you gain weight.
Long-term results and the factors that affect them
Maintaining facial contour over time
The best way to make sure the results of this surgery are permanent is to keep your body weight stable and follow a healthy lifestyle. Bear in mind that exercising regularly helps strengthen the muscles of the face. Using sun cream contributes to healthier skin. And that smoking and drinking cause skin laxity.
Factors that can influence the change
The results of a bichectomy are long-lasting; however, there are some factors that can affect the result obtained as time passes.
For example, weight changes have a direct impact on the appearance of the face. Although the buccal fat pads do not form again, gaining weight can make the cheeks look fuller, and losing a lot of weight will make them look very thin.
In addition, depending on the patient’s age, the results of a bichectomy can vary. In younger skin, elasticity and firmness contribute to standout results, whereas in older people it can produce a more aged look. In the latter case it can be combined with procedures such as a facelift.
Every person has a different bone structure and this is the foundation of the face, so the result of a bichectomy is directly related to the structure of the facial bones and the amount of fat removed.
How to choose the right clinic or surgeon
Credentials, experience and previous results
Choosing the right surgeon is essential for getting the best results from a bichectomy and reducing possible complications. That is why you should make sure you check their credentials to verify that they are a qualified professional with experience in this type of surgery.
In addition, it is recommended to ask for references or to look at the surgeon’s website and social media. At an initial consultation you can also ask the doctor for photographs of their previous work, to check the results they have achieved with previous patients.
At Sculpture Clinic we specialise in facial surgery such as bichectomy and in body surgery such as abdominoplasty in Madrid.
What questions should you ask before having the procedure?
These are some of the basic questions you can ask the surgeon at the first consultation:
- How many years of experience do you have performing bichectomies?
- Am I a good candidate for a bichectomy?
- What exactly does the bichectomy procedure involve? What type of anaesthetic does it require?
- What results should I expect?
- What are the risks or possible complications?
- What preparation is required before surgery?
- What is recovery like?
Conclusion: is a bichectomy worth it?
A bichectomy is surgery that offers excellent, immediate results for those who want a more defined face with more pronounced cheekbones. It is a minimally invasive, safe procedure that leaves no visible scars; however, it is essential to have realistic expectations regarding the possible results, and for that you need to know how to choose an experienced, certified professional.
Now that you have a better idea of how much the face changes with a bichectomy, you can decide whether or not you want to go for this procedure. Contact us for an assessment with our expert surgeons and to find out the average price of a bichectomy.
