Publicado por Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 17/02/2022
A bichectomy is a quick, straightforward procedure that removes the buccal fat pads from the patient’s face and so refines their facial features. These pads are small deposits of fat located in the cheeks. If you choose this option you should know about aftercare following a bichectomy. What specific measures and care do I have to follow to guarantee the best result after my procedure? We tell you everything you need to know below.
Immediate care (first 24-48 hours)
If you have ever had a tooth extracted, the following advice will be very familiar and you can follow it for bichectomy surgery in Madrid too.
Applying cold / cold compresses
A good tip is to put ice on the area for at least 20 minutes every hour. It is recommended to apply it during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, but it can help at any point afterwards, since it works to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Sleeping position and rest
Rest for at least 24 hours.
After a bichectomy it is important to pay special attention to the way we sleep. It may not seem especially relevant, but it can play a key role in our recovery.
The essential thing for a good recovery after a bichectomy is bringing the swelling down as soon as possible. Because of that, a good idea is always to sleep on your back with your head slightly raised.
This will make the swelling go down through the effect of gravity and within a few days we will feel much better. We can achieve this position with a larger pillow or by putting a cushion under the neck. The aim is to stay as comfortable as possible and ensure good rest in the best position.
What not to do
We should try to avoid effort, exercise or impacts for at least the first 5 days.
If we are in pain we will be prescribed painkillers, which we will need to take. However, it is not advisable to take aspirin, since it interferes with the blood clotting process. You have to be punctual in taking the medication, avoid taking too much and even more so in the case of antibiotics.
Alcohol and smoking must be avoided. As for tobacco, you will have healing problems and will slow the recovery down.
Avoid exposure to sunlight, especially on the treated areas, during the period until the swelling and any bruising have gone. Likewise, avoid tanning for at least the following three months, since the skin and the treated area can be left with marks.
After the procedure we will place a dressing on the areas where we made the incision for your surgery. Do not remove it until we tell you to.
Avoid places with high temperatures (saunas, kitchens and so on). If you notice an excessive rise in your body temperature, you must go to the clinic immediately.
Stages of recovery by days / weeks
Week 1: soft diet, light mobility, avoiding effort
For the first 2 days, the patient will have to follow a soft, liquid-based diet. And complete rest is required for the first two days after surgery.
From the third day the diet can move on to soft foods. At this stage strenuous physical activity must be avoided, as well as any action requiring physical effort.
Weeks 2-4: progression, gradual return to activity
After the first two weeks, the patient can start eating normally, but should still avoid hard, crunchy or spicy foods.
Likewise, they can start taking up moderate physical activity again, such as gentle walking or yoga.
After the first month of recovery, normal physical activity can be resumed, such as running or going back to the gym, although this must first have the surgeon’s authorisation.
Months 2-6: how the swelling develops and final results
After the second month, we can start exercising with weights.
You need to be clear that after a bichectomy you have to be very patient to see the definitive results. The swelling will remain for four months and after six months the definitive result can be seen.
Diet during recovery
Diet after a bichectomy is based mainly on eating soft foods, cold or at room temperature, so as to avoid swelling and bleeding.
Recommended foods
Drinking enough water is essential for keeping the mouth clean and staying well hydrated. You can go for fruit juices, but avoiding citrus, as well as cold infusions or teas.
It is also recommended to have jelly, shakes and smoothies, taking care that they contain no pieces or seeds. Broths and soups should be lukewarm or cold, and should not contain any pieces.
From day 3, you can include foods such as vegetable purées or purées with chicken, fish or egg, but avoiding large pieces. You can also eat custard, crème caramel and yoghurt. It is important to avoid foods that may contain seeds, pieces or grains that could lodge in the wounds.
Foods to avoid
As for liquids, we must avoid dairy products, and for the soft diet, fatty or irritating foods are not recommended.
Remember that after finishing each meal, you need to clean your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash, even if there is no food in your mouth.
Managing pain, swelling and medication
Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
Besides the raised position for sleeping, it is important to know what ways we have of bringing down the swelling after a bichectomy procedure in Madrid. If we manage to reduce it, we will enjoy a far calmer recovery and will soon be able to get back to our social life with complete peace of mind.
As with other procedures such as rhinoplasty, the best way to reduce swelling is by taking anti-inflammatories. Of course, it is essential to follow all medical advice and only take the medication we recommend at the clinic.
If you have any doubt about the medication you can and cannot take, the best thing is to come to the clinic or call your surgeon directly.
Additional remedies
As we mentioned earlier, cold compresses reduce pain and swelling in the surgical area. Some surgeons recommend the use of bandages, especially if the bichectomy is combined with another procedure, such as a chin implant.
Also, after the third day you can start doing gentle massage to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the area.
Warning signs: when to contact the surgeon?
If symptoms such as fever or excessive swelling and redness are observed, this may indicate that there is an infection. Also if there is sharp pain that does not improve with medication, or excessive or persistent bleeding, it is essential to consult the doctor.
Oral hygiene and wound care
First 24 hours: what not to do
Brushing must be very gentle, avoiding areas near the incisions. In the first 24-48 hours you must not spit or rinse your mouth, nor use straws. Remember that although absorbable sutures are used, this matters so as not to affect the healing process.
Gentle rinsing
After the first 24 hours you can start rinsing your mouth gently, generally two or three times a day with a chlorhexidine mouthwash. It is essential not to gargle or rinse forcefully.
Brushing and oral care in later stages
Another aspect of aftercare, just as important as those mentioned above, is maintaining proper dental hygiene. As well as an antiseptic mouthwash, we must brush our teeth 3 times a day without fail, to make sure we do not suffer any unwanted infection.
This brushing should be done with a good toothbrush and toothpaste, giving us maximum cleanliness and disinfection in our mouth.
If you have more questions, or would like to ask us anything about aftercare following a bichectomy, you can do so by booking an appointment or visiting the clinic in Madrid.
The Sculpture Clinic Team
Together we are stronger
Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón
Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon
Dr. Irene Otero
Anaesthetist
Dr. Juan Godoy
Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon
Dr. Estefanía Alonso
Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon
