What is a bichectomy?

August 14, 2023

What is a bichectomy?

bichectomy consists of the elimination of the fat balls that we have inside the cheeks in order to obtain a more beautiful face. Initially described in 1732 by Heister, it was later analyzed in 1801 by the French anatomist Xavier Bichat.

It has a biconvex shape and is located in the buccal space limited by the bucinator muscle on the inside, the facial muscles on the outside, and the parotid gland behind it. Despite losing weight, this fat persists due to a different metabolism from its fat. It measures between 7 and 8 ml on average. Its elimination or “Bichectomy” produces a youthful and aesthetic appearance by harmonizing the face.

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Who is the ideal candidate?

The ideal candidate is the patient who has high and well defined cheekbones, but hidden due to too prominent cheeks causing excessive roundness and heaviness.

Improves the appearance of the middle third of the face, defining more cheekbones and cheeks. Therefore, we advise against it in patients with small or poorly defined cheekbones. Therefore we do not recommend it in patients with small or poorly defined cheekbones.

Surgical Steps

The bichectomy is performed through a small incision inside the mouth, under local anesthesia. It can also be removed, mobilized and displaced in the context of a facelift. If it is large, it is reduced and if it is lowered by the effect of gravity and loss of support over the years, we raise it through a series of sutures. Sometimes they are also removed in the course of orthognathic surgery.

The postoperative period is quite gentle, it does not hurt, and the swelling from surgery usually lasts 3 or 4 days. The definition of the new cheek shape is visible after 10 days to two weeks. During this time, you can lead a normal life avoiding strenuous exercise and smoking. 

We have a cranial and facial Physiotherapy unit for a better post-surgical recovery.

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Recovery after bichectomy

The recovery from surgery to thin the face lasts, in most cases, about 1 month and is not very painful, however, to make the recovery easier, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended to reduce the inflammation of the tissues of the face. and, consequently, swelling, and analgesics to reduce and prevent pain.

In addition, during recovery it is important to take other precautions such as:

  • Apply cold compresses to the face 3 to 4 times a day for 1 week;
  • Sleep with the head of the bed raised until the swelling in the face disappears;
  • Eat a soft diet for the first 10 days to avoid opening the cuts. 

However, it is possible to go back to work the day after the surgery, and the only special care that should be taken is to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and make physical efforts, such as running or lifting very heavy objects, for example.

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