Bichectomy - Bichat balls surgery
What is bichectomy and how does it work ?
A bichectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing buccal fat pads, or pockets of fat located on the cheeks. The goal of the procedure is to create a slimmer, more contoured appearance of the face. It is a relatively new procedure that has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to achieve a more aesthetic facial profile.
Who is a good candidate ?
A good candidate for bichectomy is a patient who:
Is in good physical and mental health.
Has excess fat in cheeks which affects appearance.
Has cheeks that make the face look disproportionate or puffy.
Has chubby cheeks that cannot be corrected by diet and exercise.
Has poorly defined smile lines or lack of definition in the cheekbone area.
Are there alternatives to bichectomy to obtain a thinner face ?
Facial fillers: fillers, often based on hyaluronic acid, can be used to add volume to the cheekbones, creating a more sculpted and defined appearance.
Makeup Contouring Techniques: A skilled makeup technique can help reduce the appearance of cheeks by using shadows to create the illusion of more pronounced outlines.
Radio Frequency Treatments: Radio frequency treatments such as Thermage are used to stimulate the production of collagen in facial tissues, helping to make the skin appear firmer and more elastic.
Exercise: Regular facial exercises can help strengthen facial muscles and prevent sagging cheeks and other parts of the face.
How is the surgery performed ?
Bichectomy is a relatively simple surgical procedure that can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Here is a step-by-step guide to how the procedure works:
Pre-Surgery Preparation: Prior to the surgery, the patient will be prepared for anesthesia and incisions will be marked on the play. The patient will also be informed of the risks and benefits of the surgery and will be asked to provide informed consent.
Incision: The surgeon will make a small incision inside the mouth to access the buccal fat pads. The incisions are precise and positioned to minimize visible scarring.
Fat Removal: The surgeon will carefully remove the fat from the cheeks using a surgical instrument. The amount of fat removed will depend on the aesthetic needs of the patient.
Closing the incision: Once the fat is removed, the surgeon will close the incision using an absorbable suture. The healing process can take about 1-2 weeks.
What are the postoperative consequences?
The postoperative course of bichectomy is generally well tolerated by patients. However, there are a few steps to follow for optimal healing and to minimize the risk of complications:
Swelling and bruising: During the first few days after surgery, it is normal to feel pain and swelling around the cheeks and neighboring areas. Bruises may also appear in the treated areas. Cold compresses may be applied to reduce swelling.
Resuming a normal diet: Patients should avoid eating solid or hot foods for the first few days after surgery. Cold and soft dishes are recommended.
Stay hydrated: Drinks should be avoided immediately after surgery. Patients can take water and nutritious liquids after a few hours after surgery.
Avoid exercise and strenuous activities: Patients should avoid any form of physical exercise for the first few days following surgery, and physically demanding activities should be avoided until cleared by the doctor.
What are the advantages ?
Bichectomy has many benefits for patients looking to reduce or eliminate cheek volume and achieve a slimmer face. Here are some of the most common benefits of this surgery:
Appearance Enhancement: Bichectomy can help improve cheekbone definition and reduce the appearance of cheekbones puffiness, which can help patients feel more confident and beautiful.
Fast Results: Bichectomy results are usually quite fast, as buccal fat pads can be removed in a single surgical procedure.
Low risk of complications: Bichectomy is considered a relatively safe surgical procedure, with little risk of major complications.
Short recovery time: Patients can usually return to normal activities after only a few days, although exercise and strenuous physical activities should be avoided for a longer period of time.
Lasting Results: Bichectomy results are usually long lasting because the buccal fat pads that are removed do not regenerate not.
What are the associated risks and complications ?
There are certain complications that can occur. Here are some of the possible complications of bichectomy:
Hematoma: A hematoma, or collection of blood, can occur after surgery. Patients may experience pain and swelling.
Infection: Patients undergoing bichectomy may be at risk of infection. Signs of infection may include fever, redness, pain, and fatigue.
Abnormal scarring: Scars may form after surgery, but they are usually minimal and fade over time . However, in rare cases, abnormal scarring may occur, which may require additional care.
Asymmetry: In rare cases, mouth asymmetry may occur following bichectomy.
Persistent pain: Some people may experience persistent pain after surgery, which may require additional treatment.
Results
Bichectomy results can vary widely between patients depending on several factors, such as individual facial anatomy, the amount of excess fatty tissue removed, and the surgical techniques used by the surgeon. However, here are some expected results of bichectomy:
Slimmer face: One of the main goals of bichectomy is to reduce the appearance of puffy cheeks to achieve a slimmer, more contoured face.
More defined cheekbones: By removing the buccal fat cushions, the surgeon can help improve the definition of the cheekbones, creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Facial rejuvenation: Correction of heavy cheeks can contribute to the overall rejuvenation of the appearance of the face.
Improving smile lines: Removing cheek fat can help improve nasolabial folds and lines to smile, for a brighter, younger and more radiant appearance.