What is a bichectomy (Hollywood Cheek)?
Generally speaking, it is described as a process in which about 40% of the fat is removed during surgery by creating a 1 cm incision inside the mouth. Hollywood cheek, Hollywood chin, cheek melting, cheek thinning, face slimming, cheek removal, cheek aesthetics, cheek fat removal, cheek slimming, non-surgical cheek thinning, face reduction, facial fat melting, cheek fat removal, cheek reduction, cheek aesthetics, and cheek augmentation are among the popular cosmetic procedures. It goes under several names, such as dietary fat.
Who is bichectomy (Hollywood Cheek) applied to?
In the period until adolescence, round and plump lines make children look cute and sympathetic. However, after puberty, sharp facial features are perceived as more attractive, so there is a need for applications such as bichectomy. Generally, 25 years should be waited for the bichectomy procedure. Because the cheek fat pads continue to shrink until the age of 25. After the age of 25, the unwanted facial features, that is, the appearance of swelling on the cheek, can be eliminated.
How is bichectomy (Hollywood Cheek) performed?
The process takes place by removing the fat pads between the chewing muscles. During the surgery, an incision of approximately 1 cm is made through the mouth and approximately 40 percent of the fat is removed. The procedure, which takes approximately 40-45 minutes, is performed under sedation or general anesthesia. The small stitches left in the mouth fall off on their own.
What are the advantages of bichectomy (Hollywood Cheek)?
- The desired image can be obtained with a 45-minute process in the face area, which is the most important part of the body, which cannot reach the desired shape even if weight is lost.
- The resulting image stands out as it is permanent, considering other operations that can be performed on this region.
- With bichectomy, while fat is removed from the cheek, fats taken from the cheeks can be added to the cheekbone area to obtain a stronger image.
- Apart from bichectomy, cold treatments, lipolysis or injections to break up the fat can be applied to the cheek area, but these procedures do not replace bichectomy in terms of effectiveness or permanence.
- For patients who are not satisfied with their new facial structure after the procedure, the fat removed by the bichectomy procedure can be put back into the cheek. However, a minimum of 1 month should be waited for the second process.
What is a bichectomy?
A bichectomy, also known as buccal fat pad removal, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fat from the buccal fat pads, which are located in the cheeks. The goal of a bichectomy is to achieve a more sculpted and slimmer facial appearance by reducing the fullness of the cheeks.
During a bichectomy procedure, a small incision is made either inside the mouth or externally along the natural creases of the cheeks. The buccal fat pads are then gently removed or reduced to achieve the desired level of cheek contouring. The incisions are typically closed with sutures, and the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or sedation.
Bichectomy is typically performed for cosmetic purposes and is commonly sought by individuals who desire a more chiseled or contoured appearance to their cheeks, creating a more defined facial contour. It is important to note that the suitability for a bichectomy depends on an individual’s facial anatomy, overall health, and cosmetic goals, and a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine if the procedure is appropriate for a particular patient. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a bichectomy, and it should be approached with careful consideration and performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.
Is bichectomy painful?
As with any surgical procedure, pain and discomfort are common after a bichectomy, or buccal fat pad removal. However, the level of pain experienced can vary greatly depending on individual pain tolerance, the extent of the surgery, and the specific techniques used by the surgeon.
During the procedure, local anesthesia or sedation is typically used to numb the area, so patients do not feel pain during the surgery itself. However, once the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort and pain are expected as the body begins to heal. Pain and swelling in the cheeks are common after a bichectomy, and patients may also experience bruising, tenderness, and difficulty in opening the mouth widely or eating certain foods for a few days to weeks following the procedure.
Your surgeon will provide you with instructions for managing pain and discomfort after a bichectomy, which may include prescribed pain medication, over-the-counter pain relievers, and other measures such as applying cold compresses or avoiding certain foods that may exacerbate discomfort.
It’s important to communicate any pain or discomfort you experience with your surgeon, as they may be able to adjust your pain management plan accordingly. It’s also essential to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure proper healing and recovery. Pain and discomfort associated with a bichectomy are typically temporary and resolve gradually as the healing process progresses.
Does fat come back after a bichectomy?
Bichectomy, or buccal fat pad removal, involves the surgical removal of a portion of the buccal fat pads in the cheeks to reduce facial fullness and achieve a more contoured appearance. The removed buccal fat pads do not grow back, as they are physically removed during the surgery.
However, it’s important to note that the remaining buccal fat pads in the cheeks can still change in size over time due to factors such as aging, weight gain or loss, and changes in overall body fat distribution. Weight gain can cause the buccal fat pads to enlarge, which may partially offset the results achieved by a bichectomy. Conversely, weight loss can result in a reduction in buccal fat pad size, potentially enhancing the results of a bichectomy.
It’s also important to remember that the results of a bichectomy are influenced by various factors, including individual anatomy, surgical technique, and healing process. The outcomes of the procedure can vary from person to person, and it’s important to have realistic expectations and communicate your aesthetic goals with your plastic surgeon during the consultation process.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help maintain the results of a bichectomy and prevent significant fluctuations in weight or body fat that may impact the long-term outcome. If you have concerns about the potential for fat returning after a bichectomy, it’s best to discuss them with your plastic surgeon, who can provide you with personalized information based on your individual situation.
How long does a bichectomy take to heal?
The recovery timeline after a bichectomy, or buccal fat pad removal, can vary depending on various factors such as the individual’s overall health, the extent of the surgery, and how well they follow post-operative care instructions. In general, the initial healing period typically lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, but complete healing and final results may take several months.
Here is a rough timeline of the typical stages of healing after a bichectomy:
Immediately after surgery: You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the cheek area. Pain medications prescribed by your surgeon can help manage any discomfort. You may also need to follow a liquid or soft diet for the first few days, and avoid certain activities that can strain the surgical area, such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
First week: Swelling and bruising are typically at their peak during the first few days after surgery and may gradually subside over the first week. You may also have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to assess your progress and remove any sutures or drains that were placed during the surgery.
Second week: Swelling and bruising may continue to improve during the second week, and you may start to feel more comfortable. However, some mild swelling may persist, and it’s important to continue following your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, including any dietary restrictions and activity limitations.
Weeks 3-4: Swelling and bruising should continue to subside, and you may start to notice the results of the bichectomy taking shape. However, the final outcome may not be fully evident at this stage, as the tissues continue to settle and heal.
Months 1-3: By this time, most of the swelling and bruising should have resolved, and the final results of the bichectomy may be more apparent. However, it’s important to note that individual healing rates may vary, and it may take several months for the tissues to fully heal and the final outcome to stabilize.
It’s important to closely follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, attend all follow-up appointments, and communicate any concerns or questions you may have during the healing process. It’s also important to be patient, as the healing timeline can vary from person to person, and the final results of a bichectomy may take time to fully manifest.
When can I eat after bichectomy?
After a bichectomy, or buccal fat pad removal, your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific post-operative care instructions, which may include dietary restrictions. In general, the timing for resuming normal eating habits after a bichectomy may vary depending on the surgeon’s instructions and the individual patient’s healing progress. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s recommendations for a safe and successful recovery.
Here are some general guidelines for eating after a bichectomy:
Immediate post-operative period: In the first few days after surgery, you may be instructed to follow a liquid or soft diet. This may include consuming fluids like water, clear broth, and juice, as well as soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed vegetables. Avoid hot or spicy foods, as they may irritate the surgical site.
First week: Your surgeon may gradually allow you to introduce more solid foods into your diet, depending on your healing progress. Soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as scrambled eggs, pasta, and cooked vegetables, may be recommended. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that require excessive chewing, as they may strain the surgical area.
Subsequent weeks: As you progress in your recovery, your surgeon may allow you to resume a normal diet based on your individual healing progress. However, it’s important to continue avoiding hard or crunchy foods, as well as very hot or spicy foods that may cause discomfort or irritation.
It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s dietary instructions carefully and not rush into eating solid foods before you are advised to do so. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help promote healing and support your recovery after a bichectomy. If you have any questions or concerns about your diet after a bichectomy, it’s best to consult with your plastic surgeon for personalized guidance
Will I lose my dimples after buccal fat removal?.
Buccal fat removal, also known as bichectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the buccal fat pads located in the cheeks to create a slimmer facial appearance. The buccal fat pads are responsible for giving some people naturally occurring dimples, which are small indentations or creases in the cheeks that are visible when smiling.
During a bichectomy, the plastic surgeon carefully removes a specific amount of buccal fat pads to achieve the desired outcome. The extent of fat removal depends on the individual patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. In some cases, the removal of buccal fat pads may lead to changes in the appearance of dimples or the loss of dimples altogether.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone who has buccal fat removal will lose their dimples. The presence of dimples is determined by multiple factors, including genetics, facial structure, and the amount of fat removed during the procedure. Some patients may retain their dimples even after buccal fat removal, while others may experience changes in their dimples or loss of dimples.
If retaining dimples is a concern for you, it’s important to discuss this with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. Your surgeon can assess your facial anatomy, discuss the potential effects of buccal fat removal on your dimples, and provide you with realistic expectations based on your individual circumstances. It’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the potential outcomes of the procedure before proceeding with buccal fat removal or any other cosmetic surgery.
Does buccal fat removal slim your face?
Yes, buccal fat removal, also known as bichectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to create a slimmer facial appearance by reducing the volume of the buccal fat pads located in the cheeks. The buccal fat pads are pockets of fat in the lower cheeks that can contribute to a round or chubby facial appearance.
By removing a portion of the buccal fat pads, buccal fat removal can help to contour the cheeks and create a more defined and slender facial appearance. This procedure is typically performed on patients who desire a more sculpted or angular look to their face, and it is commonly sought by individuals who feel that their cheeks are excessively full or round.
It’s important to note that the extent of facial slimming achieved through buccal fat removal depends on various factors, including the patient’s individual anatomy, the amount of fat removed, and the overall facial structure. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified plastic surgeon who will carefully evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss your aesthetic goals with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s essential to have realistic expectations and understand that the results of buccal fat removal may vary from person to person. It’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss the potential outcomes and risks of the procedure, and to make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.
At what age do you lose buccal fat?
The buccal fat pads are pockets of fat located in the cheeks that are responsible for giving some people a round or chubby facial appearance. The volume of buccal fat pads can vary from person to person, and they can persist into adulthood in some individuals. However, the size and prominence of buccal fat pads can change with age.
Typically, the buccal fat pads reach their maximum size in late adolescence or early adulthood, and then gradually decrease in size as a person gets older. The rate at which buccal fat pads decrease in size can vary from person to person and is influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall facial aging.
By middle age, many people may notice a natural reduction in the volume of their buccal fat pads, which can result in a slightly slimmer or more defined facial appearance. However, this process is gradual and may not be significant enough to achieve the desired facial slimming effect for everyone.
For individuals who desire a more pronounced reduction in buccal fat pad volume and a slimmer facial appearance, buccal fat removal or bichectomy can be considered as a cosmetic procedure. However, it’s important to undergo a thorough evaluation and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate age and timing for buccal fat removal based on individual needs, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.