Achieve a Sculpted Look with Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
Buccal fat removal is an aesthetic surgical procedure chosen by individuals who wish to slim their facial contours, reduce cheek fullness, and enhance the shape of their face. This surgery helps achieve a slimmer and more defined facial appearance.

What is a Bichectomy Surgery?
Bichectomy is the surgical removal of buccal fat pads located in the cheeks, which contribute to facial fullness. This procedure is selected for aesthetic and facial contouring purposes. Removing the buccal fat pads results in slimmer, more defined facial contours. The surgery is performed through small incisions made either under the chin or inside the mouth. Carefully chosen incision sites help make any scars nearly invisible. Once the buccal fat pads are removed, the facial contours become more pronounced, resulting in a slimmer facial appearance.
What is Jawline
The jawline is the area formed by the jawbone and the muscles in the chin. A well-defined jawline can contribute to a more attractive and youthful facial appearance. Jawline aesthetics can be achieved through various methods to enhance or reshape this area. Buccal fat removal, or bichectomy, can help make the jawline more defined and precise by reducing excess fat in the cheeks.
Who is Bichectomy Surgery Applied to?
Bichectomy, or buccal fat removal surgery, is typically considered by individuals who are concerned about fullness in their cheeks or round facial contours and wish to achieve a slimmer and more defined facial appearance. Reasons for considering this surgery include:
- Individuals who are concerned about fullness in their cheeks and wish to achieve a slimmer, more defined facial appearance may consider buccal fat removal surgery.
- Individuals with round facial contours who wish to achieve a more oval and slender facial shape may consider this procedure.
- Individuals who are genetically predisposed to excess fullness in their cheeks may consider bichectomy surgery to achieve their desired facial contours.
- Bichectomy surgery may be chosen for aesthetic and facial contouring purposes, helping to enhance facial features and achieve a slimmer facial appearance.
While these are common candidates for bichectomy surgery, every individual's situation and needs are unique.

What are the Steps of a Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?
Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure performed for aesthetic purposes, especially favored by individuals troubled by cheek fullness and round facial contours. Prior to surgery, a plastic surgeon evaluates the individual's health status and provides advice based on their expectations. The core steps of buccal fat removal include:
- Anesthesia Application: The patient is placed under anesthesia during the procedure to ensure they are asleep and do not experience any pain.
- Incisions: The surgical team makes small incisions inside the patient's mouth, usually within the natural creases of the cheeks. These are placed to remain hidden from view and typically do not leave visible scars.
- Identification of Buccal Fat Pads: Through the incisions, the surgeon locates the buccal fat pads within the cheeks. These pads contribute to cheek fullness.
- Removal of Buccal Fat Pads: The surgeon carefully removes the buccal fat pads, resulting in a slimmer and more defined facial appearance.
- Closure of Incisions: After removing the buccal fat pads, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures. This secures the surgical site and supports a quicker healing process.
Before and After Care Tips for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
A preoperative consultation with a plastic surgeon is essential to determine if the surgery is suitable for each individual. The surgeon will assess the patient's overall health, explain the expected results and potential risks, and provide information about the surgical process. Specific health assessments and necessary tests may be conducted. Patients may be advised to refrain from smoking, avoid certain medications, and fast from food and water prior to surgery.
After surgery, some side effects such as swelling, bruising, and mild pain are normal and usually resolve within a few days. Rest and adequate sleep are essential, and patients should avoid physical activities as advised by their surgeon. The diet is typically adjusted to include soft and liquid foods. Pain is managed with appropriate medications prescribed by the surgeon. Follow-up appointments allow the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Side Effects of Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal surgery may cause certain side effects. These can include:
- Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising of the cheeks are common after buccal fat removal. These effects are usually most noticeable in the first few days and gradually decrease as the healing process continues.
- Pain and discomfort: It is common to experience pain and discomfort after surgery, but these can typically be managed with prescribed pain relievers and following the surgeon's care instructions.
- Temporary sensory changes: Some patients may experience temporary changes in sensation in the cheek area after surgery. This is a result of the procedure being performed on the cheek tissue.
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection after buccal fat removal. This risk is greater if the procedure is not performed by a specialist in a sterile environment.
- Asymmetry: Achieving perfectly symmetrical cheek thinning can be challenging, and some cases may result in asymmetry. Choosing an experienced surgeon can help reduce this risk.
- Loss of cheek tissue: Over time, removal of buccal fat can lead to cheeks appearing more sunken and thin, particularly as part of the natural aging process.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
Buccal fat removal, also known as bichectomy, is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat pads from the cheeks to create a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance.
Who is a good candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Ideal candidates are individuals with round or full cheeks who want to achieve a more defined facial structure and have realistic expectations about the results.
Is Buccal Fat Removal painful?
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Mild discomfort or swelling may occur afterward but is manageable with medication.
How long does recovery take after Buccal Fat Removal?
Recovery usually takes about one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually decrease within a few days, and most patients return to normal activities within a week.
Are there visible scars after Buccal Fat Removal?
No. Incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars.
Can Buccal Fat Removal change my facial expression?
The surgery only targets buccal fat pads, not muscles or nerves. When performed by an experienced surgeon, it should not affect facial expressions.
Are the results of Buccal Fat Removal permanent?
Yes. Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not grow back. However, natural aging and weight fluctuations can still affect facial contours over time.