What is Bichectomy?
Bichectomy in Istanbul, Turkey, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at removing the buccal fat pads from the lower cheeks. These fat pads, although they serve an important role in cushioning the face, can sometimes contribute to a round or "chubby" appearance, especially in individuals who are otherwise at a healthy weight. By removing a small portion of the fat, the procedure contours the cheeks, providing a more angular, youthful, and defined facial shape.
Unlike traditional weight loss methods, which may not directly target the cheek area, bichectomy is tailored to achieve a more sculpted facial structure without affecting other aspects of the face.
Who is Suitable for Bichectomy?
Bichectomy is suitable for individuals who wish to enhance their facial contours by reducing excess fat in the cheeks. Ideal candidates for this procedure include:
Individuals with fuller or rounder cheeks who seek more definition in the lower face.
Healthy adults over the age of 18 who have stable weight and realistic expectations.
Those with good skin elasticity who want to maintain a youthful, defined appearance.
People looking for a non-invasive alternative to more invasive surgeries like facelifts, but still desiring more noticeable facial contours.
What Problems Does Bichectomy Address?
Bichectomy helps to address several common concerns, including:
Excess Cheek Fat: Removing the buccal fat pads creates a more contoured appearance, removing "chubby cheeks."
Poor Facial Definition: Bichectomy enhances the overall definition of the face by contouring the cheeks, jawline, and chin.
Fat Deposits Resistant to Dieting: For individuals who cannot lose fat in their cheeks despite weight loss efforts, Bichectomy targets and removes excess fat in a permanent and effective way.
Youthful, Balanced Aesthetic: This procedure restores a youthful and elegant profile by enhancing the natural cheekbone structure.
How Does Bichectomy Procedure Work? A Step-by-Step Guide
Consultation: Your journey begins with a thorough consultation at Estetik International. During this meeting, we evaluate your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine if bichectomy is the best option for you. We will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and provide all necessary information to ensure you're fully prepared.
Pre-Procedure: Before your surgery, we provide detailed instructions on how to prepare. This may include dietary recommendations, hydration guidelines, and instructions for any medications to avoid prior to surgery.
The Procedure:
Anesthesia: Bichectomy is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
Incisions: Small incisions, typically inside the mouth, are made on each side of the cheeks, near the molars. This approach avoids visible external scarring.
Fat Removal: The surgeon carefully removes a portion of the buccal fat pads, tailoring the amount removed to create the desired facial contour.
Pre-procedure Tips for Bichectomy
A smooth Bichectomy experience starts well before you enter the operating room. At Estetik International, our team guides you through a thorough consultation and preparation process to ensure you arrive ready for your procedure and set up for the best possible results.
Attend your consultation so our surgeons can evaluate your facial structure, discuss your goals, and confirm that Bichectomy is the right option for you.
Maintain a stable, healthy weight in the weeks leading up to surgery, as significant weight changes afterward can affect your final facial contour.
Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks before the procedure, as both can slow healing and affect anesthesia.
Stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin or fish oil, as advised by your surgeon to reduce the risk of bruising.
Stay well hydrated and follow any dietary guidance provided by our team ahead of your surgery date.
Operation Day: Step by Step for Bichectomy
Bichectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed with precision and care. Here is what to expect on the day of your treatment at Estetik International.
You will meet with your surgeon for a final review of your facial goals before local anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable and pain-free.
Small incisions are made inside the mouth, near the molars on each side, avoiding any visible scarring on the outside of the face.
The surgeon carefully removes a measured portion of the buccal fat pads, tailoring the amount to achieve a natural, balanced contour.
The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches that do not require removal.
The entire procedure typically takes under an hour, after which you will rest briefly at the clinic before being cleared to head home.
Post-procedure Tips for Bichectomy
Recovery from Bichectomy is generally quick and comfortable. Following our aftercare guidance helps minimize swelling and supports smooth, even healing.
Rinse your mouth gently with a prescribed or saline mouthwash after meals to keep the incision sites clean and reduce infection risk.
Stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days, gradually reintroducing solid foods as comfort allows.
Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least one to two weeks, as they can delay healing and increase swelling.
Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights to help reduce facial swelling.
Expect mild swelling and bruising, which usually subsides within a week; most patients return to normal activities after 1-2 days.
Patient stories
Secondary Rhinoplasty · FRA Moving Story!After an unfortunate accident that broke her nose and altered her facial features, and after being rejected by many doctors in France due to her complicated case, she chose Estetik International and came to Turkey to have her nose fixed by our amazing surgeon Prof. Dr. Cenk Şen. She finally got her beauty and happy life back. Check out her full story here.Watch on YouTube 
Dental and Rhinoplasty · UZPerfection and Confidence!Jamshid Babajanov Dilshadovich visited Estetik International for a personalized consultation, exploring options in both dental aesthetics and rhinoplasty. His experience reflects the precision and care we deliver in every specialty.Watch on YouTube 
Breast Implants & Tummy Tuck · DKFrom Beautiful to Gorgeous!As a fitness model, Mia needed to keep her body in the best shape. She contacted Estetik International to give her the right touch to her gorgeous body. Check out her journey.Watch on YouTube Frequently asked questions
Bichectomy, also known as bukkal fat removal, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess fat from the cheeks to create a more sculpted, defined facial appearance. This procedure targets the bukkal fat pads located in the lower cheeks, reducing fullness and giving the face a sharper, more contoured look. It’s often referred to as the Hollywood cheek procedure due to its ability to provide high cheekbones and a more elegant profile.
Bichectomy and Hollywood Cheeks are essentially the same thing. Bichectomy refers to the procedure of removing excess fat from the lower cheeks to create a slimmer, more defined look. The term Hollywood Cheeks is often used to describe the end result, a sculpted and angular face with prominent cheekbones, which is similar to the facial features of many celebrities. So, Hollywood Cheeks is just a popular term used to describe the aesthetic outcome of a bichectomy.
Recovery from bichectomy is generally quick, with most patients able to return to work and their daily activities within a few days. Swelling and bruising may occur but typically subside within 1-2 weeks. Full recovery and final results are typically visible within 4-6 weeks after the procedure.
Bichectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions made inside the mouth. As a result, there are no visible scars on the face, and any internal stitches used dissolve naturally. This technique ensures minimal scarring and a smooth recovery.
Bichectomy specifically targets the removal of fat pads from the cheeks, focusing on creating a slimmer, contoured face, especially around the cheeks and jawline. In contrast, liposuction for the face may involve fat removal from multiple areas, such as the chin, neck, or jawline, aiming to reduce fat overall for a more toned appearance.
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