Bichectomy

What is Bichectomy?

Bichectomy is an aesthetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing prominent cheek fullness by removing the buccal fat pads from the cheeks. These fat pads are located in the lower part of the cheeks, and their size can vary from person to person.

For individuals who desire a more sculpted or chiseled facial appearance, or those who feel that their cheeks look too full or chubby, a Bichectomy can offer a more refined and contoured look. The procedure results in accentuation of the cheekbones and gives the face a more defined V-shape. It’s a relatively simple and quick surgery with lasting results.

What are the pros and cons of Bichectomy?

Pros of Bichectomy:

• Enhanced Facial Contour: The procedure results in a more sculpted facial appearance, accentuating the cheekbones and giving the face a distinct V-shape.
• Quick and Simple: Bichectomy is an outpatient procedure that generally takes less than an hour.
• Lasting Results: Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not regenerate, ensuring long-lasting results.
• Minimal Scarring: The incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars.
• Boosted Self-confidence: Achieving a desired facial contour can significantly improve self-esteem and confidence.

Cons of Bichectomy:

• Potential Over-correction: If too much fat is removed, it can result in a hollow appearance, which might require further corrective procedures.
• Aging Considerations: As people age, the face naturally loses fat. A Bichectomy might enhance facial sagging in the future due to natural aging.
• Surgical Risks: Like any surgery, there’s a risk of infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Temporary Discomfort: Patients might experience swelling, bruising, and pain post-surgery, though these effects are typically short-lived.
• Not Reversible: The removal of buccal fat pads is permanent. If a patient is unsatisfied with the results, they might need to seek alternative treatments or fillers to restore volume.

Why might someone seek Bichectomy?

People might consider a Bichectomy for various reasons, both aesthetic and functional. Some of the primary motivations include:

• Desire for a Slimmer Face: Bichectomy specifically targets the buccal fat pads in the cheeks. Removing these can result in a more contoured and sculpted facial appearance, emphasizing the cheekbones and creating a V-shaped face, which many people find aesthetically appealing.
• Self-confidence and Body Image: Some individuals might be self-conscious about having chubby or round cheeks, especially if they feel it makes them look childlike or overweight, even if the rest of their body is slim. A Bichectomy can help in achieving a more mature and refined facial appearance, boosting their self-esteem.
• Functional Reasons: In rare cases, the buccal fat pads might be so large that they cause discomfort or interfere with normal mouth function. In such instances, reducing the size of these fat pads can offer relief.
• Enhancing Other Facial Features: For individuals looking to achieve a specific facial aesthetic, Bichectomy can complement other aesthetic procedures, such as rhinoplasty or chin augmentation, to harmonize facial proportions.
• Trend Influence: The desire for high cheekbones and a sculpted face has become popular in recent years, influenced by beauty trends, celebrities, and social media. This has led to an increased interest in procedures like Bichectomy.

Am I a good candidate for Bichectomy?

Determining if someone is a good candidate for Bichectomy involves assessing various factors, both medical and personal. Here are the primary considerations to determine suitability for the procedure:

• Age: It’s essential to be at least in the late teens or early twenties before considering Bichectomy. This is because the face is still developing during adolescence, and premature removal of the buccal fat pads might lead to an overly gaunt appearance in later years.
• Facial Anatomy: Individuals with naturally fuller or rounder cheeks due to prominent buccal fat pads might benefit the most from the procedure. A consultation with a plastic surgeon can help assess the size of your buccal fat pads and how their removal might impact your facial appearance.
• Realistic Expectations: Good candidates should have a clear understanding of what Bichectomy can and cannot achieve. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations about the results, keeping in mind that while the procedure can enhance facial contours, it might not completely transform one’s appearance.
• Overall Health: As with any surgical procedure, candidates should be in good overall health. This means no active infections, not having serious underlying health conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery, and being a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after the surgery.
• Motivation: Your reasons for wanting the procedure should be personal and not due to external pressures. It’s crucial to undergo the surgery for yourself and not to meet someone else’s standards or desires.
• Previous Facial Procedures: If you’ve had previous facial surgeries or treatments, it’s essential to disclose this to your surgeon. This can affect your candidacy and the approach your surgeon might take.
• Willingness to Follow Post-Op Instructions: Recovery from Bichectomy requires some downtime and specific care instructions. Good candidates are those willing and able to follow post-operative guidelines to ensure optimal healing and results.

Finally, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial surgeon is the best way to determine individual suitability for Bichectomy. They can evaluate your facial structure, discuss your goals, and guide you on the best course of action.

How is the Bichectomy procedure performed, and what’s the general time frame?

Bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal, is an aesthetic procedure that aims to enhance the contours of the face by removing the buccal fat pads. These fat pads are located in the cheek, specifically between the facial muscles, giving the face its rounded appearance. Here’s an overview of how the procedure is performed and its general timeframe:

Procedure Steps:

Consultation: Before the procedure, the surgeon will discuss the patient’s goals, evaluate their facial anatomy, and decide on the amount of fat to be removed to achieve the desired results.

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is typically administered to numb the treatment area, ensuring the patient’s comfort during the procedure. In some cases, sedation might be provided as well.
• Incision: A small incision (about 1-2 cm) is made inside the mouth, specifically in the inner portion of the cheek. This intraoral approach ensures that there are no visible scars after the procedure.
• Fat Removal: The surgeon then carefully identifies and extracts the buccal fat pads through this incision. The amount of fat removed varies depending on the desired outcome and the individual’s anatomy.
• Closure: Once the desired amount of fat has been extracted, the surgeon will close the incision using dissolvable sutures.
• Finishing: The surgeon will clean the area and may apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

General Timeframe:

• The procedure itself is relatively quick, often taking between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and the patient’s specific needs.
• Recovery: Initial recovery usually takes a few days to a week, during which there might be some swelling and minor discomfort. However, most patients can return to their daily activities within a week, avoiding strenuous exercises for 2-3 weeks. Swelling may continue to reduce over the next few weeks, revealing the final results.
• Final Results: The results of a Bichectomy can be noticed almost immediately after the procedure. Still, the full effect becomes more evident once the swelling subsides entirely, which might take a few weeks to a couple of months.

It’s essential to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, including oral hygiene, diet modifications, and activity restrictions, to ensure optimal healing and results.

What can I expect during the recovery period after Bichectomy?

Following a Bichectomy procedure, patients might experience some temporary side effects and should adhere to specific post-operative guidelines to ensure optimal healing.

Here’s an overview of what one can expect during the recovery period after Bichectomy:

Immediate Post-Operative Period:

• Swelling: It’s normal for the cheeks to be swollen after the procedure. The swelling usually peaks around 48 hours post-surgery and then starts to gradually subside. Applying cold compresses during the first 24-48 hours can help reduce this swelling.
• Bruising: Some patients might notice mild bruising around the cheeks. Like swelling, any bruising will fade over time.
• Discomfort: Mild to moderate pain can occur, but it’s typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications. Always consult with your surgeon before taking any medication.
• Oral Hygiene: Since the incisions are made inside the mouth, maintaining oral hygiene is essential. Rinsing the mouth with a prescribed antiseptic solution or salt water several times a day can help keep the area clean and prevent infections.

Recovery Guidelines:

• Diet: It’s recommended to stick to a soft diet for the first few days after the surgery. Hot, spicy, or crunchy foods should be avoided, as they can irritate the surgical site.
• Activity Restrictions: Strenuous activities and exercises should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks. This will help prevent any unnecessary strain on the surgical site and reduce the risk of increased swelling.
• Sleeping Position: It’s advisable to sleep with the head elevated for the first few nights. This position can help reduce swelling.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both can impair the healing process. It’s best to refrain from smoking and limit alcohol intake during the initial recovery period.
• Follow-Up Appointments: It’s crucial to attend any scheduled post-operative appointments. These allow the surgeon to monitor the healing process, address any concerns, and ensure that the recovery is progressing as expected.

Long-Term Results:

Over the weeks following the procedure, as swelling and any residual bruising disappear, the results will become more noticeable. The face will appear slimmer and more contoured, reflecting the removal of the buccal fat pads. However, the full effect might take a couple of months to be completely visible.

Lastly, while the Bichectomy procedure offers long-lasting results, it’s essential to remember that other factors, such as significant weight gain or the natural aging process, can still influence the facial contours over time.

How do I care for the surgical site after the procedure?

After undergoing a Bichectomy, caring for the surgical site is crucial to ensure a smooth and infection-free recovery. Here’s a guideline on how to care for the surgical area post-procedure:

Oral Hygiene:

• Since the incisions are made inside the mouth, maintaining proper oral hygiene is paramount.
• Rinse your mouth with a prescribed antiseptic solution or a saltwater solution several times a day, especially after meals. This helps prevent infections.
• Brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid aggressive brushing near the surgical sites for the first few days.
• It might be helpful to use a water flosser to ensure cleanliness without stressing the surgical area.

Cold Compresses:

• Use cold compresses on the cheeks for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Apply the compresses in intervals, e.g., 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off.

Dietary Considerations:

• Stick to a soft diet for the first few days. Examples include yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
• Avoid hot, spicy, and crunchy foods that might irritate or injure the surgical site.
• Drink plenty of water but avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can strain the surgical site.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol:

• Smoking can impair blood flow, hindering the healing process, and increasing the risk of complications.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding and also impede healing. Refrain from drinking alcohol, especially during the initial recovery period.

Limit Physical Activity:

• Avoid strenuous activities and exercises for at least a week to prevent any potential injury or increased swelling.
• Be especially cautious about any activities that might result in direct trauma to the face.

Sleeping Position:

• Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights. This can help reduce swelling.

Medications:

• If antibiotics or other medications are prescribed, ensure you take the full course as directed.
• Always consult your surgeon before taking any over-the-counter pain relievers or other medications.

Regular Follow-ups:

• Attend all post-operative appointments so your surgeon can monitor the healing process and address any concerns.

Touch and Manipulation:

• Refrain from touching or poking the surgical area with your tongue or fingers.

Stay Hydrated:

• Drinking adequate water can aid in the healing process.

By following these guidelines and any specific instructions provided by your surgeon, you’ll be better equipped to have an uncomplicated recovery and enjoy the results of your Bichectomy.

How much does Bichectomy cost in Turkey compared to Western Europe and the USA?

Turkey: Bichectomy in Turkey is often more affordable compared to Western Europe and the USA. Prices can start from approximately €500 to €1,500 per cheek or per session, depending on the clinic and the extent of the procedure.

Western Europe (e.g., UK, France, Germany): Bichectomy costs in Western European countries tend to be higher compared to Turkey. Prices can vary widely but may range from €1,000 to €3,000 per cheek or more, depending on the location and surgeon’s reputation.

USA: Bichectomy costs in the United States are typically on the higher end. Prices can vary widely by region but may range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more per cheek, depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience and the complexity of the procedure.

It’s essential to keep in mind that these are approximate price ranges, and the actual cost can vary based on individual factors and the specific clinic you choose.

Why should I choose Elara Medical Tourism for my Bichectomy procedure in Turkey?

Choosing Elara Medical Tourism for your bichectomy procedure in Turkey offers a number of advantages and reasons to consider:

1. Expertise and quality: Elara Medical Tourism works with reputable and certified plastic surgeons and medical facilities in Turkey. You can be sure that your operation will be carried out by highly qualified professionals who are committed to safety and quality.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Turkey is known for offering high-quality medical and aesthetic procedures at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe and the United States. Choosing Elara can help you access world-class care without breaking the bank.
3. Personalised care: Elara Medical Tourism understands that every patient is unique. They will work closely with you to understand your goals and preferences, ensuring that your bichectomy procedure is tailored to your individual needs.
4. Comprehensive services: Beyond the surgical procedure, Elara Medical Tourism can assist you with the various aspects of your medical journey, including travel arrangements, accommodation and post-operative care, to make the process as seamless as possible.
5. Exceptional facilities: Elara collaborates with superior medical facilities, equipped with the highest standards of technology and meeting international hygiene and safety standards.
6. Cultural Experience: Turkey offers a rich cultural experience, allowing you to explore historical sites, enjoy world-renowned cuisine, and immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant culture during your stay.
7. Language Assistance: The team at Elara Medical Tourism can provide language assistance and translation services, ensuring clear communication with medical professionals and staff.
8. Patient Reviews and Testimonials: You can review patient feedback and testimonials to gain confidence in the quality of services provided by Elara Medical Tourism and its partner facilities.
9. Transparent Pricing: Elara is committed to providing transparent pricing, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of costs and can plan your budget accordingly.
10. Peace of Mind: Elara Medical Tourism aims to offer you peace of mind throughout your medical journey. Their experienced team will guide you at every step, from the initial consultation to post-operative care, ensuring a positive experience.

Ultimately, choosing Elara Medical Tourism for your Bichectomy procedure in Turkey can offer you a combination of affordability, expertise, and a comprehensive support system to make your medical journey a successful and satisfying one.