The beauty industry is becoming increasingly safe and accessible, so people can now easily improve their appearance with various cosmetic procedures and simple surgical interventions.
Today, one of the most popular plastic surgeries among both women and men is bichectomy. For anyone interested in what it means to remove Bichat's fat pads (price, procedure, and rehabilitation), and planning to get “Hollywood cheeks,” my article will be useful and informative.
What is a buccal fat pad removal?
A buccal fat pad removal is a relatively simple plastic surgery designed to narrow the middle and lower parts of the face and give it a more oval shape, which is considered classic. During this surgical procedure, the plastic surgeon removes the cheek fat pads, forming prominent cheekbones, a clear jawline, and a slimmer and more contoured face (the so-called “Hollywood cheeks”).
You may have a legitimate question about whether it is possible to remove excess fat from the face with diet or exercise. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the human body. For some people, alternative methods work, for others they do not. Many people cannot get rid of fat on their face using methods other than plastic surgery. In addition, the result will not be guaranteed to be quick and long-lasting. Bichectomy provides permanent results because the fat pads do not regenerate after removal.
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, an initial consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon is mandatory before undergoing this operation. During the consultation, Dmitry Sloser will tell the patient whether Bichectomy is suitable for their facial structure and, if not, what other surgical procedures can improve their appearance.
Who can undergo a bisection and how much does it cost?
As a rule, removal of Bichat's fat pads is best suited for people aged 20 to 30 with a square or round face. Currently, Bichett removal in men is performed slightly less often than in women, but it is still quite popular, especially among actors, media personalities, Instagram bloggers, etc.
The price of this procedure is quite affordable compared to other plastic surgeries, while Bichett removal can significantly improve a person's appearance. However, like any surgical procedure, removal of Bichat fat pads has a number of contraindications. For example, it is not recommended for adolescents, as their facial features have not yet fully developed.
The operation may also not be suitable for elderly patients, as facial fat is lost naturally with age, and cheek reduction surgery can greatly emphasize the aging process. In such cases, a plastic surgeon may recommend, for example, a facelift, which can also make the face look slimmer and more refined.
Anyone whose weight is outside the normal body mass index range is also not recommended to undergo a bichectomy, as weight loss is likely to drastically change the shape of the face. If the shape of the face is still unsatisfactory after weight loss, the patient may undergo a bichectomy if there are no other contraindications.
How is a Bichectomy performed?
From a surgical point of view, the procedure is quick and relatively painless. Leading Ukrainian plastic surgeon Dmitry Slosser can perform a bisection in about an hour under local anesthesia.
A small incision (approximately 1 cm) is made on the inside of the patient's cheek. The doctor presses on the outside of the cheek, exposing the cheek fat. The fat is cut off and carefully removed, and then the wound is sutured with absorbable sutures.
Bichat bags can be removed along with other surgical procedures to improve facial aesthetics (e.g., facelift, rhinoplasty, lip augmentation, Botox injections). However, it should be noted that combined operations will be performed under general anesthesia, and after the procedure, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for a certain period of time.
How is the recovery after a bisection?
Prepare for bisection by taking care of your overall health and well-being. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for several days before the operation and be prepared for these restrictions during the recovery process.
Leading Ukrainian plastic surgeon Dmitry Sloser will provide detailed recommendations on how to care for the operated area of the face. Bichectomy is not a complicated surgical procedure, so in most cases, recovery is fairly quick.
Usually, after the operation, the patient receives a special mouthwash to prevent the spread of infection and its penetration into the wound. Given the location of the incisions, the patient should follow a diet for the first few days after the bisection, and then gradually transition from soft foods to normal foods. During the recovery period, it is recommended to avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Postoperative wounds heal within two weeks. During the recovery period, the patient may experience bruising and swelling on the face. These usually disappear fairly quickly, but it all depends on the individual characteristics of the body.
To reduce pain and swelling, the doctor may recommend the use of ice packs, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
The patient can see the first results within a few weeks after the Bichat bag removal surgery, but it will take some time for the face to take on a new aesthetic shape.
In general, if the bisectomy is performed by an experienced and reputable surgeon, it is a very safe procedure and will not cause any long-term side effects or damage.
Honored Doctor of Ukraine, Head of the Plastic Surgery Center
FAQ
In short, pain is manageable. Severe pain after surgery today is the exception rather than the norm. Modern anesthesia, pain management, and recovery protocols make the first days much easier than most patients expect. Most often, discomfort is felt as pressure or tightness. However, it is important to understand that complete absence of sensation is an unrealistic expectation. My position is clear: if a person is afraid of any discomfort, it is better to postpone surgery. The decision must be conscious and well considered.
No. Rehabilitation is part of the surgery, not a separate stage afterward. It is during the recovery period that the final result is formed, tissues stabilize, and the risk of complications decreases. Without proper rehabilitation, even a technically perfect operation may produce a weak outcome. There are procedures with an easier recovery (for example, “weekend lifts”), but surgery without rehabilitation does not exist.
The final result does not appear immediately. It develops gradually over time. Swelling, tissue firmness, and sensations change step by step. During the first weeks, the result is definitely not final, and this is completely normal. The timeline depends on the treated area, the extent of surgery, and individual characteristics of the body. Plastic surgery does not tolerate haste. A good result takes time.
It depends primarily on the type of work you do, not only on the surgery itself. After some procedures, it is possible to return to work within a few days (for example, after “weekend lifts”), while others require weeks of recovery. It is important to consider not only how you feel, but also the safety of the healing process. Returning to activity earlier than recommended increases the risk of complications. It is better to return later than to deal with the consequences of rushing.
Yes, scars always remain. This is part of the natural healing process. However, their appearance changes over time: they become lighter, softer, and less noticeable. Their location and proper care play a crucial role. Careful planning and patience are essential.
When the risks outweigh the benefits, or when the decision is driven by emotions. I refuse if I see that the body is not ready, expectations are unrealistic, or the person does not understand the recovery process. Refusal is also part of treatment. Safety is more important than any desire.
Yes, and it has a significant impact on the outcome. Honest answers, a list of questions, and a willingness to listen save time and help you make the right decision. A consultation is a diagnosis, not a sales pitch. A good consultation is half the success.
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