What is Bichectomy?

Bichectomy is the process of removing the fatty tissue inside the cheeks to make the facial features more prominent. This procedure is also known among the public as “cheek thinning surgery” or “Hollywood cheeks”. The aim is to make the face thinner and more triangular. It makes the lower facial features more prominent, especially in people with round and full faces. It helps to highlight the jaw and cheekbones and enables a more aesthetic facial profile.

How is Bichectomy Performed?

The procedure is performed through a small incision made inside the mouth. By entering through this incision, the buccal fat pads located inside the cheek are removed in a controlled manner. There is no external scar because the entire procedure is performed inside the mouth. The operation usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. The stitches are self-dissolving. After the procedure, the person can be discharged on the same day and return to daily life in a short time. Mild swelling and tenderness may occur in the first days, but these effects are temporary.

Who is Suitable for Bichectomy?

People with full cheeks, not prominent facial features, and who think their face looks rounder than it is are suitable for bichectomy. It is generally preferred in individuals aged 20 and over because after this age, the distribution of facial fat is more established. It is also a very effective method for people who are thin but have a wide face. However, it is not recommended for very thin people or individuals whose cheek volume has decreased with age. Suitability is determined by a detailed evaluation of the facial structure.

Procedure Duration and Anesthesia Used

The bichectomy procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, so the person does not feel pain during the procedure. In some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be preferred, especially for the person’s comfort. The procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes and is usually completed in a single session. The patient can be discharged the same day. The rest period after the procedure is short, and normal life can be returned within a few days. Since it is performed through the mouth, there is no scar on the external appearance, and the healing process is usually fast and comfortable.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bichectomy

Bichectomy is an effective and permanent solution for people who want to make their facial features sharper. Its biggest advantage is that it is a procedure that can be completed in a short time. Since it is done from inside the mouth, there is no external scar and the healing process is quite comfortable. The results appear naturally and when the excess on the cheeks is removed, the jawline and cheekbones become more prominent. It gives quite satisfactory results especially for people who think their face looks wider than it is in photos.

However, like every aesthetic procedure, bichectomy also has some disadvantages. The procedure is not reversible, meaning that the removed fat tissue cannot be replaced. If it is performed on very thin people, a sunken appearance may occur on the cheeks. In addition, since facial volume will naturally decrease with age, some people who have bichectomy may experience earlier and more pronounced signs of aging. Therefore, the person’s facial structure should be analyzed well before the procedure and the decision should be made accordingly.

Bichectomy Prices 2025

As of 2025, bichectomy prices may vary depending on the city where the clinic performing the procedure is located, the experience of the specialist, and the type of anesthesia used. The procedure can be performed with local anesthesia, while in some cases sedation or general anesthesia may be preferred, which is one of the factors affecting the cost. In addition, in some clinics, bichectomy can be performed alone or in combination with different aesthetic procedures. In such cases, prices may be determined according to the package service. It is the healthiest way to get clear information about price ranges to contact the clinics directly. It is always recommended to make an evaluation by taking into account the quality of the procedure, hygiene standards, and specialist experience.

Is bichectomy permanent?

Yes, the bichectomy procedure is permanent. During the procedure, the buccal fat pads inside the cheek are removed and these fat tissues are not regenerated by the body. Therefore, the procedure is irreversible. Except for the natural changes that may occur on the face with age, there is no regeneration of the removed fat. The results are maintained in the long term, but the person’s general weight status and the aging process in the facial structure may affect the appearance over time.

When does the face settle after bichectomy?

In the first days after the procedure, there may be swelling and a slight feeling of hardness in the cheeks. These effects will decrease within the first week, but it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks for the facial features to fully settle and the final result to be seen. In some people, the edema may last longer. It takes approximately 1-2 months for the facial features to become fully defined. It is important to be patient during this process and for the healing process to complete naturally.

How soon after the procedure can I return to a normal diet?

It is recommended to consume liquid and soft foods for the first 24 hours after bichectomy. Since there are incisions in the mouth, hard, hot and irritating foods should be avoided. Normal nutrition can usually be gradually returned to within 2-3 days. Paying attention to oral hygiene during the full recovery process reduces the risk of infection. Regular use of mouthwash and care products recommended by the doctor provides support during this process.

Is bichectomy a painful operation?

Since the bichectomy procedure is performed under local anesthesia, no pain is felt during the operation. After the procedure, there may be mild pain, pressure or tension in the cheeks. These complaints usually last for the first few days and can be easily controlled with prescribed painkillers. The level of pain is tolerable for most people and does not seriously affect daily life.

Does bichectomy leave scars?

No, bichectomy does not leave a scar. Since the procedure is performed entirely from inside the mouth, no visible incision is made from the outside. The stitches are inside the mouth and are usually self-dissolving. When healing is complete, there is no visible scar from outside or inside the mouth. In this respect, it is among the scarless aesthetic procedures and offers a natural change without disrupting the visual integrity.

How long does edema in the cheeks last after the procedure?

The swelling in the cheeks usually becomes apparent within the first 3-5 days after the procedure. This swelling decreases over time and is largely gone within a week for most people. It can take an average of 3-4 weeks for the swelling to completely resolve and for the face to take its final shape. Applying cold, resting with the head elevated, and avoiding salty foods help the swelling to decrease more quickly.

What is the ideal age range for a bichectomy?

The ideal age range for bichectomy is usually between the ages of 20 and 35. In this age group, facial features are established and the placement of fat tissue is clearer. Facial development may not be complete for people under the age of 20, so the procedure is not recommended. At older ages, facial volume naturally begins to decrease and the fat tissue in the cheeks thins over time. In this case, bichectomy can create an aged and collapsed appearance. When making a decision, the person’s facial structure, skin condition and aesthetic expectations should be taken into consideration.

Will gaining weight after a bichectomy affect the outcome?

Yes, gaining too much weight after the procedure can affect the overall appearance of the face. The fat pads removed during the bichectomy do not return, but other areas of the face may become fuller due to weight gain. This can reduce the clarity of facial features. Similarly, significant weight loss can also cause a hollow face. It is important to keep the weight balanced and maintain healthy lifestyle habits in order to maintain the results for a long time.

When can I start doing sports after the operation?

After the bichectomy, activities such as light walking can be done within a few days. However, intense exercise is not recommended for the first 7 to 10 days after the procedure because it can increase intraoral pressure and trigger edema. Once the intraoral healing is complete, normal sports routines can be gradually resumed, usually starting in the second week. In any case, the individual healing process should be taken into account and intense physical activity should not be started without getting approval from the doctor.

Does smoking affect the healing process?

Yes, smoking negatively affects the healing process. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues and slows down healing. It can also increase the risk of infection and cause the stitches in the mouth to close late. For this reason, it is recommended not to smoke before and after bichectomy. Avoiding smoking, especially in the first week, both speeds up the healing process and reduces the risk of complications.

Can other facial aesthetics be performed in the same session?

Yes, bichectomy can usually be done together with other facial aesthetics. It can be combined with chin filler, jawline enhancement, rhinoplasty or chin tip operations. In this way, facial features can be made more balanced and proportionate. Procedures to be done in the same session are planned by considering the person’s general health condition and aesthetic needs. The healing process after combined procedures is usually followed together.

Does bichectomy cause an allergic reaction?

Since the bichectomy procedure is performed by removing the person’s own fat tissue without injecting any foreign substance from the body, the risk of an allergic reaction is quite low. However, an allergic response to the local anesthetics used during the procedure may occur, although rare. This can be controlled with a detailed health assessment before the procedure. It is important for people who have had a previous drug allergy or sensitivity to anesthesia to inform their doctor before the procedure.

Is it harmful to use blood thinners before a bichectomy?

Yes, the use of blood thinners before bichectomy may be harmful. Blood thinners such as aspirin, some painkillers or cardiovascular drugs may increase the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure. Therefore, it may be necessary to temporarily stop using such drugs before the operation. It is important to stop taking the medication under the supervision of a doctor so that your blood values are balanced before the procedure. Instead of stopping the medication on your own, you should definitely consult your doctor.

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women have a bichectomy?

Plastic surgery is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since the body’s hormonal balance works differently during this period, the healing process may not progress as expected. At the same time, the anesthesia and medications used may also affect the baby’s health. Therefore, for the safety of both the mother and the baby, plastic surgery such as bichectomy should be planned after the pregnancy and breastfeeding period has ended. The most accurate timing should be evaluated when the body has fully recovered after birth.

Are facial exercises recommended after a bichectomy?

It is recommended to avoid facial movements and exercises that will strain the facial muscles for the first few weeks after bichectomy. Applying excessive pressure to the facial area until the intraoral stitches have healed may cause increased edema or prolonged healing. After approximately 3-4 weeks, light facial exercises can be started with the approval of the doctor. However, in all cases, the healing process is individual and the decision to exercise should be made under the guidance of the doctor.

How does cheek aesthetics change facial features?

Cheek aesthetics is a procedure that balances the overall proportions of the face and creates more distinct lines. While full or sagging cheeks can make the face look rounder and expressionless, when the facial features are thinned and shaped with aesthetic intervention, a younger, more dynamic and symmetrical appearance is achieved. When cheek filler is applied, the cheekbones come to the fore, and in thinning procedures such as bichectomy, the jawline becomes more distinct. As a result, the face gains a more proportionate and aesthetic structure.

How many ml of cheek filler should be used?

The amount to be used in cheek filler is determined individually. Generally, 1 to 2 ml of filler is sufficient for each cheek. However, this amount can be increased depending on the structure of the face, age and desired effect. The healthiest approach is to start with small doses and add filler over time if necessary to achieve a natural and balanced appearance. It is recommended to avoid exaggerated amounts of filler in the first applications.

Is a diet necessary after cheek aesthetics?

There is no need for a special diet after cheek aesthetics. However, it is beneficial to stay away from salty foods, drink plenty of water and have a balanced diet to reduce edema quickly after the procedure and support healing. Soft foods should be preferred for the first 1-2 days after procedures such as bichectomy. In general, a healthy diet speeds up the process and provides clearer results.

Does cheek aesthetics leave scars?

Injection procedures such as cheek filler do not leave scars because they are applied under the skin with small needles. Surgical procedures such as bichectomy do not leave visible scars from the outside because they are performed inside the mouth. Since the incisions are located in the oral mucosa, they heal completely over time and become unnoticeable. When applied with the right technique, cheek aesthetics are among the procedures that provide results without leaving scars.

Is one session enough?

In most cases, a single session is sufficient. When cheek filler is applied, the effect is seen immediately after the procedure and the result lasts for 6 to 12 months. However, some people may need a second session to reach the desired volume. In procedures such as bichectomy, permanent results are usually achieved with a single operation. A doctor’s plan should be made according to the personal structure and the targeted appearance.

If I don’t like the filling, can it be taken back?

Yes, cheek fillers containing hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with a special enzyme (hyaluronidase). In this way, the effect of the filler can be reversed and the cheeks can return to their former state. This provides a safe return option in case of an undesirable result after the procedure or if the user is not satisfied. However, such interventions must be performed under the supervision of a specialist.

Should cheek aesthetics be repeated?

Cheek filler is a temporary procedure and its effect decreases over time. Its permanence is usually between 6-12 months. When the effect decreases, the procedure may need to be repeated. Surgical procedures such as bichectomy are permanent and do not need to be repeated. The repetition period varies depending on which application is preferred. Aesthetic balance can be maintained with regular check-ups.