**Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics): What It Is, How It's Performed, Prices, and Risks**

What is Bichectomy? Bichectomy Surgery Prices in Turkey

The constantly evolving cosmetic field has caused many women and men to change their appearance and image. These changes are usually applied to the face through aesthetic operations. From eyebrow lifting to rhinoplasty and lip fillers, the most commonly used aesthetic method nowadays is bichectomy.

Bichectomy, also called cheek surgery, is performed to make the face appear slimmer. With these procedures that people want to have done for their beauty standards, the goal is generally to achieve the golden ratio.

In this article we have prepared for you, we will discuss bichectomy, which is performed by many women and men to make the face appear slimmer. We will try to answer many questions such as What is Bichectomy, How is it Performed, Is it Harmful, and What are the Prices.

What is Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics)?

Bichectomy, or cheek aesthetics, is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to make a person's cheeks appear slimmer and their face more oval-shaped. This procedure, also known as "buccal fat removal" in foreign sources, is performed by many women and men because thin faces are perceived as beautiful in the fashion concept created by the cosmetic industry.

Bichectomy aesthetics is a relatively simple cosmetic procedure. Through an incision made inside the cheek, the fats inside the cheek are removed to create a slimmer face for the person. After the cheeks become slimmer, the cheekbones also begin to appear more defined.

How is Bichectomy Surgery Performed?

The goal of bichectomy surgery is to make the person's face appear inverted triangle-shaped. In this way, the chin and cheekbones appear more defined, while the cheeks appear slimmer. Although this surgery is known to be simple in terms of performance, its execution and the process before surgery are quite important.

• Before surgery, the patient and doctor should have an initial consultation and plan the operation. At this stage, the doctor should ask the patient all questions in mind, and the patient should ask the doctor and receive satisfactory answers.
• During the initial consultation, the design of what kind of cheeks will be created should be planned.
• If the patient is using any medications, they should inform the doctor about them. If taking blood thinners, they may need to stop taking them some time before surgery.
• It should be checked whether the patient is suitable for anesthesia, and the patient's medical history should be listened to in detail.
• It is important that the patient is fasting before surgery. It is important not to eat or drink anything from the time specified by the doctor.
• Other surgeries can be performed simultaneously with this operation. In this case, the doctor may perform the procedure under general anesthesia.
• Local anesthesia or sedation is generally preferred.
• The operation begins by making an incision of approximately 1 cm inside the cheek.
• After the fat tissue is removed, if the person wants the cheekbones to appear more defined, the fat removed at this stage can be applied to the cheekbones.
• This procedure, which usually lasts 30-45 minutes, can result in the patient being discharged immediately after.

What are the Steps of Bichectomy (Cheek Fat Removal)?

The general flow of the bichectomy procedure can be summarized as follows:

• The surgeon makes a small incision inside the cheek near the gum line.
• The buccal fat pads are removed through this incision.
• The incision is closed with sutures.
• The patient is taken to a recovery room where they will be observed for several hours.
• The patient can go home the same day as the surgery.

Some steps may vary depending on the technique preferred by the surgeon; however, all bichectomy procedures involve removing buccal fat pads through an incision inside the cheek.

• The incision is usually made in the buccal sulcus, the space between the tooth and gum. The surgeon tries to keep the incision as small as possible so that the scar is least visible.
• The buccal fat pads are removed through this incision. The amount of fat removed varies depending on the patient's individual needs and goals.
• The incision is closed with sutures. These sutures usually dissolve on their own within a few weeks.
• The patient is taken to a recovery room where they will be observed for several hours. During this time, mild pain and swelling may be felt; this condition is usually manageable with painkillers.
• The patient can go home the same day as the surgery. They should avoid strenuous activities for a few days and follow the surgeon's wound care instructions.

How Long Does Bichectomy Surgery Take?

The duration of bichectomy surgery varies depending on the amount of fat removed, but generally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia; this way, the patient is awake during the procedure but does not feel pain. In some cases, general anesthesia may be preferred, but this is less common.

Some factors that may affect surgery time include:

• The amount of fat to be removed
• The surgeon's experience and skill
• The patient's individual anatomical structure

It is important for those considering this procedure to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss their expectations and individual needs. When choosing a doctor, attention should be paid to the following points:

• Getting recommendations from those around you (friends, family, acquaintances),
• Conducting your own research and reviewing online reviews,
• Having preliminary consultations with more than one surgeon before deciding,
• Ensuring that the surgeon has expertise in the relevant field and experience with bichectomy.

Is Bichectomy Surgery Painful?

Bichectomy surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia; therefore, although the patient is awake during the procedure, they do not feel pain. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort such as pulling or stretching sensations during the procedure.

Some pain and swelling may occur after surgery. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe painkillers to help manage the pain.

Overall, bichectomy surgery is not considered a painful procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, the risks and benefits of the procedure should be carefully evaluated. Some risks associated with bichectomy include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Numbness or tingling in the cheeks
• Asymmetry in the cheeks
• Unbalanced results different from expectations

Additionally, it should not be forgotten that regarding the permanence of bichectomy, buccal fat pads may regrow to some extent over time; this varies from person to person.

When are Final Results Seen After Bichectomy Surgery?

Final results may take several months to be fully visible after surgery. This is because time is needed for swelling and bruising to subside. Generally, most of the results can be seen 2-3 months after surgery; however, final results may take up to 6 months to fully appear.

Some factors affecting the timeframe for seeing final results include:

• Amount of fat removed: The more fat removed, the longer swelling may take to subside.
• The person's healing process: Some people may heal faster.
• Presence of any complications: If a complication such as infection or bleeding occurs, it may take longer for final results to appear.

It is important for those considering this procedure to be patient and allow the body the time it needs to heal properly.

Are Bichectomy and Hollywood Cheeks the Same Procedure?

Although the terms bichectomy and Hollywood cheeks are often used interchangeably, they actually describe two different procedures.

• Bichectomy is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed by removing buccal fat pads in the cheeks, aiming to make the jawline and cheekbones appear more defined.
• Hollywood cheeks, on the other hand, is a more general term that encompasses various procedures that can be used to improve the appearance of the cheeks. In this context, bichectomy may be included, as well as different methods such as cheek implants or fillers.

Bichectomy Prices in Turkey

Aesthetic operations performed in Turkey result in high success rates. This success is noticed by foreign nationals. For this reason, Turkey is preferred for treatment, especially for bichectomy surgery.

The success of the operations performed, the fact that hospitals have large and fully equipped devices for procedures, the scientific methods used in treatment, all staff being hospitable and friendly, and doctors being expert and experienced professionals in their field are factors that support the reasons for preference.

Bichectomy prices in Turkey are quite reasonable. However, it is not possible to provide net price information. Factors such as the hospital you will visit, the doctor's expertise level, the number of days you will stay, the stages and multiple aspects of the procedure to be performed all change the price information.

If you also want to have bichectomy, or cheek aesthetics, done in Turkey:

• For coming to Turkey through our intermediation, for the invitation letter sent by us to facilitate your visa application,
• For all questions you may have in mind
• To get detailed information about treatment prices, you can contact us.

Is Bichectomy Safe in Turkey?

Bichectomy is a procedure that can be performed in many countries, including Turkey. However, it is very important that the doctor performing the procedure is a qualified and experienced specialist.

Some factors to consider when choosing a doctor for bichectomy in Turkey include:

• Doctor's qualifications and experience: It should be ensured that the doctor is a specialist in the relevant field and has experience with bichectomy.
• Clinic's equipment: It is important that the clinic where the treatment will be performed follows hygiene rules and is equipped with necessary equipment.
• Pricing: It will be beneficial to gather information from different doctors and clinics before deciding.

What are the Harms of Bichectomy?

Every surgery carries certain risks and the possibility of complications developing. These risks and complications vary depending on the patient and doctor. For this reason, each operation progresses according to the individual.

In bichectomy surgery, however, there are no recorded harms. The most important factor here is the doctor's expertise and experience. Risks and complications may develop suddenly in surgeries performed by non-expert and inexperienced doctors. For this reason, the chosen doctor and hospital should be thoroughly researched.

Is Bichectomy Permanent?

In bichectomy surgery, tissue called fat pads is removed from the cheek. This procedure, which is highly permanent, may change somewhat if the person gains weight. If weight is gained, the sharp structure achieved in the face may be lost. At this stage, the person needs to pay attention to their weight. Additionally, it is also possible to see natural fullness in the cheeks with age.

Edema After Bichectomy

Following the surgery, some edema and swelling may be seen in the cheek area during the 2-3 week period following the operation. This is quite normal and is controlled using the methods suggested by the doctor. One of these suggestions is to apply ice to the area. The cold application performed will help the patient prevent edema and swelling.

Who Can Have Bichectomy (Cheek Fat Removal)?

Bichectomy may not be suitable for everyone. When evaluating whether a procedure is suitable for a person, a plastic surgeon generally considers the following factors:

• Age: Bichectomy is generally applied to adults aged at least 18 years.
• Weight: Bichectomy is not a weight loss method. It is recommended for people who have a healthy weight and have disproportionately excess buccal fat in their cheeks.
• General health status: The person's general health should be good, and there should be no underlying health conditions that could complicate the surgery.
• Expectations: It is important to have a realistic perspective on what can be expected from bichectomy. The procedure can help slim the cheeks and make the jawline appear more defined; however, it does not completely change the facial structure.

It is recommended that those considering this procedure consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss their individual needs and expectations.

What Should be Considered Before Bichectomy Surgery?

The points that a person should pay attention to before bichectomy surgery can be listed as follows:

• Smoking and alcohol consumption should be stopped before surgery. This speeds up the healing process.
• If a person is already taking blood thinning medications, they may need to stop them before surgery under doctor's supervision.
• Any regularly used medications should be mentioned to the doctor.
• Pregnant women or people with health issues should be examined by a doctor before surgery.

What Should be Considered After Bichectomy Surgery?

After the surgery, there are several situations that the patient should pay attention to. These can be listed as follows:

• Healing occurs in the person approximately 2 weeks later. Although the general healing process varies from person to person, it is typically considered to be 10-14 days; during this period, some swelling, bruising, and tenderness may occur and strenuous activities should be avoided.
• A wound will develop inside the cheek after surgery. To prevent this sutured wound from being damaged, the person should eat soft foods for the first 3-4 days. Additionally, they should avoid consuming excessively hot items.
• The patient should not be directly exposed to sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for bichectomy surgery?

Yes, there is an age limit for bichectomy surgery. The majority of surgeons only perform this procedure on adults aged at least 18 years. This is because buccal fat pads have not yet completed their development during puberty, and removing these fats at an early age could affect the natural development of the face.

Some surgeons may perform this procedure on younger patients; however, this is generally not recommended. For those under 18 years old who are considering bichectomy, it is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to evaluate their individual needs and expectations.