Bichectomy or removal of the bichat balls
It is a surgical procedure in which the bichat bags are removed; fatty tissue glands located in the cheeks, just below the cheekbones. These glands have no specific function in adults.
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How is the procedure performed?
The removal of the bichat pockets is performed through a 1 or 2 cm long incision inside the mouth, at the level of the upper morals, on the inside of the cheeks.
What type of anesthesia is used?
This type of procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia.
Recovery time
Recovery time may take approximately one to two months.
Postoperative care
- This surgery requires careful follow-up with very good hygiene as the mouth is very prone to bacteria.
- Take a diet of liquids and soft food.
- Remember that the wounds are in the inner wall of the mouth so it may be a little painful to eat very hot food and make much effort to chew.
- Apply local cold for the first few hours.
- Wear dark sunglasses to protect the eyelid skin from the sun and wind.
- Avoid exposure to the sun until the bruises have disappeared, as they run the risk of pigmentation of the skin when exposed to the sun.
- Apply sunscreen.
- Take and apply the medications ordered by the surgeon in the corresponding schedule.
- Do not take any type of medication that has not been ordered by the specialist.
- It is recommended to walk slowly for fifteen minutes every hour in order to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
- Attend medical check-ups when they are scheduled.
- Watch for signs of possible infection in the surgical wound such as: redness, heat, inflammation, pus discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
This procedure leaves no visible scars, as the cuts are made on the inside of the mouth.
Bichectomy is recommended for patients with a very rounded face or very thick cheeks who wish to improve the appearance of their face. It is indicated for both men and women.
The main objective is to achieve a slimmer and more stylized face. By removing the fatty tissue, greater harmony is achieved in the face, cheekbones and jaw line are highlighted.
Bichat bags are a tissue that is not subject to hormonal changes, so once they are removed they do not grow back. However, sometimes when people do not take care of their diet, they gain weight and develop subcutaneous fat that will make their face look rounder.
The results may be more noticeable after the fourth week, which is when the swelling of the face begins to subside. However, this may vary depending on the individual patient.
