V-shape Contouring – Bichectomy

Bichat Fat Pad Resection in brief

This is an operation that can be performed under local anesthesia alone or in combination with gas anesthesia. It serves to remove the fat that often accumulates on our cheeks and gives the impression of a round face.  Its appearance may be due to hereditary factors, but in most cases, it is the result of an increase in the percentage of fat due to weight gain or due to metabolic factors.

Bichat fat removal technique

It is performed with a small 3 cm incision in the mouth  from which the fat is removed. After the operation, the incision is sutured with absorbable sutures, which do not need to be removed, as they decompose on their own. It should be emphasized that it is necessary to wear a small corset around the head which serves to put pressure to the area to avoid swelling.

Over the months, the skin of the cheeks gradually returns to its former position and “embraces” the face, so that the face acquires the ideal contouring and a V-shape. However, it should be noted that in some cases, especially in older patients, the skin does not have the required elasticity and therefore cannot fully return to its original position. In this case the J-Plasma device can be used as an adjunct- read more here.

Medication

In our clinic, a complete medical history is always taken before each surgery. As a precaution, over-the-counter medicines or herbal products should not be taken before and for 3 days after surgery. It is also considered necessary to avoid taking non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin (salospir), ibuprofen (Nurofen), diclofenac and any other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug.

Smoking

If you are a smoker, try to stop smoking for at least one week before and one after surgery, as this will speed up the healing process.

Recovery from the Bichat Fat Pad Resection

Duration of the procedure

This surgery usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Hospitalization/Duration

No hospitalization is required and you can leave immediately after the operation.

Wound dressing

After the operation, there will be no adhesive gauze, as the incisions are located inside the oral cavity. A small corset should also be applied around the perimeter of the head and serves to avoid large swelling. The re-examination of incisions will be done in seven to ten days.

Absence from work

Absence from work is generally not required, as long as it does not involve weight lifting.

Refraining from exercising

You should avoid strenuous exercise for about 20 to 30 days, while you will be able to walk a distance 3 days after the operation without any problems.

Post-op instructions

From the first to the fourth day you should ideally avoid sports activities or anything that increases your blood pressure.

From day 5 to day 14 you can start exercising more, as for instance go walking for a longer period of time, go shopping etc. If all wounds seem to have been healed by day 10, it is rather unlikely that you increasing your level of activity could cause any issues. You should only resume your activities if you feel healthy.

From the third week onwards you will be able to fully return to your normal pace of life and do whatever you want.

Driving

Patients who have had a double jaw removed will be able to drive immediately after the operation.

Recovery from the Bichat Fat Pad Resection and Final Outcome

There may be some bruising and slight swelling in the chest area, which will last up to three weeks. Your cheeks will be slightly firmer to touch. Within a short time, your cheeks will soften and acquire a very nice and natural shape. This will happen around the fourth to sixth week, but the result will continue to improve for the next six months. The recovery period can of course be accelerated through the lymphatic drainage massage that we recommend being applied to all types of surgery. For more information, you can click here.

Postoperative follow-up

Incisions and the result will be checked on the second and seventh postoperative day. However, if you need any clarification or there is something that worries you, doctors are always at your disposal. Your next appointments will be after one and three months respectively and during said appointments, postoperative photos will be taken. For these visits, there will of course be no extra charge for any follow-up related to your surgery.