Bichectomy or
Bichat Ball Surgery

Bichat Ball Surgery or Buccal Fat Pads surgery in Madrid is an outpatient procedure to remove Bichat balls. It is simple and can take little more than 30 minutes. In our cosmetic surgery clinic in Albacete and Madrid this is one of the most requested procedures by our patients. We are professionals with years of experience in plastic surgery, including bichectomy in Madrid.

What are Bichat balls?

Also known as Buccal Fat Pads or Bichat’s Bags. They are located between the masseter and buccinator muscles, at the level of the cheeks. They help to support the face and make movements when chewing.

We have these Bichat’s pouches from birth.One in each cheek and as we grow they tend to shrink.

Although we all have them, they don’t always look the same.This fat content can make some people’s faces look rounder.  And not in harmony with the rest of the body.

They have an average weight of 9 grams and a volume of 10 ml, with some variations between the right and left side.Generally when they are removed, between 4 and 6 grams are removed from both sides.

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Book your first free informative appointment today.

Book your first free appointment where we will make a diagnosis and advise you on the solution that best suits your needs.

Who is a candidate for bichectomy?

The removal of Bichat’s balls is a procedure that has gained popularity in recent years among both men and women to rejuvenate, refine the face and make the bone structure look more pronounced. It is recommended for people who, despite dieting or exercise, still have a round face.

In general, you will be a good candidate for this surgery if you are healthy and have a stable weight. This is because in overweight people the changes would not be noticeable.

You can also have this surgery if you have realistic expectations and if you are a non-smoker. The ideal age is between 18 and 45. After that age it is possible to remove the Bichat balls, but it is necessary to be even more careful, because people lose fat naturally due to ageing. So if too much fat is removed, the result may not be favourable.

You can have a bichectomy in Madrid if you are bothered by the appearance of your cheeks and want your face to look thinner. When considering this surgery, it’s a good idea to spend some time with your surgeon looking at the before and after pictures so you know what to expect from the procedure.

Bichat Balls Surgery in Madrid

The accumulation of fat in the cheeks, common in young people, can prevent the appearance of prominent cheekbones and an attractive smile, giving the appearance of excess fat that does not disappear with weight loss. In these cases, the solution is to remove the Bichat balls or bags to eliminate the fat with this procedure, which is minimally invasive and takes less than an hour.

Bichat bag surgery aims to improve the contour of the cheeks by reducing their prominence and indirectly increasing the brightness of the cheeks. It consists of the reduction of these fatty bags, which are an accumulation of fatty tissue.

Using local anaesthesia and through a small incision, part of the fatty content of the cheeks is extracted, improving the facial profile and removing excess fat. The surgical procedure to remove Bichat balls in Madrid is simple and quick. It should be noted that not all the fat is removed, but just enough to refine the face.

As a result of the bichectomy in Madrid, the patient will achieve a slimmer, more refined face and more pronounced cheekbones.

In addition to reducing the size of the cheeks and defining the cheekbones, another advantage of bichectomy is that the fat removed will not reproduce. Unlike other parts of the body, when Bichat bags are removed, the result is permanent. Even if the patient gains weight, this area will not be a problem.

It also has the advantage that the recovery period is very short and the scars are not visible because they remain inside the mouth. Moreover, the surgery itself is painless and causes little discomfort. The patient does not need to be hospitalised, but can go directly home after the procedure.

On the other hand, it is possible to perform bichectomy in conjunction with other facial treatments.

How to get ready for the removal of Bichat balls?

For a better healing process, patients should stop drinking alcohol and smoking at least one week before the operation. It is also necessary to stop taking anticoagulant drugs, such as aspirin.

Good hygiene before the procedure is important to prevent infection. Therefore, the whole mouth should be washed thoroughly, paying attention to each part, i.e. teeth, cheeks, tongue and gums.

Pregnant women or people with health problems should consult with their doctor before going for consultation with the surgeon for this type of surgery.

Book your first free informative appointment today.

Book your first free appointment where we will make a diagnosis and advise you on the solution that best suits your needs.

What should I expect during a bichectomy in Madrid?

A bichectomy is an aesthetic process, its only objective is to outline, improve the appearance of the face and refine it. The duration of this surgery is usually 30 to 45 minutes. As local anaesthesia is used, it is an outpatient procedure, so once the procedure has been carried out, the patient can go home.

It is recommended that the patient has a very good oral hygiene before the surgery, as this will help to reduce the risk of infections.

The incisions through the balls are removed measure less than one centimetre and are located inside the mouth, in the area of the cheeks between the upper and lower molars. In this way, the scars that are generated will not be visible. The aesthetic results will be very natural, there will be no signs of the surgical intervention.

In bichectomy, the Bichat’s balls are removed with a forceps and the necessary amount of fat is removed to achieve a natural appearance. One cheek is done first, sutured and then the other cheek is performed. A compression bandage is applied at the end to help reduce swelling and prevent bruising.

During the first few days it is likely that bruising will appear due to the accumulation of blood in the area. The definitive results are noticeable about seven days after this procedure has been carried out.

It is possible to combine this procedure with other treatments. For example, if the patient wishes to further define the face, fillers can be applied to highlight the cheekbones. Alternatively, a bichectomy can be performed at the same time as a rhinoplasty.

Post-operative period for the removal of Bichat balls in Madrid

After the bichectomy in Madrid the patient can return to normal life almost immediately, the next day.

immediately, the next day. But you should take into account the following in the postoperative period after the removal of the Bichat balls:

  • The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with minimal postoperative discomfort.
  • It is normal for the first few days to feel a little swelling in the area. To reduce this, you can apply ice to the cheeks for 15 minutes every 4 hours.
  • You will be able to go about your daily activities as normal. However, the diet should be soft. 
  • It is important to ensure proper oral hygiene before and after surgery. This will also help prevent infection. The area inside the mouth is quite delicate due to the constant presence of germs. It is important for the patient to discuss with the surgeon which products to use.
  • The first 24 hours after surgery you should drink cold liquids. Although the care is basic, you must follow the doctor’s instructions to the letter.
  • Follow the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment recommended by the surgeon very carefully.
  • Stay away from heat sources such as hair dryers or heaters.

Risks of bichectomy in Madrid

The risks of this operation are few, but there are some. As any other operation, if the necessary care is not taken, the area can become infected. To avoid possible infection, the doctor will recommend a course of antibiotics.

It is also important to stop smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks after treatment.

Before having this or any surgical procedure, remember to choose your surgeon wisely. Ask about his or her experience and make sure he or she is a certified physician.

Frequently asked questions about bichectomy

Below are answers to some of the most common questions about this procedure

How long will it take to see the results?

During the first few days there will be swelling, so it will be between the fifth and seventh day when you will begin to notice the difference. However, the definitive result will be noticeable after one month.

When can I return to work?

If work does not require major physical effort, the patient can return to work 24 hours after the operation.

Is the removal of Bichat’s balls painful?

Neither the surgery nor the recovery is painful, although there may be some discomfort during the first few days.

Can I exercise after a bichectomy?

After the removal of the Bichat balls, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion. It is therefore recommended to wait two to three weeks before resuming physical activity.

Is the result of the bichectomy definitive?

Yes, once they have been removed, the Bichat bags do not grow back. However, if the patient gains weight, this change may be reflected in the face.

Bichectomy in Madrid is the solution to slim your face. It is a procedure suitable for both men and women. If you are thinking of undergoing this procedure, ask for an appointment at our clinic.

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