Bichektomie

The procedure is considered for adults with stable weight, good health and persistently full cheeks. During consultation, we assess the whole face, skin quality, asymmetry and expectations. A narrow face or already hollow cheeks are usually unsuitable indications. Anatomy is decisive, rather than trying to imitate a trend. The decision should reflect your own wishes and a long-term care plan.

Surgery must be postponed in cases of active infection, particularly in the mouth. Significant clotting disorders, uncontrolled disease and factors impairing healing require individual assessment. Smoking increases complication risk. Elective aesthetic surgery is not planned during pregnancy.

The surgeon discusses your health, previous procedures, medicines and dietary supplements and recommends examinations as needed. Do not stop medicines affecting clotting on your own. A healthy mouth, limiting nicotine as instructed and arranging an escort in advance are important, especially with sedation or general anaesthesia.

As a standalone procedure, it is usually performed through a small incision inside the cheek under local anaesthesia; another type of anaesthesia may be suitable in combination procedures. The surgeon carefully removes an appropriate amount of fat while respecting nearby nerves and the salivary duct. The wound is usually closed with dissolvable sutures. This approach leaves no external skin scar.

During the first few days, gentle oral hygiene and recommended dietary changes are important, initially to liquids or soft food. Use rinses and medicines as instructed. Do not irritate wounds with your tongue or hard food. Report increasing one-sided swelling, fever or unusual bleeding to the doctor.

Swelling, tenderness and temporary difficulty chewing are common. Many patients return to light work within about a week, depending on healing. Intensive sport resumes only after surgeon approval. Swelling may take several weeks to subside; contours are assessed after several months.

Fat removal is permanent and cannot easily be reversed. Natural age-related loss of facial volume may later accentuate hollow cheeks. Possible risks include asymmetry, unwanted volume loss, infection, bleeding and injury to the salivary duct or branches of the facial nerve. The degree of change varies individually.