Bichectomy (Buccal Fat Removal) Natural Results

Looking in the mirror and feeling that your face appears fuller than you would like can be frustrating especially when diet, exercise, or weight loss don’t seem to change it. Many patients say the same thing: “I’m happy with my body, but my cheeks still look round.” This is often not about weight at all, but about genetics and the natural fat pads in the face.

Bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal, has become a topic of interest for people who want a more defined facial contour without dramatic or artificial changes. Still, most patients don’t start by asking about the procedure itself. They ask deeper, more personal questions: Will my face look natural? Am I really a good candidate? Will I regret it in the future?

If you are considering Bichectomy in Istanbul, it’s normal to feel both curious and cautious. This decision is not just about aesthetics it’s about how you will feel when you see yourself every day. That’s why this guide is structured around the questions patients ask most often during consultations, focusing on clarity, safety, and realistic expectations rather than promises.

Before making any decision, understanding how bichectomy works, who it is truly suitable for, and what kind of results you can expect is essential. The goal is not to change who you are, but to enhance your natural facial balance in a way that still feels like you.

What Exactly Is Bichectomy, and How Does It Change the Face?

Bichectomy is a facial contouring procedure that focuses on one specific area of the face: the buccal fat pads. These fat pads are located deep in the cheeks and play a role in giving the face a softer, rounder appearance. For some people, this fullness creates a youthful look. For others, it can make the face appear heavier or less defined, even when they are slim.

What many patients don’t realize at first is that buccal fat is not something you can reduce through weight loss. It is largely genetic. This is why some individuals feel their cheeks look full no matter how healthy their lifestyle is. Bichectomy works by carefully reducing this fat in a controlled and conservative way, allowing the natural contours of the face to become more visible.

Rather than changing your facial identity, the goal of bichectomy is to enhance balance. Patients often describe the desired outcome as a slimmer mid-face, more visible cheekbone definition, and a smoother transition toward the jawline. The face should still look natural just more refined.

It’s also important to understand that the results of bichectomy are subtle and gradual. Swelling in the early weeks can hide the final outcome, which is why patience is a key part of the process. The real change becomes noticeable over time, as the face settles into its new shape.

For patients considering this procedure, the most important question isn’t “Will my face look different?” but rather “Will my face look more like how I want to feel?” When planned correctly and performed on the right candidate, bichectomy aims to answer that question with confidence and natural harmony.

Am I a Good Candidate for Bichectomy?

This is one of the most important questions patients ask and rightly so. Not everyone with fuller cheeks is automatically a good candidate, and an honest evaluation is essential.

You may be suitable for bichectomy if your cheeks remain full despite a healthy weight and lifestyle, and if this fullness makes your face appear rounder than you prefer. Patients with naturally thicker buccal fat pads and good skin elasticity tend to see the best results.

However, the procedure is not ideal for everyone. If your face is naturally thin, removing buccal fat may cause an overly hollow look over time, especially as natural facial volume decreases with age. This is why facial structure and long-term balance are carefully considered.

Most importantly, bichectomy is about subtle refinement, not dramatic change. Patients who seek natural-looking improvement and have realistic expectations are usually the most satisfied.

Will My Face Look Too Sharp or Unnatural After Bichectomy?

This concern is very common and completely understandable. Many patients worry that their face might look too thin or overly sculpted after buccal fat removal.

When bichectomy is planned conservatively and tailored to your facial structure, the goal is never to create a harsh or artificial look. Instead, the procedure is designed to gently reduce excess cheek fullness while preserving natural facial balance. Your facial features should still look like you, just more refined.

Unnatural results are usually linked to over-removal or poor candidate selection. This is why choosing an experienced, patient-focused surgeon is essential. A careful approach prioritizes long-term harmony rather than following short-lived aesthetic trends.

In the right hands, bichectomy enhances definition without making the face appear sharp, hollow, or unnatural.

Will the Procedure Be Painful, and What Will I Feel Afterwards?

This is one of the most common concerns patients have before bichectomy. The good news is that the procedure itself is generally very comfortable. It is usually performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the treatment.

After the procedure, most patients describe the sensation as mild discomfort rather than real pain. There may be some swelling, tightness, or tenderness in the cheeks, especially during the first few days. These sensations are temporary and typically improve quickly.

Pain medication, when needed, is usually minimal, and many patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery feels. Clear aftercare instructions help ensure a smooth healing process and reduce unnecessary discomfort.

Overall, bichectomy is considered a well-tolerated procedure, and most patients feel reassured once they understand what to realistically expect.

How Long Is the Recovery, and When Can I Return to Daily Life?

Recovery after bichectomy is usually smoother than many patients expect. Most people can return to light daily activities within a few days, although mild swelling inside the cheeks is normal during the early healing phase.

In the first week, you may be advised to follow a soft diet and pay extra attention to oral hygiene. This helps protect the incision area and supports proper healing. Swelling gradually decreases over the following weeks, and the face begins to settle into its new contour.

While you may feel socially comfortable quite early, final results take time. The true outcome becomes more visible as the swelling fully resolves, usually over several weeks. Patience is an important part of the process.

Overall, bichectomy allows for a relatively quick return to everyday life, with minimal disruption when aftercare instructions are followed carefully.

Are the Results of Bichectomy Permanent?

This is an important question for many patients. The buccal fat removed during bichectomy does not grow back, which means the results are considered permanent.

However, it’s helpful to understand that your face will continue to change naturally over time. Aging, skin quality, and lifestyle factors can influence how your facial contours look in the years ahead. Bichectomy does not stop the aging process, but it does provide a lasting reduction in cheek fullness.

When the procedure is performed conservatively and on the right candidate, the results tend to age well and remain balanced. The key is focusing on long-term facial harmony rather than short-term trends.

For most patients, the outcome feels stable, natural, and consistent over time.

Will Bichectomy Make My Face Look Older Over Time?

This is one of the most common and valid concerns patients have. The fear of looking older after bichectomy usually comes from seeing cases where too much fat was removed or the procedure was done on the wrong candidate.

When performed conservatively and with proper patient selection, bichectomy does not make the face look older. On the contrary, it can enhance facial balance by reducing heaviness in the cheeks while preserving natural volume where it matters.

The key factor is long-term planning. A patient-centered approach considers how the face will age naturally and avoids overcorrection. This ensures the results remain harmonious, not hollow, over time.

With the right technique and expectations, bichectomy can refine facial contours without accelerating an aged appearance.

Why Do So Many Patients Choose Bichectomy in Istanbul?

For many patients, choosing where to have bichectomy is just as important as deciding to have the procedure itself. Istanbul has become a preferred destination because it combines medical expertise with a patient-centered approach.

One of the main reasons patients choose Bichectomy in Istanbul is access to highly experienced plastic surgeons who regularly perform facial contouring procedures. This experience allows for more personalized planning and a conservative approach that prioritizes natural-looking results.

Patients also value the quality of care throughout the entire process from consultation to aftercare. Clear communication, realistic expectations, and attention to long-term facial balance make patients feel more confident and informed about their decision.

For international patients in particular, Istanbul offers a balance of advanced medical standards and a supportive treatment experience, helping them feel comfortable every step of the way.

Why Do Bichectomy Costs Vary From Patient to Patient?

Many patients expect a single fixed price, but bichectomy costs can vary depending on individual factors. This is because the procedure is not a one-size-fits-all treatment.

Facial structure plays an important role. Some patients require a more conservative approach, while others may need a slightly different surgical plan to achieve balanced results. The level of personalization involved directly affects the overall cost.

Another factor is the surgeon’s experience and the standards of the clinic. High-quality care, advanced techniques, and thorough aftercare planning are all part of a safe and responsible treatment process.

Rather than focusing only on price, most patients find it more reassuring to understand what is included in their care and how the procedure is tailored specifically to them.

What Should I Do Before and After Bichectomy?

Before bichectomy, patients are usually advised to follow simple but important guidelines. Avoiding smoking and alcohol before the procedure helps support proper healing. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also essential, as the incision is made inside the mouth.

After the procedure, following aftercare instructions closely makes a noticeable difference in recovery. A soft diet is typically recommended for the first few days, along with careful mouth cleaning to protect the healing area. Mild swelling is normal and gradually improves with time.

These small steps before and after bichectomy help reduce complications and support a smoother, more comfortable healing process.

What Is the Most Important Thing to Know Before Making a Final Decision?

Before deciding on bichectomy, it’s important to take a step back and focus on your long-term satisfaction rather than short-term trends. This procedure is not about changing who you are, but about subtly enhancing your natural facial balance.

Every face is unique, and comparing your results to someone else’s can lead to unrealistic expectations. What matters most is whether the procedure fits your facial structure, your goals, and how you want to feel about your appearance in the future.

An honest consultation, clear communication, and realistic expectations form the foundation of a good outcome. When the decision is made thoughtfully and with the right guidance, bichectomy can be a positive and confidence-boosting experience.

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