{"id":29928,"date":"2026-06-30T14:15:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T14:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drrichardfakin.com\/?p=29928"},"modified":"2026-06-30T14:52:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T14:52:28","slug":"bichectomy-to-slim-the-face","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drrichardfakin.com\/en\/blog\/bichectomia-afinar-rostro\/","title":{"rendered":"Bichectomy: what it is, when it is recommended and how it can slim the face"},"content":{"rendered":"

A buccal fat removal is a cosmetic facial procedure that involves reducing the Bichat bags, which are accumulations of fat located on the inner side of the cheeks. This procedure can help to slim the face, accentuate the cheekbones and achieve a more defined and elegant facial appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it is often presented as a straightforward procedure, a buccal fat removal is not suitable for everyone. The outcome depends on facial anatomy, the natural volume of the cheeks, the patient\u2019s age and the overall harmony of the face. Therefore, before proceeding, it is essential to assess whether it can genuinely improve facial proportions or whether, on the contrary, it might result in an overly sunken appearance over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aim of buccal fat removal should not be to \u201chollow out\u201d the face, but to achieve a subtle, balanced and natural contour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a buccal fat removal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A buccal fat removal is a procedure that allows for the partial reduction of the Bichat bags, also known as Bichat balls. These fatty structures are located deep within the cheeks and can give the middle and lower thirds of the face a rounder appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When there is excess volume in this area, the face may appear wider, less defined or with less pronounced facial contours. In such cases, removing a controlled amount of fat can help to slim down the cheek area and make the cheekbones appear more defined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Bichat\u2019s fat pads are a normal part of the facial anatomy. They do not always need to be removed, and removing too much can disrupt facial harmony. For this reason, the decision should always be tailored to the individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is a buccal fat removal carried out?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A buccal fat pad removal is performed from inside the mouth, so it leaves no visible scars on the skin. The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic via a small incision in the oral mucosa, measuring approximately half a centimetre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through this incision, the surgeon locates the Bichat pad and removes a controlled amount of fat from each side. As Dr Richard Fakin explains in the following video, in many cases around 3 or 4 ml of fat is removed from each side, avoiding excessive removal. The aim is not to remove all the volume from the cheek, but to achieve a proportionate reduction that helps to define the face without losing its natural appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the necessary fat has been removed, the incision is closed with a stitch. As the procedure is carried out inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars. During the first few days, swelling may occur in the cheek area, which usually improves gradually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key to the procedure lies in precision and correct indication: it is not a question of removing as much fat as possible, but of assessing how much volume should be reduced based on each patient\u2019s facial anatomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch Dr Richard Fakin\u2019s explanation on video<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Who is a bichectomy suitable for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A buccal fat removal procedure may be recommended for patients with round faces, very full cheeks or a lack of definition around the cheekbones and facial contours. It may also be an option for people who wish to achieve a more slender, defined or elegant face, provided their anatomy allows it. In general, it may be considered for patients who present with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n