The face is one of the most important aspects of personal and professional presentation. Many people dream of having a slimmer, more defined, and contoured face. However, despite diets and exercise, the cheeks often retain volume due to the presence of the so-called Bichat fat pads.
Bichectomy is a surgical procedure that involves partially removing these fat pads to refine the facial contour and naturally enhance the cheekbones.
At Odontomurillo, a dental clinic in Colombia, led by Dr. Gabriel Murillo, we offer this procedure within the field of maxillofacial surgery, following strict safety protocols and delivering highly aesthetic results.
Understanding Bichat Fat Pads
Bichat fat pads are fat deposits located inside the cheeks. Everyone has them, but their size varies depending on genetics, body weight, and bone structure.
Unlike subcutaneous fat, which decreases with diet and exercise, Bichat fat pads tend to remain unchanged, making the face appear rounder even in slim individuals.
It is important to note that bichectomy is not a general weight-loss procedure but rather a targeted technique to refine the mid-face area, resulting in a more defined and elegant appearance.
Why More People Are Choosing Bichectomy
In recent years, bichectomy has become one of the most requested aesthetic procedures worldwide. The most common reasons include:
- Desire for a slimmer and more youthful-looking face.
- Enhanced definition of cheekbones and the jawline.
- Influence of celebrities and social media trends.
- Perfect complement to other facial aesthetic treatments.
Unlike temporary procedures such as fillers or thread lifts, bichectomy delivers permanent results when performed by a qualified specialist.
How to Know If You’re a Candidate for Bichectomy
Not everyone benefits from this surgery. The best candidates are:
- Young adults or adults with round faces or naturally full cheeks.
- Patients seeking greater facial definition without losing natural balance.
- Healthy individuals without conditions that affect healing.
- Those looking for permanent results and willing to follow post-op care instructions.
At Odontomurillo, we conduct a comprehensive clinical and photographic evaluation to determine whether bichectomy is the most suitable option or if alternative treatments are preferable.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Bichectomy is an outpatient surgery that typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. At our clinic, the process involves:
- Consultation and surgical planning – We study your facial anatomy and plan the procedure.
- Local anesthesia with optional sedation – Ensuring maximum comfort and safety.
- Minimal intraoral incision – Performed inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars.
- Partial removal of the Bichat fat pads – Only the necessary amount is removed to maintain a natural appearance.
- Closure with dissolvable sutures – These stitches naturally disappear within a few days.
At Odontomurillo, the procedure includes operating room rights, anesthesiologist services, intraoperative medication, osteosynthesis material when required, and precise surgical planning to ensure personalized results.
Differences Between Bichectomy and Other Facial Procedures
It’s common to confuse bichectomy with other face-contouring treatments, but each has a distinct purpose:
- Facial fillers → Add volume, whereas bichectomy reduces it.
- Double chin liposuction → Removes subcutaneous fat under the chin, not from the cheeks.
- Orthognathic surgery → Corrects jawbone structure, while bichectomy only addresses fat pads.
In some cases, bichectomy is combined with other treatments to enhance overall results.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from bichectomy is generally quick and minimally painful. Most patients return to daily activities within 2 to 3 days. Key aftercare recommendations include:
- Take prescribed medications to control swelling and discomfort.
- Apply cold compresses for the first 48 hours.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infections.
- Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods during the first week.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling.
Final results are typically visible between 6 and 12 weeks, once the tissues have fully adapted.
Aesthetic Benefits of Bichectomy
- Slimmer and more refined facial contour.
- Naturally enhanced cheekbones.
- Better definition of the jawline.
- A more youthful, balanced facial appearance.
- Permanent and natural-looking results.
Because of these benefits, bichectomy is often referred to as the “V-shaped face surgery”, a highly popular aesthetic trend.
Possible Risks and How to Avoid Them
Although bichectomy is a safe procedure, potential risks include swelling, bruising, or mild infections. To minimize these risks:
- Choose a maxillofacial surgery specialist.
- Follow all postoperative care instructions precisely.
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments at the clinic.
At Odontomurillo, we use advanced surgical techniques and strict safety protocols to reduce the likelihood of complications.
Real Testimonials and Results
At our clinic, we’ve helped numerous patients achieve more defined and natural-looking facial contours. Their satisfaction goes beyond physical appearance, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
Why Choose Odontomurillo for Your Bichectomy in Colombia
Choosing the right clinic is crucial for safe and aesthetic results. At Odontomurillo, we provide:
- Proven expertise in maxillofacial surgery.
- Comprehensive plans including operating room fees, anesthesiologist, medications, and surgical planning.
- Modern and secure facilities in Colombia.
- Personalized patient care at every stage of the process.
Natural, balanced results that enhance your unique facial features.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bichectomy
Bichectomy is a facial aesthetic surgery that involves partial removal of the Bichat fat pads, which are fat deposits located in the cheeks. These pads don’t disappear with diet or exercise and can cause a rounded facial appearance. The procedure involves a small incision inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars. It’s outpatient, lasts 30–45 minutes, and is performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation.
Ideal candidates are healthy individuals over 18 years old with full cheeks or a rounded face who desire greater facial definition. It’s also suitable for patients wanting to enhance cheekbone prominence. However, it’s not recommended for very thin individuals, as fat removal can lead to a prematurely aged appearance. A thorough evaluation by a maxillofacial surgeon is essential before proceeding.
No, the procedure is painless thanks to local anesthesia and optional sedation. After the surgery, you may experience mild swelling, a feeling of pressure in the cheeks, or discomfort while chewing, but these effects are easily managed with prescribed medication. Most patients describe recovery as quick and tolerable.
Initial recovery takes 2 to 3 days, during which relative rest is recommended. Swelling significantly decreases after the first week, and most patients can resume normal activities. Final aesthetic results are visible between 6 and 12 weeks.
No. Since all incisions are made inside the mouth, there are no external marks. The result is a natural appearance with no visible signs of surgery.
While bichectomy is considered safe, potential risks include prolonged swelling, bruising, infection, or temporary changes in cheek sensitivity. These are minimized when the surgery is performed by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon in a safe clinical setting and when postoperative care is followed correctly.
Yes, bichectomy provides permanent results because Bichat fat pads do not grow back once removed. However, significant weight changes can affect overall facial appearance, although not to the same extent as before surgery. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps preserve results.
Because Dr. Gabriel Murillo, a maxillofacial surgery specialist, leads our team and ensures safe, natural, and aesthetic results. At our clinic in Colombia, we offer a comprehensive plan including operating room rights, anesthesiologist services, intraoperative medication, osteosynthesis material when needed, and precise digital planning. We provide personalized support throughout the entire process.
Conclusion
Bichectomy is an ideal option for those seeking a slimmer, more defined face. With its simplicity, quick recovery, and permanent, natural-looking results, it has become one of the most in-demand aesthetic procedures worldwide.
At Odontomurillo, a dental clinic in Colombia, led by Dr. Gabriel Murillo, we perform this maxillofacial surgery under strict safety and quality standards, using advanced technology to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Book your consultation today and discover how bichectomy can transform your profile and highlight your best facial features.