BICHATECTOMY - REMOVAL OF BICHAT BAGS
BICHATECTOMY - REMOVAL OF BICHAT BAGS
Bichat bags are fat deposits that are located inside the cheeks and add volume to the face. Their size varies from patient to patient; therefore, some patients have fuller and rounder cheeks, others have more defined and thinner cheeks.
Bichatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the Bichat bags are removed, in order to achieve slimmer looking faces in patients who are suitable candidates.
DETAILS OF DR. PEREZ'S TECHNIQUE
- Bichatectomy is performed by making a small incision located on the inner side of the cheeks.
- Dr. Perez carefully chooses patients who are suitable for this procedure, since many patients request a Bichatectomy without really needing it. Similarly, Dr. Perez performs a partial but not a full removal of the Bichat bags, since this could lead to future faces that look very thin and with sunken cheeks.
- The incision is closed with absorbable stitches.
BICHATECTOMY CANDIDATES
- Patients who have round faces and prominent cheeks.
- Patients who wish to better shape and outline their face.
POSTOPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
- We recommend maintaining a semi-sitting position at 30 degrees, in order to improve the drainage of the inflammation.
- Local cold packs should be placed in the cheek area, in order to reduce the inflammatory process.
- Dr. Perez recommends mouth rinses with oropharyngeal antiseptic during the first 5 days.
ANESTHESIA
This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY?
Swelling, usually moderate, in the cheek area is normal and will improve after 2 to 3 days.
AT WHAT AGE IS BICHATECTOMY RECOMMENDED?
This procedure can be performed once facial development is complete, after the age of 18.