Bichectomy, hollow cheek surgery
Objectives of bichectomy
Bichectomy, also known as cheek reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure to partially remove the Bichat’s balls.
These deep fatty deposits, located in the cheeks, can give the face a rounder or more youthful appearance, sometimes at odds with the patient’s bone structure.
By reducing this volume in a targeted manner, bichectomy makes it possible to :
- refine cheeks,
- accentuate cheekbones,
- reshape the oval of the face,
- bring more definition to the jaw angle,
- reveal a more sculpted facial structure.
The desired result is always natural, balanced and adapted to the morphology of the face.
However, each indication must be studied carefully. Excessive removal of the Bichat balls can prematurely hollow the face over time. This is why a personalized analysis of morphology, tissue quality and facial volumes is essential before any intervention.
Duration
1 to 2 hours
Frequency
Once
Back to work
1 to 2 days
Price
From CHF 3,500
Subtly reshaping facial contours
Bichectomy refines the middle third of the face by gently removing Bichat’s balls, the fatty compartments in the cheeks.
At Clinique Entourage in Lausanne, this procedure is approached with precision and moderation, respecting the natural balance of the face. The aim is never to transform, but to reveal a more defined, harmonious and elegantly designed structure.
Before-and-after bichectomy photos
Bichectomy in Lausanne
Who should have a bichectomy?
Bichectomy may be indicated in patients with :
- naturally full cheeks
- a round face despite a slim figure
- lack of cheekbone definition
- a desire to subtly refine facial contours
This procedure is suitable for both men and women who want a more structured face without changing their identity.
How does the procedure work?
A small incision is made inside the mouth to gently access the Bichat’s balls and remove part of them in a controlled manner.
The procedure generally lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the anatomy and the procedure performed.
It is most often performed under local anaesthetic or light sedation, allowing optimal comfort.
In most cases, the patient returns home the same day.
Post-operative recovery
Discreet bruising or a feeling of tension may also be observed.
Recovery is generally rapid:
resume social activities after a few days,
eat appropriately during the first few days,
edema gradually diminishes over the weeks.
The result gradually becomes apparent as the tissues deflate.
The definitive refinement of the face is generally appreciated after several weeks to several months.
Results of bichectomy
Bichectomy provides :
- a more structured face
- subtly refined cheeks
- enhanced cheekbones
- a more defined facial contour
The result remains elegant and natural when carried out with care.
The aim is not to hollow out the face excessively, but to reveal its lines with precision.
Questions and answers about cheek surgery
Procedure for bichectomy operation
Before bichectomy
The pre-operative consultation is essential to establish the basis of a trusting relationship with your surgeon. You’ll be able to tell him or her your expectations and check that the procedure is right for you. At the end of this consultation, you will receive a precise estimate for your procedure.
Operation sequence
Depending on your preferences and the amount of fat to be removed, bichectomy can be performed under local anaesthetic or sedation. The actual procedure consists of removing the fat deposits in the cheeks through a small incision in the mouth. Finally, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. The entire procedure takes about an hour.
After the operation
After the procedure, we’ll keep you under observation for a while to make sure you have no complications. You can go home the same day. To minimize discomfort and facilitate the recovery process, you’ll need to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully regarding wound care, medication, physical activity and follow-up post-operative consultations.
Results of bichectomy
The result of bichectomy appears progressively in the days following surgery, as postoperative swelling subsides. Gradually, the cheeks will become thinner and more sculpted.
The final results of bichectomy can only be appreciated after several months, as the face needs time to adapt to the new shape after surgery. You may therefore continue to see subtle improvements for several months after the operation, as the tissues continue to heal and adjust.
An operating theatre dedicated to surgery
We have our own operating room, located in our Lausanne clinic. Equipped with the latest technology, we can ensure the safety and precision of your operation.
We carry out over 400 operations in our operating theatre every year.
The interior design combines modernity and originality. Our operating theatres scrupulously comply with the safety and hygiene requirements necessary in a medical environment.
What's more, our facilities comply with the latest standards and have received official approval from the health authorities in the canton of Vaud.
Bichectomy Prices
Bichectomy
Removal of Bichat fat from the cheeks on an outpatient basis, under local anaesthetic.
| First consultation | CHF 200 |
| Bilateral bichectomy | from CHF 3,500 |
FINANCING SOLUTIONS
At Entourage, we offer you flexible payment solutions adapted to your needs.
You can spread the payment of your intervention over several monthly installments, freely choosing the number of installments that corresponds to your needs.
Make an appointment
Our team of beauty professionals warmly welcomes you for a personalized consultation.
Make an appointment today and let us take care of you. We look forward to meeting you!
Our bichectomy specialist
Dr Jean-Charles Bayol
FMH Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
