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Face

Buccal Fat Removal

Bichectomy

Home/Procedures/Face/Buccal Fat Removal

AnesthesiaLocal with sedation, or general

Procedure timeAbout 30–60 minutes

DowntimeA few days to a week

ResultsRefines over 3–6 months

Bichectomy

Buccal Fat Removal

Removal of the buccal fat pads to slim the mid-face and accentuate the cheekbones and jawline.

A bichectomy, or buccal fat removal, slims the mid-face by removing the buccal fat pads that sit deep in the cheeks. The result is a more defined, sculpted lower face — accentuated cheekbones and a cleaner jawline — for patients who feel their cheeks look overly full or round.

Performed entirely through small incisions inside the mouth, a bichectomy leaves no visible external scarring. Dr. Marciales removes a conservative, precise amount to enhance definition while keeping the result natural and age-appropriate.

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Is It Right for You?

Am I a Candidate?

Good candidates feel their face looks too round or full in the cheeks and want more definition through the mid-face and cheekbones. Healthy adults with good skin tone and realistic expectations are ideal; because cheeks naturally thin with age, Dr. Marciales removes conservatively.

Full or round cheeks you'd like to slim
A desire for more defined cheekbones and jaw
Good skin tone and general health
Realistic, natural-looking goals
A non-smoker, or willing to stop for healing

Why Patients Choose It

The Benefits

Slims and sculpts the mid-face
Accentuates the cheekbones and jawline
No visible external scars (incisions inside the mouth)
Quick procedure and recovery
Permanent removal of the treated fat pads

What to Expect

The Procedure

Through a small incision inside each cheek, Dr. Marciales gently teases out a measured portion of the buccal fat pad and closes with dissolvable sutures. Because the incisions are inside the mouth, there is no external scarring.

The procedure is quick — often thirty minutes to an hour — and performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis at the accredited facility within New City Medical Plaza.

Before Surgery

How to Prepare

Attend a consultation to confirm suitability
Stop smoking and nicotine before the procedure
Pause blood thinners and supplements as directed
Arrange a ride home
Plan for a soft-food diet the first days
Prepare cold compresses and follow oral-care instructions

Healing, Week by Week

Your Recovery Timeline

First few days

Expect cheek swelling, mild soreness, and tightness. You'll follow a soft-food diet and oral-rinse instructions to keep the incisions clean. Cold compresses ease swelling.

About 1 week

Swelling begins to settle and many patients return to work and normal eating. The face may still look fuller than the final result at this stage.

Weeks 2–6

Swelling continues to resolve and the slimming effect becomes visible as the mid-face refines.

Months 2–6

The final, sculpted contour emerges as the last swelling fully resolves.

The Outcome

Your Results

Because early swelling can mask the effect, the true slimming becomes visible over several weeks, with the final, sculpted contour settling by three to six months. The removed fat pads do not return, so the result is permanent.

As the face naturally thins with age, a conservative removal keeps the result looking balanced over time.

Investment

Cost & Personalized Quote

A bichectomy is quoted individually. After your consultation you'll receive a clear, written quote.

The technique and anesthesia used
Whether it's combined with other procedures
Length of the procedure
Accredited-facility and aftercare costs

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Real Results

Before & After

Buccal Fat Removal — Three-quarter view — before & after — Three-quarter view — before & after

Individual results vary. Photographs are of Dr. Marciales' own patients, shared with consent.

Good to Know

Buccal Fat Removal FAQ

Will a bichectomy leave scars?

No visible ones — the incisions are made inside the mouth, so there is no external scarring.

Is buccal fat removal permanent?

Yes — the removed buccal fat pads do not return. Dr. Marciales removes a conservative amount so the result stays natural as the face thins with age.

Will it make my whole face thinner?

It specifically slims the mid-face and cheeks to enhance definition; it isn't a treatment for overall facial fat or weight. Dr. Marciales confirms if it suits your face shape.

How long is recovery?

Most patients return to work and normal eating within about a week, following a soft-food diet and oral-care instructions for the first few days.

When will I see the result?

Early swelling hides the effect at first; the slimming becomes visible over several weeks, with the final contour at three to six months.

Am I too old or too young for a bichectomy?

Because cheeks naturally lose volume with age, it's best suited to those with genuinely full cheeks. Dr. Marciales assesses your face shape and age to ensure a balanced, lasting result.