Bichectomy is a cosmetic surgery procedure consisting in the removal of the buccal fat pads, fat clusters located in the cheeks. Performed by a qualified surgeon, this procedure aims to slim the face by sculpting hollowed cheeks and enhancing the cheekbones. Short and generally minimally invasive, bichectomy is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs and the specifics of the case.
The price of a bichectomy varies depending on the country, the technique used, and the practitioner’s expertise. Here is a summary table of average prices observed in 2025:
| Country | Traditional Bichectomy | Assisted Bichectomy (Laser/Ultrasound) |
|---|---|---|
| France | €2,200 | €2,700 |
| United Kingdom | €2,400 | €3,000 |
| Germany | €2,100 | €2,600 |
| Netherlands | €2,300 | €2,900 |
| Italy | €2,000 | €2,600 |
| Tunisia | €1,200 | €1,400 |
| Turkey | €1,100 | €1,300 |
| Hungary | €1,300 | €1,600 |
| Czech Republic | €1,100 | €1,500 |
| Lithuania | €1,300 | €1,700 |
| Thailand | €1,000 | €1,250 |
| Poland | €1,300 | €1,600 |
| Belgium | €2,000 | €2,400 |
| Brazil | €1,800 | €2,300 |
| Albania | €900 | €1,200 |
Prices are indicative and were updated in 2025.
Bichectomy is a purely cosmetic procedure. Therefore, it is generally not covered or reimbursed by health insurance or mutual insurance, regardless of country. This lack of coverage is due to the non-medical and non-functional nature of the surgery.
The main goal of bichectomy is to slim the face and highlight natural contours. Different approaches or techniques are available to meet specific expectations:
The field of bichectomy has seen several recent advances:
All of these innovations contribute to a safer patient experience and more natural results.
Bichectomy is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can return home the same day. After disinfecting the mouth and applying anesthesia (local in most cases, sometimes general), the surgeon makes a small incision inside each cheek, usually between the upper gum and the cheek itself. No sutures are visible from outside.
The practitioner then gently accesses the buccal fat pad. They remove part or all of this fatty cluster, taking care to preserve nerve and vascular structures. Once the fat is removed, the surgeon closes the incision with a few absorbable stitches within the mouth. A dressing is unnecessary, as intraoral mucosal healing is rapid. The procedure typically lasts less than an hour.
Bichectomy is a short surgery. Depending on the technique used and the case complexity, the procedure lasts on average between 30 and 60 minutes for both cheeks. This speed helps reduce perioperative risks and supports fast patient recovery.
The procedure itself is painless thanks to anesthesia (local or general depending on the case). After the operation, most patients report mild to moderate discomfort, similar to that experienced after a tooth extraction. More severe pain is rare and can be managed with simple painkillers prescribed by the surgeon.
Swelling (edema) of the cheeks and some bruising may appear in the first days. This discomfort, more pronounced when chewing or talking for a long time, gradually subsides within one to two weeks. It is very rare to feel severe or persistent pain after a bichectomy performed according to best practices.
Post-operative follow-up is an essential step to ensure proper healing and maximize the chances of a satisfactory result. Bichectomy, like any cosmetic surgery, requires some patience before the final result can be judged, due to the natural course of healing and reduction of swelling.
Immediately after the procedure, the face often appears swollen because of post-surgical edema. This swelling may last one to two weeks, sometimes longer if recovery is slower. The results start to become visible gradually from the third week, once most of the swelling subsides.
The final result is usually seen only after three to six months. This is the time needed for the tissues to retract, for full internal healing, and for the skin to conform smoothly to the cheeks’ new structure.
Bichectomy offers results considered permanent. Once the buccal fat pad is removed, it does not regenerate. Therefore, the slimming effect on the face is long-lasting.
However, it is important to note that significant weight changes throughout life can affect facial appearance, even after bichectomy. The natural process of skin aging may also eventually influence the definition of the initially achieved contours.
After the procedure, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort when chewing or when the mouth needs to remain open for a long time. This sensation generally lessens each day.
Swelling (edema) is the most frequent symptom, generally moderate but sometimes asymmetric. Bruising may also occur but disappears in less than two weeks. Scars are totally invisible as they are located inside the mouth, on the mucosa.
Persistent or unusual pain is rare and should be a warning sign, especially if accompanied by fever or signs of infection.
As with any surgical procedure, bichectomy carries risks: infection, hematoma, prolonged bleeding, damage to nerves or blood vessels, asymmetry of the face, or a result considered insufficient compared to expectations. Complete failure is rare, but an imperfect result sometimes requires secondary correction.
To minimize risks, it is crucial to choose an experienced and qualified surgeon. Adhering to post-operative instructions—oral hygiene, appropriate diet, and avoiding tobacco—significantly reduces the risk of complications.
In the presence of warning signs (intense pain, fever, significant asymmetry, persistent bleeding), the practitioner should be consulted quickly to ensure prompt and appropriate care.
