Cheek Slimming (Bichectomy)
This situation creates an undesirable aesthetic situation in women. As is believed, the fat tissue here is not affected by weight gain or loss. It has a different lipolytic feature than the subcutaneous fat tissue. In fact, the fatty tissues around the eyes and the subcutaneous fat tissue are also affected by weight gain and loss. Surgery in this area is not as simple and easy as it seems. Because while the main duct (Stensen's duct) of the salivary gland in front of the ear (parotid) courses here to open into the mouth, the connected veins and small branches leading to the facial mimic muscles also course here. Therefore, cheek thinning aesthetics should be performed by people who are familiar with the anatomy of this region and have the knowledge and experience to intervene immediately in case of a problem. First, the patient is examined bimanually to determine whether the pathology affecting the frontal appearance of the cheek is actually buccal fat tissue. After the necessary information is given, a 2 cm incision is made on the inside of the cheek under local (numbing) or general anesthesia (sleep) depending on the patient's preference, and a certain amount of fat tissue is removed from both sides without rushing, paying attention to symmetry. Since it extends to the temple area, it is impossible to remove it all.
What should be taken into consideration after the surgery?
It is possible that patients may encounter some undesirable situations after surgery. These; We can list bleeding into the surgery area, hematoma, saliva accumulation as a result of injury to the salivary duct (sialocele), temporary and permanent paralysis involving the lip and cheek mimic muscles as a result of nerve injuries, etc. Intermittent application of cold compresses to the cheek area after surgery is important to prevent swelling, bleeding and leakage. We recommend using a face mask for at least 2 weeks. We recommend that the patient consume soft, juicy food that does not require much chewing. On the other hand, we prescribe some medications that he needs to use and call him for a check-up after 1 week. In the following period, we recommend some exercises for our patient to do to reduce the edema in the area and highlight the thinning of the cheek.