Bichat’s adipose bags are responsible for giving the characteristic appearance of a round or chubby face in babies. When they grow, this fatty tissue gradually decreases to shape the face we will have as adults. However, not everyone evolves in the same way and this leads to a rounder or thinner face.

Anyone who has not suffered from obesity or excess weight and who does not feel comfortable with the overly round or undefined shape of their face can have a bichectomy, if advised by their plastic surgeon.

These individuals seek greater definition of their features, giving their face a more angular or thinner appearance and remodelling the shape of their face.

The bichectomy is a short surgery that takes around 40 minutes. It involves making small incisions on the inside of the cheeks through which the fatty structures of Bichat’s adipose bags are removed.

Scarring will not be visible, as it will be inside the mouth.

Bichat’s adipose bags are removed under local anaesthesia. It is a minimally-invasive, outpatient surgery and requires no overnight stay, and the patient can go home on the same day as the surgery.

A certain amount of swelling is normal after surgery, and this will disappear after a few days, depending on each patient. One month after surgery, the patient will be able to see how their features are more angular their cheekbones more pronounced, and their face thinner.

The results are very natural and harmony of the entire face is sought.

Postoperative care is very simple and similar to that of a tooth extraction. A soft diet is recommended for the first few days, and excessively hot liquids such as soups or hot herbal teas are not recommended.

Relative rest is recommended for the first 24 hours, and you should sleep with your head raised for the first two nights.

Follow the advice of your plastic surgeon should you have any discomfort.