Bichat’s fat pad removal

What are Bichat’s fat pads (Bichat’s balls) and when is their removal necessary?

Bichat’s fat pads (also referred to as Bichat’s balls, Bichat’s lumps, or Bichat’s adipose bodies) are small fat deposits located inside the cheeks. They are present in all individuals and contribute to the volume of the midface. Regardless of the terminology, these structures serve the same function: they can make the cheeks appear fuller, and their removal can reduce cheek fullness and create more defined cheekbones.

Cheek surgery to remove fat pads (bichectomy or cheek contouring) is performed when:

Even with normal or low weight, the cheeks still look chubby;
The patient wants more defined facial contours and prominent cheekbones;
The fat layer in this area does not disappear naturally.

According to the medical resource StatPearls, the average volume of a Bichat’s fat pad is 7–11 ml in both men and women, which is quite noticeable in the cheek area.

How to tell if you need a bichectomy — a simple test

It’s not always easy to tell if a Bichat’s fat pad removal (bichectomy) is really necessary. Often, people think their cheeks look too full, even though their facial proportions are actually balanced. Doctors recommend a small ‘at-home test’ to help guide you before a consultation (2).

Look at yourself in the mirror: do your cheeks stay round even after losing weight?
Run your fingers along your cheekbones: do you feel a clear bone structure, or does the cheek feel soft and puffy?
Look at a profile photo: does the face have a well-defined contour, or does it appear ‘childlike’ because of full cheeks?

If two out of the three points are positive, it’s worth considering a consultation.

Indications and contraindications for the procedure

Before deciding on the procedure, the doctor evaluates whether it makes sense for you personally.

Indications:

Excess fat pads in the cheek area.
Desire for a more defined facial shape and cheekbones.
Wanting to highlight facial contours in a minimally invasive, scar-free way.

Contraindications:

General contraindications for surgery (infections, systemic diseases, etc.).
For patients with very thin facial tissue, there’s a risk of over-removal, which can make the cheeks look sunken.

Показання та протипоказання до операції комків біша

Bichectomy price in Ivano-Frankivsk — all-inclusive packages

If you are considering Bichat’s fat pad removal (Bichat’s surgery, bichectomy) in Ukrainian cities like Kyiv or Ivano-Frankivsk, it’s worth noting that the price of a bichectomy depends on the anesthesia method, the surgeon’s experience, and the clinic’s level. Usually, all-inclusive packages include not only the surgery to remove the fat pads, but also a consultation, local anesthesia, and post-operative care.

The approximate cost of Bichat’s fat pad removal, including all services in the package, in Ivano-Frankivsk and Kyiv is from 25,000 to 35,000 UAH.

For price inquiries at Masych Clinic, please call: +38 (097) 642 52 30.

Price of Bichat’s fat pad removal

Bichat’s fat pad removal 25 000 ₴

Bichat’s fat pad removal options — choosing the best one for you

Today, several approaches to the procedure are available, and the choice depends on your preferences and medical indications.

Under local anesthesia — a quick and safe option.

Under general anesthesia (medical sleep) — convenient for patients who are very anxious before the procedure.

How Bichat’s fat pad removal is performed: stages of the procedure

To help the patient feel at ease, the doctor explains all the steps in advance. In the classic approach, the stages of a bichectomy are as follows:

Preparation and consultation — discussing your wishes, examination.
Choosing the anesthesia method — local or general anesthesia.
A small incision inside the mouth, near the second upper tooth.
Through the center of the incision, the fat pad is removed from the cheek without damaging surrounding structures (nerves, salivary ducts).
The stitches dissolve on their own over time — it’s painless and convenient.

The surgery is entirely painless. With anesthesia, the patient experiences no discomfort, and can go home the same day.

Post-operative recovery — what you can expect

During the first few days after the surgery, you might notice some temporary symptoms — this is completely normal:

mild facial swelling;
slight discomfort when chewing;
difficulty opening the mouth fully.

All symptoms gradually disappear within two to four weeks.

After the procedure: recommendations for a quick recovery

To ensure the healing process is as comfortable as possible, doctors recommend following a few simple rules:

avoid hot and hard foods;
rinse the mouth with antiseptic solutions;
do not smoke or consume alcohol;
avoid intense physical activity during the first few weeks.

How long is the recovery, and when can you see the results?

Recovery after a bichectomy happens gradually over time.

1–2 weeks — pain and swelling subside.

3–4 weeks — jaw mobility returns to normal.

2–3 months — the final result becomes noticeable.

Possible complications after bichectomy — what’s normal and what’s not

In most cases, recovery after a bichectomy goes smoothly. However, it’s important to know what to expect.

Normal reactions — disappear within ~2 weeks:

temporary swelling;
mild pain, limited mouth opening;
asymmetry during the early stages of healing.”

Warning signs:

progressively worsening sharp pain;
pronounced asymmetry that does not decrease;
salivary secretion due to duct injury;
evidence of infection or hematoma.

Studies confirm that complications after Bichat’s fat pad removal are rare, occurring in 8–18% of cases. The most common issues include facial nerve injury, hematoma, trismus, facial asymmetry, infection, and so on (3).

Why choose Masych Clinic in Ivano-Frankivsk?

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, it is important to feel calm and confident. At Masych Clinic, we do everything to make this process as comfortable as possible: