Buccal fat removal (bichectomy): Buccal fat removal in Frankfurt am Main
A V-shaped face, where the cheekbones protrude slightly and the face tapers downwards, is considered attractive by many people nowadays. Those who are not blessed with such a V-shape from birth and have rather full cheeks can get rid of them permanently with buccal fat removal. As part of the surgical facial slimming procedure, the so-called Bichat’s fat is removed from the cheeks. The result is a slimmer face shape with accentuated cheekbones and clearly defined contours.
As a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Dr. Nichlos has the necessary expertise for the procedure. He attaches particular importance to very natural-looking results and takes the individual shape of the patient’s face into account. Make an appointment now and come to our practice in Frankfurt for a no-obligation consultation on the options for facial reduction!
Reviewed by the author
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and hand surgery with over 16 years of clinical experience. After working as a senior physician and head of a surgical department at Markus Hospital in Frankfurt, he founded his own practice in Frankfurt in 2025.
The content on this page has been personally reviewed by Dr. Nichlos. It is based on his many years of medical experience and is in line with current specialist standards.
Buccal fat removal:
At a glance
Financing
Table of contents
Introduction
What is buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal (bichectomy) is a relatively new plastic surgery procedure to remove full cheeks (“hamster cheeks”) and narrow the face. The aim is to achieve a more V-shaped face.
This method of facial slimming originally comes from the USA, but is also becoming increasingly popular in this country. In this treatment, excess fatty tissue is removed via an incision from the inside of the cheek. This emphasizes the cheekbones, the chin area appears narrower, the facial features more contoured and the face looks younger overall.
What are the reasons for buccal fat removal?
So-called “hamster cheeks” or “chubby cheeks” do not cause any discomfort, but can greatly disturb the aesthetic perception of the women and men affected. Buccal fat removal is performed for aesthetic reasons. Narrowing the cheeks makes the contours clearer and sharpens the profile. The operation is also suitable for compensating for asymmetries or concealing a pronounced chewing muscle.
Important: A bichectomy is suitable for removing genetically determined cheek fat that persists despite a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and a normal weight. If you are very overweight, you should first lose weight; often the “chubby cheeks” disappear with the extra pounds. If not, buccal fat removal could be a suitable treatment method.
Methods
How does buccal fat removal work?
Bichectomy is a relatively standardized surgical procedure that only varies in the details. Basically, the fat lying deep in the cheek (“buccal fat pad”) is removed through a small surgical procedure. Access is gained via a small incision in the oral cavity. This has the advantage that no externally visible scars remain later.
The amount of fat removed varies depending on the individual anatomy and the desired effect. In rare cases, the amount of fat to be removed may differ on the left and right.
Self-dissolving threads are used for suturing, which dissolve by themselves within 7-14 days, so that no thread pulling is necessary.
Preparation
What happens before buccal fat removal?
After a thorough examination in our practice in Frankfurt, Dr. Nichlos will advise you on the possibilities of buccal fat removal and whether this treatment method is suitable for you to achieve the desired changes.
During the personal consultation, Dr. Nichlos will inform you about the treatment procedure and explain what you need to pay attention to before and after to ensure the best possible result. This includes informing us about any previous illnesses and medications you are taking and refraining from alcohol and nicotine before and after the procedure. Of course, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have during the consultation and also later.
Based on your wishes and your individual face shape, the specialist then plans the narrowing.
Procedure
Plastic surgery: How a buccal fat removal (bichectomy) is performed
Buccal fat pad removal takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is performed by Dr. Nichlos in the modern operating rooms of the Berger Klinik under local anesthesia (with twilight sleep if desired).
As soon as the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Nichlos makes a small incision on the inside of each cheek in the oral cavity and removes the fat pads above it. He then sutures the incisions with self-dissolving stitches. The first changes are visible immediately after the procedure, the final result of the operation can be assessed after approx. 3 weeks.
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Aftercare
What happens after buccal fat removal?
You will usually be able to socialize again the day after the treatment and do not have to plan for a long downtime. However, you should refrain from eating solid food on this day to avoid damaging the fine sutures in your mouth.
Cool the cheeks carefully so that any swelling that may occur on the face after the operation subsides more quickly. Allow yourself some rest in the days following the procedure and avoid any form of physical exertion for about 2 weeks.
Ensure good oral hygiene and rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating for the first few days. This will minimize the risk of infection during the healing process.
Risks
What are the risks associated with buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat pad removal is considered a low-risk treatment method, but should only be performed by a specialist with extensive anatomical knowledge, sensitivity and experience such as Dr. Nichlos to minimize the risk of bleeding and tissue trauma.
However, slight swelling or bruising in the surgical area cannot be ruled out after the procedure, which usually subsides after a few days. Commercially available painkillers can help with any wound pain that may occur.
Consultation appointment
Your expert for buccal fat removal Frankfurt: Specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery Dr. med.
Do you want slender cheeks with defined cheekbones? Dr. Nichlos can help you achieve the coveted V-shape with a surgical facial reduction. He will remove excess fat from your cheeks and reshape them according to your wishes. Call us now or use our online form to request an appointment and receive a no-obligation consultation on the possibilities of this trendy operation!
Practice location & directions – Frankfurt Westend
You can easily plan your route to our practice at Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main using the integrated Google Maps map. If you are arriving by car, we recommend the Palmengarten parking garage in the immediate vicinity.
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Frequently asked questions
for buccal fat removal:
- Who is a Buccal Fat Removal suitable for?
The treatment is suitable for women and men who have very full cheeks despite their normal weight and want a more defined facial contour.
- At what age is buccal fat removal possible?
As a rule, the procedure is advisable from around the mid-20s, when the facial features are fully developed and stable.
- How does the procedure work?
Buccal fat removal is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The buccal fat tissue is removed through small incisions in the oral mucosa. The procedure takes around 30 to 60 minutes.
- How long does the result last?
The result is permanent, as removed fat cells do not grow back. However, age-related changes such as sagging skin can affect the result in the long term.
- When will the result be visible?
An initial change is usually visible shortly after the procedure. The final result can be seen after 1 to 3 weeks, as soon as the swelling has subsided.
- Is buccal fat removal painful?
Thanks to local anesthesia, the procedure is painless. There may be slight discomfort in the days afterwards, which can usually be treated well.
- How long does it take to heal?
Healing is usually uncomplicated. Swelling and bruising subside within a few days. You will usually be able to socialize again after 2 to 4 days.
- Can visible scars remain?
No. Access is via the oral mucosa so that there are no externally visible scars.
- What are the risks of the procedure?
Possible risks include swelling, hematomas or infections. If too much tissue is removed, the face may appear sunken in old age.
- Can Buccal Fat Removal be combined with other treatments?
Yes, the treatment is often combined with a jawline optimization or chin sculpting to achieve a harmonious result.
- Does the health insurance company cover the costs?
No. This is an aesthetic procedure that is not covered by statutory health insurance. Dr. med. Nichlos is also not licensed by health insurance companies.
- What is the cost of buccal fat removal in Frankfurt?
Treatment costs start from 2,000 euros, plus anesthesia, hospital stay and other services if necessary. You will receive an exact estimate in a personal consultation.