Buccal Fat Removal Zurich
Refine cheek contour by removing the buccal fat pads
Buccal fat removal – also known as bichectomy – is a surgical procedure to remove deep cheek fat (buccal fat pad) with the aim of refining the facial contour. At the Metropolitan Clinic Zurich, our experts Dr. Volker Rippmann and Christian Roessing, M.D. perform this procedure with the utmost precision – individually planned, medically sound, and tailored to your natural proportions.
Contour instead of volume
Surgical buccal fat removal offers numerous benefits for patients who desire a refinement of their facial contours. The procedure enables a permanent reduction of cheek fat, resulting in a more defined, slimmer lower cheek area. The surgical technique is particularly gentle: access is gained through the oral mucosa, leaving no externally visible scars. The treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, either under local anesthesia or twilight sleep. After a short healing phase, a natural result emerges that harmoniously accentuates the individual facial features.
approx. 45–60 minutes
Local anesthesia
approx. 5–7 days
after approx. 4–6 weeks
Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Personal Consultation
At the Metropolitan Clinic Zurich, we take time for your wishes. We assess whether buccal fat removal is medically and aesthetically appropriate for your face shape.
Outpatient Procedure
The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is usually performed under local anesthesia. The cheek fat is carefully removed on both sides through small incisions in the oral mucosa.
Healing Process
Mild swelling is normal during the first few days. After about 7–10 days, you are usually socially presentable again. The final result becomes visible after approx. 4–6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The result of a buccal fat removal is generally permanent. Since the removed cheek fat – the so-called buccal fat pad – does not grow back, the refined facial shape remains long-term. A prerequisite for this is a stable body weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the overall proportions of the face. With consistent weight and good skin elasticity, the new contour will be maintained for many years.
No, during buccal fat removal, incisions are made exclusively inside the oral mucosa. This means that no external scars are visible. The small mucosal incisions usually heal quickly and inconspicuously. It is important to maintain careful oral hygiene and a soft diet during the first few days to optimally support wound healing and minimize the risk of irritation.
The initial healing phase typically lasts 7 to 10 days. During this time, mild swelling, a feeling of tightness, or tenderness in the cheek area may occur – this is normal and usually subsides quickly. Most patients are socially presentable again after a few days. The final result becomes visible after about 4 to 6 weeks, once the tissue has fully deswelled and reshaped. Sporting activities should be avoided for approximately 1–2 weeks.
This concern is understandable – and precisely why a careful medical assessment beforehand is so important. With correct indication and precise surgical technique, the result remains natural and harmonious. At the Metropolitan Clinic Zurich, we ensure that only as much cheek fat is removed as is aesthetically sensible. The goal is not a radically slim face, but a more defined, yet soft and proportioned facial shape that suits your overall aesthetic.