Will there be a scar inside the mouth after a bichectomy? | Dr. Faylim Tansu Uzel Clinic, Istanbul Beyoğlu Galata

Scar inside the mouth after bichectomy is one of the main concerns for people considering buccal fat removal surgery. Although the procedure is performed for aesthetic purposes, patients want to know not only about facial appearance but also about the healing process inside the mouth. Scar inside the mouth after bichectomy is not a condition that is externally noticeable or causes discomfort in daily life in most cases. The main reason for this is that the operation is performed through a small incision made inside the mouth, not through the facial skin. In this way, no visible surgical scar forms on the skin, and the healing process usually progresses in a controlled manner.

Bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal surgery, is especially preferred by people who want their facial contours to appear more defined. However, patients naturally have some questions before the procedure. Questions such as whether the stitches inside the mouth will be visible, whether pain will occur while eating, whether discomfort will be felt while speaking, and whether the incision site will be noticeable after healing are among the most important topics in this process. At Dr. Faylim Tansu Uzel Clinic, located in Istanbul Beyoglu Galata, not only aesthetic expectations but also healing comfort are evaluated in detail during bichectomy planning.

Are the Stitches Inside the Mouth Visible After Bichectomy?

Bichectomy stitches inside the mouth are not visible from the outside. This is because the procedure is performed through a small incision made on the oral mucosa, inside the cheek. Since this incision is not located on the facial skin, no stitch mark, incision line, or surgical sign is expected to appear on the person’s external appearance. Patients usually feel more comfortable about this issue after the operation because they do not see any scar on their face when they look in the mirror.

The stitches used inside the mouth may vary depending on the surgical technique and the surgeon’s preference. In some cases, self-dissolving stitches are preferred, while in some patients, evaluation may be performed during the follow-up process. However, in both cases, since the stitched area remains inside the cheek, it is not noticed during daily speech, smiling, or social interaction. In this respect, concern about scarring inside the mouth after bichectomy decreases for most patients as healing progresses.

In the first days, it is possible for the patient to feel the incision area with the tongue. This does not mean a permanent scar. While the tissues inside the mouth are healing, mild swelling, sensitivity, or a small firmness related to the stitch line may be felt in the area. However, this sensation decreases over time, and as the tissue recovers, the area becomes more natural. After healing is complete, many patients find it difficult to clearly distinguish the surgical site inside the mouth.

Where Is the Incision Made During a Bichectomy Operation?

In a bichectomy operation, the incision is made inside the mouth, not on the outer part of the face. This is one of the most important aesthetic advantages of the procedure. Through a small opening on the inner surface of the cheek, the Bichat fat pad is reached, and an amount of fat tissue suitable for the facial structure is removed. This is the main reason why the procedure does not leave a visible scar from the outside.

During bichectomy, the incision area generally has the following characteristics:

• The incision is located on the inner part of the oral mucosa, and no opening is created on the facial skin.
• When viewed from the outside, no surgical scar, stitch line, or incision mark is seen.
• Since the entry area is kept small, the healing process progresses more comfortably in most patients.
• While the aesthetic goal is preserved, the natural healing capacity of the oral tissues is used.

At this point, surgical planning is very important. Correct selection of the incision site, controlled approach to the tissues, and avoiding unnecessary trauma during the procedure are among the factors that reduce the risk of scarring inside the mouth after bichectomy. Since each patient’s cheek structure, oral anatomy, and facial proportions are different, a personalized evaluation is a more accurate approach instead of a standard procedure.

Why Does the Oral Mucosa Heal Quickly?

The tissues inside the mouth are among the areas of the body with a high healing capacity. The oral mucosa has strong blood circulation, and tissue regeneration usually occurs quickly. For this reason, when asked whether a scar will remain inside the mouth after bichectomy, it can be said that a prominent and disturbing scar is not expected in most patients. Of course, as with any surgical procedure, the person’s tissue structure, healing speed, attention to oral hygiene, and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations may affect the result.

In the first days, the stitch line may be felt more clearly. This period is a natural part of healing. As the tissues recover, the incision line softens, sensitivity decreases, and the area inside the mouth approaches its normal structure. Constantly checking the area with the tongue, irritating it with hard foods, or neglecting oral care may negatively affect healing comfort.

The fast healing of the oral mucosa is an important advantage, but this does not mean that the patient should be careless. Especially in the first days, following the care instructions recommended by the doctor is important for protecting the stitch line and reducing the risk of infection. With regular follow-up and proper care, the appearance of a scar inside the mouth after bichectomy usually heals without becoming noticeable.

Is Bichectomy Performed Under Local Anesthesia or General Anesthesia?

Bichectomy can be performed under both local anesthesia and general anesthesia. Which method will be preferred is determined according to the patient’s general health condition, additional procedures to be performed during the operation, the person’s comfort expectations, and surgical planning. While local anesthesia may be sufficient and comfortable for some patients, general anesthesia may be considered more suitable for others.

In bichectomy procedures performed under local anesthesia, the patient is awake, but no pain is felt in the treatment area. This method may be preferred especially in patients who will undergo only bichectomy. General anesthesia may be considered in more comprehensive surgical plans or in cases where the patient prefers to be completely asleep during the procedure. The important point here is that the patient clearly shares their expectations during the examination, and the surgeon evaluates facial anatomy and medical condition together.

At Dr. Faylim Tansu Uzel Clinic, located in Istanbul Beyoglu Galata, bichectomy planning is performed individually. When determining the anesthesia method, not only the operation process but also post-procedure healing comfort is taken into account. Choosing the right anesthesia helps the patient have a more comfortable surgical experience.

Does Pain Occur While Eating After the Operation?

Mild sensitivity while eating after bichectomy is possible. However, in most patients, this is not felt as severe pain but rather as sensitivity related to the stitch line inside the mouth or the need to chew carefully. Especially in the first few days, since the tissues inside the cheek are in the healing process, hard, hot, very spicy, or irritating foods may cause discomfort.

During this period, patients are advised to eat more slowly, take small bites, and avoid straining the operation area while chewing. A mild pulling sensation while eating, awareness of the stitch line, or a feeling of fullness in the cheek may be temporary. As healing progresses, these complaints decrease, and the patient returns to a normal eating routine more comfortably.

As with the concern about scarring inside the mouth after bichectomy, discomfort felt while eating is also usually temporary. The determining factors here are the careful application of the surgical technique and the patient’s attention to recommendations during the healing period. If pain increases, bad odor, noticeable swelling, discharge, or any unusual condition is felt, the physician should be contacted.

Which Foods Should Be Preferred in the First Days?

The diet in the first days after bichectomy is very important for healing comfort. When foods that do not strain the stitch line inside the mouth, are easy to chew, and do not cause irritation are preferred, the patient feels more comfortable. The aim in this process is both to maintain adequate nutrition and to protect the operation area.

The following foods can usually be consumed more comfortably in the first days:

• Warm soups, yogurt, and soft foods with a puree-like consistency may be preferred.
• Avoiding very hot, very cold, hard, and sharp-edged foods may be more comfortable.
• Foods with high spice content, acidic foods, or foods that may burn the inside of the mouth can be postponed for a while.
• Soft foods containing protein may support balanced nutrition during the healing period.

In the nutrition process, not only what is eaten but also how it is eaten is important. Chewing quickly, taking large bites, or constantly applying pressure to the operation area may increase discomfort. Therefore, eating calmly, carefully, and in a controlled way in the first days is more appropriate. The oral care routine recommended by the doctor also helps keep the stitch line clean after meals.

Why Is Surgical Technique Important?

Bichectomy may appear from the outside to be a small cheek slimming procedure, but it is a delicate surgical application that requires a strong knowledge of facial anatomy. For a successful result, simply removing the Bichat fat tissue is not enough. How much fat tissue should be removed in each patient, how the middle part of the face will be preserved, and how the natural facial contour will be supported must be planned carefully.

Removing too much fat tissue may cause the face to appear more hollow than expected in the long term. Insufficient removal may not provide the slimming effect expected by the patient. Therefore, bichectomy should be planned by considering facial proportions and the aging process. The surgeon’s experience directly affects both the aesthetic result and healing comfort.

Surgical technique is also important for preventing scarring inside the mouth after bichectomy or allowing the scar to heal in a way that is not noticeable. Keeping the incision area small, avoiding unnecessary strain on the tissues, and closing the stitch line properly increase the quality of healing. For this reason, the procedure should be performed under sterile conditions by a specialist with strong knowledge of facial anatomy.

Sterilization and Safety Process

In surgical procedures, sterilization is as important as the aesthetic result. Since the inside of the mouth naturally contains bacteria, hygiene and sterilization rules must be followed carefully during a bichectomy operation. Preoperative preparation, surgical instruments used, the operation environment, and postoperative care recommendations are all parts of a safe healing process.

At Dr. Faylim Tansu Uzel Clinic, bichectomy procedures are planned under controlled and sterile conditions. The aim is not only to achieve more defined facial contours but also to ensure that the patient completes the operation safely and comfortably. Attention to sterilization standards helps reduce the risk of infection and supports healthy healing of the stitch line.

The patient’s contribution to this process is also important. After the operation, it is necessary to pay attention to oral care, follow the recommended diet, attend follow-up appointments, and avoid behaviors that may irritate the area during the healing period. In this way, concerns such as scarring and discomfort inside the mouth after bichectomy can be managed in a more controlled manner.

Bichectomy Treatment in Istanbul Beyoglu Galata

For people considering bichectomy in Istanbul Beyoglu Galata, the most important stage is the correct evaluation process. Not every face type may be equally suitable for bichectomy. In some people, fullness in the cheek area is caused by the Bichat fat tissue, while in others, face shape, jawline, skin thickness, or general fat distribution may require a different evaluation.

At Dr. Faylim Tansu Uzel Clinic, while planning bichectomy treatment, the patient’s facial structure, expectations, and natural appearance goal are considered together. The aim is not to create an exaggerated slimming effect but to make the facial contours appear more balanced in accordance with the person’s anatomy. This approach contributes to a more natural and aesthetic appearance after the operation.

Whether a scar remains inside the mouth after bichectomy is important, but how the result will look in the long term is also significant. This is because the face is a structure that changes over time, loses volume, and is affected by the aging process. Therefore, during surgical planning, not only the current appearance but also facial balance in the following years should be considered.