What is the cost of bichectomy in Spain?
The cost of bichectomy in Spain ranges from £1,500 to £2,100, compared to £3,400 in the UK. This price includes local anaesthesia with sedation, the procedure and follow-up care. The procedure takes 45 minutes as an outpatient, with no overnight hospital stay.
📊 Price Table 2026
| Procedure Type | Spain Price | UK Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bichectomy (Standard) | £1,500 - £2,100 | £2,600 - £3,900 |
| Bichectomy + Chin Liposuction | £2,100 - £3,000 | £3,900 - £5,600 |
| Bichectomy + Jawline Contouring | £2,600 - £3,900 | £5,200 - £7,800 |
The final results appear in 2 to 3 months, giving a natural slimming effect to the cheeks.
Bichectomy prices are more attractive in Spain. Here is what a bichectomy involves and why you should consider Spain for the procedure.
Definition of Bichectomy
Bichectomy is a procedure that involves reducing the buccal fat pads. These are fatty structures located in the cheeks, between the cheekbone and the jaw. Depending on the individual, they are more or less developed and give the cheeks their round appearance.
By removing these fat pads, the facial lines are considerably refined. The cheeks appear more hollow, the cheekbones more prominent and the jawline better defined. This helps achieve current beauty standards.
Bichectomy is a simple and quick surgical procedure. It leaves no visible scar as the surgeon removes the excess fat through the inside of the cheeks. Furthermore, the operation is performed on an outpatient basis and under local anaesthesia. This procedure has much to offer. Bichectomy is commonly performed in the modelling world where sculpted faces are valued.
Who Is Bichectomy For?
Bichectomy is indicated for individuals who regret having a overly round face or chubby cheeks. This procedure is suitable for both men and women.
Reduction of the buccal fat pads is thus recommended for those who want to:
- reduce the volume of their cheeks;
- improve cheek definition;
- slim down the face.
Conversely, the procedure is contraindicated for individuals with a very gaunt face. Moreover, for patients who are significantly overweight and wish to lose weight, it is advisable to undergo the weight loss phase before deciding on a bichectomy, as facial features change with weight; the volume of the buccal fat pads, however, is not correlated with body mass index[1].
Bichectomy is not covered by the NHS, and private health insurance typically does not cover elective cosmetic surgery. Coverage depends on your individual policy; check with your insurer before considering treatment abroad.
How Is a Bichectomy Performed?
Generally, bichectomy is performed by a maxillofacial surgeon. This specialist has thorough knowledge of facial anatomy and is often trained in the bichectomy technique.
The surgeon will analyse your face, ensure your choice and the compatibility of bichectomy with your aesthetic wishes. They will also photograph your face and explain the procedure in detail.
It is essential to stop smoking completely before and after the procedure. Likewise, you must not take aspirin during the week before the removal of the buccal fat pads, as it increases the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Bichectomy is a short procedure that lasts only between 30 and 45 minutes, but a meta-analysis of twelve studies reports a post-operative complication in one in four patients[2]. It is performed as an outpatient procedure.
Local anaesthesia is administered to the mouth. The operation can also be performed under general anaesthesia if you prefer.
The surgeon makes a one-centimetre incision inside the cheek, above the upper molars. The scars will be completely invisible, hidden inside the mouth. The fatty pads that make up the buccal fat are identified, and their excess that causes the cheek roundness is removed.
It is never a complete removal. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures. You will leave the clinic without a dressing; these sutures will dissolve on their own.
Precautions to Take After a Bichectomy
As with any operation, bichectomy requires following certain rules after the procedure to ensure proper healing.
After the operation, it is recommended to apply ice to the cheeks to reduce swelling. The oedema that appears can be significant for up to 7 days, and this trick helps minimise the discomfort. It is also advisable to sleep with your head elevated and avoid overly warm rooms.
Pain is usually controlled with simple analgesics; it is nevertheless one of the most commonly reported side effects after this procedure[2]. The surgeon will also prescribe antibiotics to take for 5 to 7 days. Recovery is quick, and you can resume activities in 2 or 3 days, unless the swelling is uncomfortable.
For 3 days, you will need to eat blended or liquid foods. Hot foods should be avoided for two days. After each meal, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also use mouthwash for fifteen days, until complete healing. Additionally, smoking is prohibited for one month after bichectomy.
The result of the operation is visible after about 6 weeks, once the swelling has subsided. Patients with firmer, thicker skin will see the final result after three months.
How Much Does a Bichectomy Cost in Spain?
The operation costs less in Spain: expect to pay between £1,500 and £2,100. Prices will vary depending on whether the pre-operative consultation is included in the fee, as well as anaesthesia and post-operative check-ups.
Spain has cosmetic surgery clinics in its major cities, primarily Barcelona and Madrid. It is worth noting that the removed fat does not return, but the volume of the buccal fat pads changes with age[1].
The final amount depends on the volume actually removed and any additional procedures, which can only be determined after an examination. Our coordinator is British.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bichectomy cost in Spain?
Expect £1,500 to £2,100 in Spain, compared to £2,600 to £3,900 in the UK. The price depends on the volume removed and any additional procedures. Bichectomy in Tunisia and bichectomy in Turkey are priced below the Spanish rate.
What are the risks of a bichectomy?
A meta-analysis of twelve studies reports a complication in one in four patients: oedema, trismus, pain, asymmetry, and more rarely facial nerve damage or infection. The authors note significant heterogeneity between studies[2].
Can the face look too hollow with age?
The volume of the buccal fat pads changes with age[1], and the cheek naturally hollows as we get older. A generous removal at twenty-five may therefore become more noticeable later; a lipofilling can then restore volume.
Does bichectomy affect chewing?
No. In nine patients followed for four months, the number of masticatory cycles and meal duration did not change, even though the electrical activity of the masseter and buccinator muscles increased[3]. The sample size of this study remains small.
Can a bichectomy be combined with chin liposuction?
Yes, the two procedures can be combined in a single operation, for £2,100 to £3,000 in Spain. Double chin liposuction targets submental fat, which bichectomy does not address. The procedure remains outpatient.
Can I have surgery after lipolytic injections in the cheeks?
It is possible, but the fibrosis left by these injections complicates the procedure. In one hundred patients, the success rate drops to 91.8% compared to 100% without prior injections, and complications increase from 0% to 6.6%[4]. Mention them during your consultation.
How can I know if I have enough fat to remove?
An ultrasound performed before the procedure measures the volume of the buccal fat pads, and this volume does not differ from what is actually removed[1]. It is a simple test to request at the clinic. This study included twenty patients.
Sources & References
- Ciaramicolo NO, Bisson GB, Constantino AF, Meira Júnior S, Ferreira Júnior O. Buccal Fat Pad-: Anatomical Review and Evaluation of its Aesthetic Removal. Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, 2025. View source
- Albuquerque MC, Arruda KAR, Xavier Junior GF, Cerqueira ACSG, Massignan C, Rocha FS. Prevalence of complications of buccal fat removal-: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, 2025. View source
- de Oliveira Segura L, de Moraes Melo Neto CL, de Oliveira Costa L, de Caxias FP et al. Impact of buccal fat pad removal on electrical activity of masseter, temporal and buccinator muscles, anxiety, aesthetic satisfaction and quality of life. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2025. View source
- Sirimahachaiyakul P, Tansawet A, Wannachamras S. Success Rate of Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Cases of Previous Injection Lipolysis of the Cheeks-: A Comparative Analysis. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2023. View source
