Effectiveness of bandage in the incidence of major complications on bichectomy: literature review and case series of 643 bichectomies

Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Sep;26(3):511-517. doi: 10.1007/s10006-021-01008-z. Epub 2021 Oct 5.

Abstract

Buccal fat pad removal or bichectomy is an esthetic surgical procedure that is gaining notoriety and increasing number worldwide. This paper aims to discuss the effectiveness of bandage in bichectomy postoperative concerning major complications like bleeding and subcutaneous emphysema. This is a retrospective case series according to PROCESS guidelines of 643 bichectomy surgeries performed by two different surgeons with the same technique from January 2018 until December 2020. Effectiveness of bandage is evaluated in complications rate decrease with statistical tests (p < 0.05). A literature review was performed to sediment knowledge about this theme. Female patients search for buccal fat pad removal more for esthetic reasons and male patients for functional purposes. Bichectomy has a low incidence of major complications, and this incidence decreases more with a bandage use (95%CI). Bandages are effective in the decrease of major complications related to bichectomy.

Keywords: Bichectomy; Buccal fat pad removal; Esthetics; Face; Surgical Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bandages*
  • Cheek / surgery
  • Esthetics, Dental*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies