Introduction

Bichectomy, an aesthetic surgery for the removal of Bichat’s fat pads, has become common among women seeking a more defined facial contour.

Objectives

This longitudinal study analyzed the pressure of the lips, tongue, buccinator muscles, and orbicularis oris as well as the distribution of occlusal contacts of the first permanent molars and dental hemiarches in adult women who underwent bichectomy.

Material and methods

Twenty adult women, aged 18-55 years (31.1 ± 9.8 years), with no temporomandibular dysfunction and normal occlusion, participated in the study. Orofacial tissue pressure was measured using the Iowa oral pressure instrument (IOPI). Distribution of occlusal contacts of the first permanent molars (16, 26, 36, and 46) and dental hemiarches was evaluated using T-Scan III. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA test (p < 0.05). Data were collected at three time points, i.e., before procedure, and 30 days and 60 days after bichectomy.

Results

There were no significant differences in orofacial tissue pressure across the evaluated time periods. An increase in tongue and lip pressure was observed after 60 days, with gradual increases in the buccinator and orbicularis oris muscles. In the teeth analysis, tooth 16 showed a decrease in force at 30 days, with recovery at
60 days, while tooth 26 showed a gradual increase. Tooth 36 increased at 30 days and decreased at 60 days, whereas tooth 46 showed a gradual decrease. The forces in dental hemiarches remained stable.

Conclusions

Despite the absence of significant differences, functional changes in orofacial tissues and occlusion occurred after bichectomy.