Buccal Fat Removal in Turkey: What to Expect

Buccal fat removal (bichectomy) in Turkey is an intraoral procedure that reduces cheek fullness by removing a portion of the buccal fat pads. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the surgery typically takes about 45 minutes.

It is performed through incisions inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars on the face. Most patients can return to desk-based work within 5 to 7 days, though swelling may take about a week to start improving noticeably.

Full results typically become apparent over about two months as residual swelling subsides. The procedure suits patients with naturally fuller cheeks who wish to achieve a more contoured mid-face. Still, careful screening is essential to avoid a hollow appearance later in life.

What Is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Infographic defining buccal fat pad removal for slimmer facial contours, illustrating the mid-cheek fat pocket, intraoral incisions for no visible scarring, and a three-week recovery timeline by HayatMed Clinic Istanbul.

The buccal fat pad is a naturally occurring pocket of fat located in the mid-cheek area, between the facial muscles below the cheekbone.

Everyone has buccal fat pads, but their size varies from person to person. When these fat pads are larger, they can create a rounder facial appearance, sometimes described as “chubby cheeks.”

Buccal fat removal targets only this specific fat pocket to create a slimmer lower face and more defined cheekbones. The procedure is purely cosmetic. Having larger buccal fat pads does not cause health problems, and the surgery is a personal choice for those who prefer a more angular facial contour.

This surgery does not address fat elsewhere on the face, neck, or body. It will not change the shape of your nose, ears, or jawbone, nor will it address loose facial skin. If you have concerns about other areas, your surgeon can discuss whether options such as chin augmentation might be appropriate.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the buccal fat pads sit beneath the cheekbone between the facial muscles. They can be accessed through incisions made inside the mouth. This intraoral technique avoids visible scarring and allows for a recovery period of roughly three weeks.

How Buccal Fat Surgery Works

Anaesthesia Options for Cheek Reduction

Buccal fat removal is typically performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the inside of your mouth while you remain awake. In some cases, your surgeon may recommend sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on your medical history, personal preference, or if you are having additional procedures at the same time.

Before the procedure, your surgeon and anaesthesia team will review all medications and supplements you currently take. Certain substances, including blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal supplements, may need to be paused before surgery. Your medical team will advise you on what to stop and when to stop. Do not make changes to your medication without guidance from your surgeon or anaesthetist.

What Happens During Bichectomy Surgery

Once the anaesthesia takes effect, your surgeon makes a small incision inside your cheek, near the back molars. This intraoral approach means there are no cuts on the outside of your face. The surgeon then locates the buccal fat pad and gently removes the desired amount before closing the incision with dissolvable stitches.

The entire procedure typically lasts around 45 minutes. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, this technique avoids visible scarring. It allows for the controlled removal of the fat pad with minimal bleeding.

Am I a Candidate for Cheek Reduction Surgery?

Not everyone is suited to buccal fat removal. The procedure typically works well for patients with naturally fuller cheeks who wish to achieve a slimmer mid-face contour. However, removing buccal fat from the wrong candidate can lead to a hollow or gaunt appearance, particularly as the face naturally loses volume with age.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), facial fat distribution changes over time, and patients who are already lean or have narrow faces may experience an aged or sunken look if too much fat is removed. ASPS guidance stresses the importance of conservative reduction and thorough facial analysis by a specialist.

Your surgeon should assess your facial bone structure, skin elasticity, and overall fat distribution before recommending this procedure. If you are planning significant weight loss in the near future, wait until your weight stabilises, as weight loss can also reduce facial volume.

Who Should Avoid Buccal Fat Removal

Before proceeding, review the following checklist with your surgeon:

• Naturally narrow or thin face structure (may lead to hollow cheeks)
• Age-related facial volume loss is already present
• Major planned weight loss in the near future
• Current smoking (affects healing and increases complication risk)
• Bleeding disorders or medications that affect clotting (requires medical review)
• Pre-existing facial asymmetry that concerns you
• Unrealistic expectations about outcomes
• History of facial wasting conditions or autoimmune disorders affecting facial tissue (discuss with your surgeon)

If any of these apply, discuss them openly with your surgeon to determine whether buccal fat removal is appropriate for you.

Buccal Fat Removal vs Cheek Liposuction

Some patients confuse buccal fat removal with cheek liposuction, but these procedures target different areas of the face.

Buccal fat removal specifically addresses the buccal fat pads located in the mid-cheek region, beneath the cheekbone. The goal is to reduce fullness in the lower cheek area and create more defined cheekbones. The procedure is performed through incisions inside the mouth.

Cheek liposuction, by contrast, targets subcutaneous fat (fat beneath the skin) in broader areas of the face, sometimes including the jowls or a double chin. It may require small incisions, and placement depends on the area treated, using suction to remove fat.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, these procedures address different anatomical structures and are not interchangeable. The buccal fat pad is a distinct pocket of fat separate from the subcutaneous fat layer. Your surgeon can advise which approach, or combination of approaches, may suit your goals.

Preparing for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Cheek reduction candidacy guide comparing suitable candidates with naturally fuller cheeks versus risks of hollow appearance in lean faces. Icons highlight facial analysis and weight loss considerations by HayatMed Clinic.

Preparation helps ensure a smoother surgery and recovery. Your clinic should provide detailed instructions, but general steps include:

• Attend a consultation to discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations
• Disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take
• Arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure
• Avoid smoking for the recommended period before and after surgery
• Plan for soft foods and liquids at home for the initial recovery period

Your surgeon and anaesthesia team will advise which medications to continue and which to pause before surgery. Do not adjust any medications on your own.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Time

Recovery Milestones: Day 0 to Week 6

According to the Cleveland Clinic, healing time is usually about three weeks. Full results develop over roughly two months as all swelling resolves.

What to Eat After Buccal Fat Surgery

During the first 48 to 72 hours, patients typically follow a diet of liquids and very soft foods:

• Soups
• Smoothies
• Yoghurt
• Custard
• Ice cream

After the first week, softer solid foods are generally introduced as tolerated:

• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Soft cereals
• Bananas
• Well-cooked stews

After approximately 10 days, most patients can return to a normal diet. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sharp foods such as popcorn, nuts, raw vegetables, and crisps until your surgeon confirms full healing.

Buccal Fat Removal Aftercare: Oral Hygiene

Because the incisions are inside your mouth, keeping the surgical site clean is essential to reduce the risk of infection. Your surgeon may recommend:

• A prescribed antibacterial mouth rinse, used several times gently daily for the first week or two
• Gentle brushing, avoiding the incision areas for the first few days
• Avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes unless directed

Most patients can return to a normal oral hygiene routine within two to three weeks, once healing is confirmed at follow-up appointments.

When to Call a Doctor

Contact your surgeon or seek medical attention if you experience any of the following after surgery:

• Fever (temperature of 38°C or above)
• Pus, increasing redness, or warmth around the incision site
• Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
• An unpleasant taste or unusual drainage from the incision area

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience

– Chest pain, shortness of breath, or an unusual heartbeat

Buccal Fat Removal Risks and Complications

Pre-operative preparation steps for smoother buccal fat removal recovery, featuring icons for medical consultations, disclosing medications, quitting smoking, and planning soft foods by HayatMed Clinic Istanbul.

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. Buccal fat removal is generally considered low-risk when performed by a qualified surgeon, but potential complications include:

• Infection: Bacteria can enter the incision site. Antibiotics and careful oral hygiene help reduce this risk.
• Bleeding or haematoma: Excessive bleeding or a collection of blood beneath the tissue may require intervention.
• Nerve injury: Temporary or, rarely, longer-lasting numbness or weakness in the cheek area can occur.
• Asymmetry: Slight differences between the two sides of the face are common and often settle as swelling resolves.
• Seroma: Fluid may accumulate at the surgical site, occasionally requiring drainage.
• Hollow or gaunt appearance: According to ASPS, removing too much buccal fat can result in an aged or sunken look as natural facial volume decreases with time, so alternatives such as facial fat transfer may be discussed when volume loss is a concern.

Hollow Cheeks Risk After Buccal Fat Removal

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), facial fat naturally diminishes with age, so conservative removal is essential. A thorough pre-operative assessment by a specialist facial surgeon helps minimise this risk. Discuss your long-term expectations and any concerns about ageing openly during your consultation.

Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Turkey

The cost of buccal fat removal varies depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the clinic’s location, the type of anaesthesia, and any additional procedures performed at the same time. When comparing prices internationally, ensure you understand exactly what is included in any quoted figure.

What’s Typically Included in Turkey Packages

Typically included

• Surgeon’s fee for the procedure
• Anaesthesia and operating facility fees
• Post-operative follow-up consultations
• Prescribed medications (antibiotics, pain relief, mouth rinse)

Often excluded (ask before booking)

• International travel and flights
• Extended hotel accommodation beyond the package period
• Additional procedures requested during consultation
• Revision surgery if required
• Personal expenses and travel insurance

Key cost drivers

• Surgeon’s experience and specialisation in facial procedures
• Clinic accreditation and facility standards
• Complexity of the case

When requesting a quote, ask for an itemised buccal fat removal cost breakdown that clearly lists all included and excluded items. This allows you to compare like-for-like between clinics and countries.

Treatment planning should begin with an in-person assessment and any investigations the clinician considers necessary. Based on your goals, anatomy, medical history, and risk factors, the team explains whether the procedure is appropriate and outlines the steps, expected timeline, and aftercare plan.

Procedures should be carried out in licensed clinical settings with documented infection-control processes and clear escalation pathways for complications. Before you confirm, ask who will perform each step, what monitoring is used, and how follow-up is handled once you return home.

A reliable quote itemises what is included and what is optional (for example: consultations, tests or imaging where relevant, medications, accommodation, transfers, and follow-up). This helps you compare like-for-like, because package inclusions and aftercare policies can vary between providers.

Comparing Buccal Fat Removal Quotes: Turkey vs UK, US, Canada and Australia

Costs vary widely by surgeon experience, facility standards, anaesthesia type, and whether the procedure is combined with other facial surgeries. For international patients, the most reliable way to compare options is to request an itemised quote that separates surgeon fees, facility/anaesthesia fees, medications, and follow-up care, then compare like-for-like across countries.

ISAPS’s International Survey 2023 highlights that Türkiye has a substantial share of medical tourism (a meaningful proportion of patients travelling from abroad), which is why international patients should focus on itemised quotes, surgeon credentials, and a clear aftercare plan rather than the headline price alone.

International Patients: Comparing Quotes

Medical overview of potential low-risk buccal fat removal complications, using icons to represent infection, nerve injury, asymmetry, seroma, and hollow facial appearance by HayatMed Clinic.

If you are considering buccal fat removal in Turkey from the UK, US, Canada, or Australia, take time to compare quotes carefully:

• Request itemised quotes from multiple clinics, not just headline prices
• Check the surgeon’s credentials, training, and experience with facial procedures
• Verify the clinic’s accreditation and facility standards
• Factor in travel costs, accommodation, and time away from work
• Understand the aftercare plan, including how follow-up consultations will be handled once you return home
• Plan travel timing with your surgeon, including when your early follow-up will occur, and avoid travelling if you have active bleeding, fever, worsening swelling, or signs of infection
• Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance that covers medical travel

Buccal Fat Removal Results: What to Expect Over Time

The effects of buccal fat removal are considered long-lasting because the removed fat pads do not regenerate. However, your face will continue to change naturally over time due to ageing, weight fluctuations, and other factors.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, results typically become visible over about two months as swelling fully resolves. According to ASPS, facial fat distribution changes with age, so patients should understand that their appearance will continue to evolve regardless of surgery.

Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve your results. However, no cosmetic procedure stops the natural ageing process.