What is buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal, also called a bichectomy, is a facial procedure that reduces the buccal fat pads. These are rounded pockets of fat that sit deep in each cheek, between the cheekbone and the jaw. Their size varies from person to person and is largely inherited, so some people keep a round, full face even when they are slim.
By taking out part of each fat pad, the surgeon softens the fullness of the lower cheeks. The cheekbones look more defined, and the face moves from a rounder outline towards a slimmer, more tapered shape. Because the procedure is done from inside the mouth, no scars are visible on the skin.
Who is buccal fat removal suitable for?
The procedure suits men and women who have naturally full cheeks that do not reflect their body weight. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are at least in your mid-twenties, when facial features have largely matured
- Have a stable weight, ideally within a healthy BMI range
- Have round, full cheeks rather than slim ones
- Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before and after surgery
- Are in good health and fit for anaesthesia
It is usually not recommended if your face is already thin, if you are older and naturally losing facial volume, or if you are planning to lose a lot of weight, because the result could look hollow later on. Your medical history and tests are reviewed to confirm that the procedure is safe for you.
How the procedure is done
Buccal fat removal is a short operation, usually taking 30 to 60 minutes for both sides.
Assessment and anaesthesia
The surgeon examines your face and agrees with you how much fat to remove. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, sometimes with sedation, or under general anaesthesia if it is combined with other surgery.
Incision inside the mouth
A small cut is made on the inside of each cheek, close to the upper back teeth. The fibres of the cheek muscle are gently separated, without cutting them, to reach the fat pad.
Removing the fat
The thin capsule around the fat is opened, and light pressure on the outside of the cheek helps ease the fat out. The surgeon removes the planned amount, seals small blood vessels and leaves the rest of the pad in its natural position.
Closing
The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. There are no external dressings, and you rest in hospital during your stay.
Recovery timeline
- First 3 days
Swelling and tightness in the cheeks are normal and usually peak around day two or three. You wait a few hours before eating or drinking, then stick to soft food. Cold compresses applied for short periods help reduce swelling.
- Week 1
Swelling eases and most people feel ready to return to work and normal daily life. Keep rinsing your mouth as instructed to protect the stitches.
- Weeks 2–4
The stitches dissolve and you can return to normal foods and exercise. Your face still looks slightly fuller than the final result.
- Months 2–6
Remaining swelling fades and the new cheek contour gradually becomes clear.
Aftercare
- Rinse with salt water or the prescribed mouthwash after meals, usually for the first week
- Brush gently and keep excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection
- Eat soft, lukewarm food for the first few days and avoid very hot or spicy dishes
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and strenuous exercise while you heal
- Take the antibiotics and pain relief your surgeon prescribes
- Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless your surgeon approves them
- Use sunscreen when you go outside in the first few weeks
Risks and side effects
Buccal fat removal is a relatively small operation, but it still carries risks, which your surgeon will explain in advance. They include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection inside the mouth
- Prolonged swelling
- Numbness or changes in sensation
- Injury to the salivary duct that runs through the cheek
- Injury to branches of the facial nerve, which may cause temporary or, rarely, lasting weakness of facial muscles
- Uneven results between the two sides, or less change than you hoped
- A hollow look later in life if too much fat is removed
- Blood clots and reactions to anaesthesia
Results
The result is permanent because the removed fat does not grow back. The change is usually subtle to moderate: a slimmer lower face, more visible cheekbones and a more sculpted outline. The final shape appears gradually over 3 to 6 months as swelling settles. Keeping a stable weight helps you maintain the result.
Buccal fat removal in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
You send us front and side photographs of your face and details of your health. The surgeon reviews them and confirms whether you are suitable, and we send you a treatment plan and quote. Stop smoking and blood-thinning medicines as advised.
In Istanbul
A driver meets you at the airport and takes you to the hospital, where you stay for the whole visit. A translator is with you for tests and the consultation, and a companion can stay with you at no extra cost. Plan for 5 days in Istanbul, with 4 nights in hospital.
Back home
Your coordinator stays in touch on WhatsApp, answers your questions about swelling and diet, and passes anything medical to the surgical team.
What the Buccal Fat Removal package includes
- VIP transfers from and to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Fully equipped room in the hospital
- Translation services at the hospital and during follow-up
- Pre-operative testing
- Consultation with your doctors
- Post-operative care and follow-ups for a year
- General anaesthesia
- Special compression garments
- One companion included in the price
- Three meals a day for you and your companion
- Full hospital stay for 4 nights, 5 days
- Aftercare package with a full set of medications to take home
Buccal Fat Removal FAQ
Will buccal fat removal leave scars?
No scars are visible on the face. The incision is made inside the mouth on each side and closed with dissolvable stitches, which usually disappear within one to two weeks.
How soon will I see the result?
Your cheeks will look swollen for the first week or two, so the result is not clear straight away. The slimmer shape gradually appears over the following months and is usually settled by 3 to 6 months.
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes. The removed fat does not grow back. Your face will still change with age and weight, and a large weight gain can make the cheeks fuller again.
Can it make my face look hollow as I get older?
This is a real concern, because faces naturally lose volume with age. That is why surgeons usually remove only part of the fat pad and avoid the procedure in people who already have slim cheeks. A careful assessment before surgery lowers this risk.
What can I eat after the operation?
You can usually start drinking a few hours after surgery. For the first several days, soft and lukewarm foods are easiest, and you should rinse your mouth after meals to keep the stitches clean.
Can I combine it with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with procedures such as rhinoplasty, chin augmentation or a neck lift. Your surgeon will advise whether a combination is safe and sensible for you.
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?
Plan for 5 days in Istanbul. Your package includes a full hospital stay of 4 nights, so you recover in a private room with nurses on hand day and night. You have a check-up before flying.
