Buccal Fat Removal in Turkey

Bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal, is a procedure that removes the buccal fat pads from the lower cheeks. These are encapsulated pockets of fat located between the cheekbone and the jawbone. They are separate from the fat that changes with your weight, even very slim people can have prominent buccal fat pads.

The procedure is performed entirely through small incisions inside the mouth, so there are no external scars. Your surgeon makes a small opening in the inner cheek lining, locates the buccal fat pad, and carefully removes it. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.

Bichectomy can address:

• Round or full cheeks that make your face appear wider than you would like
• A "baby face" or "chipmunk cheek" appearance
• Lack of visible cheekbone definition
• A desire for a more sculpted, V-shaped lower face

The procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic, so you are awake but feel no pain. Because buccal fat pads are distinct, self-contained structures, the removal is precise and predictable. Your surgeon will remove an appropriate amount based on your facial structure to ensure a natural, balanced result.

It is important to note that bichectomy is a procedure for people who specifically have prominent buccal fat pads. If your facial fullness is caused by weight, skin laxity, or overall fat distribution, a different approach may be more appropriate.

Bichectomy may be right for you if:

• You have a naturally round or full lower face even at a healthy weight
• Your cheeks appear puffy or "chubby" and you want more definition
• You want more visible cheekbone contour and a slimmer jawline
• You are at or near your ideal weight, this is not a weight loss procedure
• You are at least 18 years old with fully developed facial features
• You are in good general health with no active infections in the mouth
• You have realistic expectations, the result is subtle facial sculpting, not a dramatic transformation

Your surgeon will assess your facial structure and buccal fat pad size during your consultation. Not everyone is a candidate, if your face is already lean or you have naturally thin cheeks, removing buccal fat could create a hollow appearance later in life. Your surgeon will advise honestly.

Before Your Procedure

Your journey starts with a free consultation, online, by phone, or at one of our UK consultation days. You will discuss what bothers you about your facial shape and your surgeon will assess your buccal fat pads, cheek structure, and overall facial proportions.

Once you decide to proceed, you receive pre-procedure instructions including maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding blood-thinning medications.

During Your Procedure

On the day, you attend the clinic. Local anaesthetic is injected inside the mouth to numb both cheeks. Your surgeon makes small incisions in the inner cheek lining, locates each buccal fat pad, and carefully removes it. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. The entire procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

You are awake throughout but feel no pain, just mild pressure. There is no external scarring as all incisions are inside the mouth.

After Your Procedure

You can return to your hotel immediately. You will be given a special mouthwash and aftercare instructions. Soft foods are recommended for the first few days. Your surgeon checks your healing before you travel home. The dissolvable stitches break down on their own within 1-2 weeks.

Recovery from bichectomy is one of the fastest of any facial procedure, though your cheeks will be swollen initially.

Day 1-2: Expect moderate swelling in both cheeks, this is normal and expected. Your face may look temporarily fuller before it looks slimmer. Apply cold compresses to manage swelling. Eat soft, cool foods and avoid spicy or acidic items. Use the prescribed antibacterial mouthwash after meals.

Day 3-5: Swelling begins to reduce noticeably. Mild bruising may appear on the outer cheeks. You can gradually return to softer normal foods. Avoid chewing anything very hard or crunchy.

Day 5-7: Most visible swelling has settled. You can return to work and normal social activities. Dissolvable stitches begin to break down. You will start to notice the slimming effect taking shape.

Week 2-4: Residual swelling continues to resolve. The slimming and sculpting effect becomes increasingly visible. You can return to full normal eating.

Month 2-3: Your final result becomes fully apparent. Cheekbones appear more defined, and the lower face looks slimmer and more sculpted. The result is permanent.

Bichectomy is a well-established, minimally invasive procedure with a strong safety record. Because it is performed under local anaesthetic with internal incisions, the overall risk profile is low.

Common effects (expected and temporary):

• Swelling in both cheeks, resolves within 1-2 weeks
• Mild discomfort or tenderness inside the mouth, managed with standard pain relief
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide for the first few days
• Temporary numbness inside the cheeks

Less common considerations:

• Asymmetry, minor differences between sides can occur, though your surgeon removes measured amounts to ensure balance
• Infection, uncommon, minimised through sterile technique and antibacterial mouthwash
• Damage to the parotid duct (salivary gland duct), very rare with experienced technique
• Over-removal leading to a hollow appearance, your surgeon plans conservatively to avoid this

How your safety is managed: Your procedure is performed by a specialist surgeon in a fully equipped clinic. The buccal fat pads are well-defined structures, making removal precise and predictable. Your aftercare includes monitoring and 12 months of support.