Buccal Fat Removal in Turkey

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that targets the buccal fat pads, naturally occurring fat deposits located in the lower portion of your cheeks, between your cheekbones and jawbone. Everyone has these fat pads, but their size varies from person to person. If yours are larger, they can make your face appear round, full, or disproportionately wide, regardless of your body weight.

The procedure is not about weight loss. It is a structural change that refines the contour of your face by reducing volume in the mid-cheek area. The result is more visible cheekbones, a more defined jawline, and a slimmer facial profile overall.

How the procedure works:

Your surgeon makes a small incision inside your mouth, on the inner lining of each cheek. Through this incision, the buccal fat pad is gently located and a carefully measured amount of fat is removed. The incision is then closed with dissolvable stitches.

Because the incision is made entirely inside the mouth, there are no visible scars on the outside of your face. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, meaning you are comfortable and relaxed but do not need a general anaesthetic.

Key points about the procedure:

• Quick procedure, typically 30-60 minutes
• No visible external scars (all incisions are inside the mouth)
• Performed under local anaesthesia with sedation
• Permanent results, once removed, the fat pads do not grow back
• Can be combined with other facial procedures such as a facelift, chin liposuction, or rhinoplasty
• Results become more apparent as swelling reduces over 4-12 weeks

Buccal fat removal may be right for you if:

• You feel your face looks too round, full, or "chubby" despite being at a healthy weight
• You want more defined cheekbones and a slimmer facial contour
• You are over 18 years old and your facial structure has fully developed
• You are in good general health
• You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and after the procedure
• You have realistic expectations about the result, buccal fat removal creates subtle, natural-looking refinement, not a dramatic transformation

Buccal fat removal may not be suitable if:

• You have a naturally slim or narrow face, removing buccal fat could make your face appear gaunt or hollow, particularly as you age
• You are significantly overweight, your surgeon may recommend addressing weight first, as overall fat loss can change facial fullness
• You have certain medical conditions affecting your cheeks or mouth
• You are under 18, as your facial structure may still be changing

One of the most important considerations with buccal fat removal is your age and facial structure. A skilled surgeon will assess whether the procedure will give you a balanced, natural result now and in the years to come. During your free consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and give you an honest recommendation.

Before Your Procedure

Your journey begins with a free, no-obligation consultation, online, by phone, or at one of our UK consultation days. You will discuss what bothers you about your facial shape, your goals, and your surgeon will assess your facial structure to determine whether buccal fat removal is the right approach.

Your patient coordinator will answer any questions about the process, your stay in Turkey, and what to expect. Once you decide to proceed, you will receive a treatment plan and straightforward pre-procedure instructions, including avoiding blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and anti-inflammatory drugs for a specified period.

During Your Stay in Turkey

Your VIP transfer will collect you from the airport and take you to your 5-star hotel. On the day of your procedure, you will attend the hospital for pre-procedure checks, photographs, and a face-to-face consultation with your surgeon. Final assessments and markings will be made.

Buccal fat removal is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. You will be awake but comfortable and relaxed. The procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes. Your surgeon makes small incisions inside your mouth (no external cuts), locates the buccal fat pads, removes the appropriate amount, and closes the incisions with dissolvable stitches.

Because this is a day case procedure, you will not need to stay overnight in hospital. After a period of observation, you will return to your hotel to rest. Your personal translator will be with you throughout.

After Your Procedure

You will notice some swelling and tenderness in your cheeks, this is completely normal and expected. Your surgeon will see you for a follow-up check before you fly home and provide detailed aftercare instructions.

You will be advised to eat soft foods for several days, maintain excellent oral hygiene with antiseptic mouthwash, and avoid strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks. Most patients are able to fly home within 2-3 days of the procedure.

Buccal fat removal has one of the shortest recovery periods of any cosmetic procedure. Most patients are back to their normal routine within 1-2 weeks.

Days 1-3: Swelling and mild bruising around the cheeks are expected. Your face may feel tight and tender. Eating will be more comfortable with soft foods, soups, smoothies, yoghurt, and mashed foods. Mild pain is easily managed with prescribed medication. Keep your head elevated when resting and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Days 3-7: Swelling begins to reduce noticeably. You may still have some tenderness when opening your mouth wide or chewing firmer foods. Continue with soft foods and rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash after meals. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities.

Weeks 1-2: The majority of visible swelling has resolved. You can gradually return to your normal diet, though avoid very hard or crunchy foods until your surgeon advises otherwise. Most patients return to work within 7-10 days, and most people will not notice you have had anything done.

Weeks 2-4: Remaining swelling continues to diminish. Your facial contour begins to show more definition as the cheeks settle. You can resume exercise and normal physical activity.

Months 1-3: Deeper swelling gradually resolves and the full effect of the procedure becomes more visible. Your cheekbones appear more prominent, your jawline more defined, and your overall facial profile slimmer.

Months 3-6: Your final result is now fully apparent. The change is permanent, buccal fat pads do not regenerate once removed.

Buccal fat removal is a well-established, minimally invasive procedure with a strong safety profile. Because it is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation rather than general anaesthetic, many of the risks associated with larger procedures do not apply.

Common effects (expected and temporary):

• Swelling in the cheek area, peaks at days 2-3 and resolves over 1-4 weeks
• Mild bruising, varies between patients, typically fades within 7-10 days
• Tenderness when chewing or opening the mouth wide, resolves within 1-2 weeks
• Temporary numbness in the cheek area, normal and typically resolves within a few weeks

Less common considerations:

• Asymmetry, minor differences between the two sides can occur, though your surgeon removes a carefully measured amount from each side to minimise this
• Infection, rare, as the incisions are small and you will be prescribed antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash
• Damage to the parotid duct (salivary gland duct), extremely rare in experienced hands, as the duct is carefully identified and protected during the procedure
• Over-removal, an experienced surgeon takes a conservative approach, removing enough fat for definition while preserving a natural, healthy appearance

How your safety is managed: Your procedure is performed by a surgeon experienced in facial cosmetic procedures. The hospital is government-licensed and JCI-accredited. You receive careful monitoring during and after the procedure, and your 12 months of included aftercare means your team is available to monitor your healing and address any concerns that arise.