Buccal Fat Removal in Turkey

Buccal fat removal is a procedure that removes part of the buccal fat pads, deep fat pockets in the lower cheeks, to reduce fullness in the lower face. The surgeon usually makes a small incision inside the mouth, gently brings out a controlled amount of fat and closes the incision with stitches. Because the incision is inside the mouth, there is no visible external scar. The procedure can create a slimmer lower cheek contour in selected patients, but it does not reduce fat elsewhere in the face or change bone structure.

Good candidates usually have round or full lower cheeks caused mainly by buccal fat, are in good health and are at a stable weight. People whose facial fullness comes from general body fat, prominent jaw muscles or loose skin may not benefit in the same way. Patients who already have slim faces or noticeable facial hollowing are often poor candidates. A surgeon should examine the face at rest and while smiling. You can find surgeons who list buccal fat removal and ask whether this procedure suits your facial structure.

Buccal fat removal can make the face look hollow or older later if too much fat is removed or if the patient's face is already thin. The face naturally loses volume with age, so fat that seems excessive at a younger age may contribute to a healthy appearance later. Conservative removal and careful patient selection reduce this concern, but they cannot eliminate future changes. Some patients with facial fullness may be better suited to other treatments or no treatment. Ask your surgeon how they decide how much fat to remove.

Buccal fat removal usually produces a subtle to moderate change in the lower cheeks rather than a dramatic transformation. The effect depends on the size of the buccal fat pads, facial shape, skin thickness, bone structure and how much fat is removed. It does not treat a wide jaw caused by masseter muscles, a double chin or jowls. Other procedures, such as neck liposuction or treatments for jaw muscles, may be more relevant. Look at before-and-after photos of people with a similar face shape before deciding.

Buccal fat removal usually leaves no visible scar because the incision is placed inside the mouth on the inner cheek. The small incision is typically closed with dissolvable stitches. You may feel the healing area with your tongue for a short time. Good oral hygiene is important to reduce infection risk, and your surgeon may recommend mouth rinses and a soft diet at first. An external incision is not normally needed for buccal fat removal alone, but combined facial procedures may involve other scars.

Buccal fat removal risks include bleeding, haematoma, infection, asymmetry, over-removal causing hollowness, and numbness. The buccal fat pad lies near branches of the facial nerve and the parotid duct, which carries saliva into the mouth, so injury to these structures is possible, although uncommon. Nerve injury may affect facial movement, and duct injury may cause swelling or saliva-related complications. Smoking and poor oral hygiene can affect healing. Ask your surgeon how they protect nearby structures and measure the amount removed.

Buccal fat removal is usually a day-case procedure, often under local anaesthesia with or without sedation. Swelling commonly peaks in the first days and substantially settles over one to two weeks, although subtle swelling can continue. Patients are often advised to eat soft foods, rinse the mouth as instructed, avoid smoking and brush carefully around the incision. Some cheek tightness or discomfort when opening the mouth wide can occur. The final result is usually assessed at around three to six months when swelling has fully resolved.

The removed buccal fat does not grow back in the same way, so the change can be long-lasting. However, the face continues to age, lose volume and change with weight gain or loss, which can alter the appearance of the cheeks over time. This is why conservative removal matters: the result that looks balanced in the short term should also suit the face as it ages. If hollowness develops later, volume restoration such as fat transfer or fillers may be considered, but results vary.

Patients are commonly advised to plan around 5–7 days in Turkey after buccal fat removal. This allows a review of the incisions inside the mouth and early swelling, and confirmation that there are no signs of bleeding or infection before flying. Plan soft meals during travel, carry any prescribed mouth rinse, and keep up oral hygiene. Avoid smoking and alcohol if advised by your surgeon. Ask what to do if swelling increases on one side or you develop fever after returning home. Our flying after surgery guide covers travel planning.

Buccal fat removal cost in Turkey depends on the surgeon's fee, facility, anaesthesia type and whether it is combined with other facial procedures such as neck liposuction, chin augmentation or rhinoplasty. Local anaesthesia alone may cost less than sedation or general anaesthesia. Consultation, medication, mouth rinses, follow-up visits, accommodation and transfers may be separate. Because suitability is important, a quote should come after an assessment of your facial structure. Request a buccal fat removal consultation for an individual quote.