Reviewed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya — a qualified physician and specialist plastic surgeon (ISAPS, TPRECD). Surgery is carried out at Acıbadem, an accredited private hospital in Istanbul. General information, not medical advice.
Buccal fat removal (bichectomy) slims full, round cheeks to bring out the cheekbones and define the mid-face. It is a small procedure with a big effect on the right face — but it is not for everyone, and an honest surgeon will tell you when it is not the answer.
What is buccal fat removal?
The buccal fat pads sit deep in the cheeks. In people with naturally full, round faces, carefully reducing them can reveal more definition beneath the cheekbones and a slimmer lower face. The incision is made inside the mouth, so there is no visible scar.
Who buccal fat removal suits — and who it does not
Buccal fat removal slims full lower cheeks for more definition. It is a small procedure with a big caveat: it cannot be undone, so patient selection is everything.
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Good candidates | Younger adults with genuinely full lower cheeks and good skin who want subtle definition. |
| Less suitable | Thin or narrow faces, and people likely to lose facial volume with age — removal can look gaunt over time. |
| Often combined with | Chin definition or neck liposuction for a balanced jawline, when appropriate. |
| Reversibility | None — the fat is removed permanently, so conservative removal is essential. |
Are you a good candidate — and who is not?
It suits people with genuinely full, round cheeks who want more mid-face definition, in good health, with realistic expectations.
It is not right for everyone. Faces naturally lose volume with age, and removing buccal fat from a slim or ageing face can create a gaunt, hollow look years later. A responsible surgeon assesses your facial fat and your future — and will decline if it is not in your interest.
How it is performed
Under local anaesthetic with sedation, a small incision is made inside each cheek and a measured amount of the buccal fat pad is removed. Because the approach is intra-oral, there is no external scar. Conservative removal is key — it cannot be reversed.
Recovery
Swelling inside the cheeks and mild discomfort settle over one to two weeks, with a soft diet and good oral hygiene in the early days. The final, slimmer contour appears as swelling resolves over a couple of months.
Risks and safety, honestly
Buccal fat removal is a small intra-oral procedure, but honesty about risk matters more here than with almost any facial procedure — because it is permanent. Over-removal can create a hollow, prematurely aged look as the face naturally loses volume with time, so a conservative, measured amount is key. Rarely, temporary swelling, a salivary duct or nerve branch can be affected. At Clinic Elia the procedure is performed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya at Acıbadem, and part of the consultation is an honest conversation about whether it suits your face at all.
Wondering if you are a candidate?
Send photos and a short note about what bothers you. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and gives you a realistic surgical opinion.
Results
Results are permanent, because the fat does not return. The definition emerges gradually as swelling settles. Conservative, well-judged removal is what keeps the result looking natural rather than hollow.
Cost in Turkey
Buccal fat removal in Turkey costs well below UK, EU and North American prices, within an all-inclusive package. Your quote follows an assessment.
Your surgeon
Procedures at Clinic Elia are led by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya, a specialist in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Your suitability and plan are confirmed after an honest assessment.
Get a surgeon’s honest opinion
Send photos from the front and in profile on WhatsApp. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and you get a realistic opinion and one clear, all-inclusive quote — with no pressure and no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Will buccal fat removal make me look gaunt later?
It can, if too much is removed or your face is not suited to it — faces lose volume with age. This is exactly why conservative, honest assessment matters, and why a good surgeon sometimes says no.
Is there a visible scar?
No — the incisions are inside the mouth, so there is no external scar.
Is it reversible?
No. The fat does not grow back, which is why measured, conservative removal is essential.
Is it painful?
Discomfort is usually mild. Expect internal cheek swelling and a soft diet for the first days.
When will I see the result?
A slimmer contour appears as swelling settles over a couple of months.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Sometimes, with facial contouring procedures — assessed case by case.
How long do I stay in Turkey?
Usually only a few days, confirmed in your plan.
Is buccal fat removal permanent and reversible?
The fat is removed permanently and it cannot be reversed, which is exactly why a conservative amount and careful selection matter.
Will I look gaunt when I’m older?
That is the main honest concern. Faces lose volume with age, so over-removal can look hollow later. A measured approach reduces this risk.
Is there an external scar?
No — the incision is inside the cheek, so there is no visible scar.
Who is a good candidate?
Younger people with genuinely full lower cheeks and good skin; it is not for thin or narrow faces.
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
Slimming injectables affect muscle, not the fat pad; for true cheek fullness, this is the surgical option — used sparingly.
Are the before-and-after photos real?
We show only genuine, consented results. Learn what to check in our honest before & after guide.
Continue reading
Wondering if it suits your face?
Send photos of your face from the front and sides on WhatsApp. You will get an honest opinion — including if buccal fat removal is not right for you. See also plastic surgery in Turkey.