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Buccal Fat Removal

If you have fatty cheeks and if you want to achieve a more defined contour and a thinner face, you should really consider buccal fat removal.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Fat and chubby cheeks can be lovesome on a baby, but it can give the appearance of a fatty face on adults. With some amount of fat in your face, you can achieve a youthful appearance but excessively developed buccal fat deposits gives you a puffed-up look. Even if you are not overweight, you can have chubby cheeks because of genetic predisposition or other reasons.

Buccal fat removal, also known as cheek reduction or bichectomy, is an outpatient surgical procedure performed to reduce fat deposits called buccal fat located in the cheeks. Buccal fat removal allows patients to get rid of the excess fat in their cheeks by creating a more slender, refined, and sculpted look. It helps to highlight facial features such cheekbones and jawline. Buccal fat removal can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as chin augmentation and facelift.

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Problems & Solutions

Buccal fat removal can address your cosmetic problems in your cheek area. Here you can find answers for different complaints.

I’m looking for a nonsurgical way to reduce my cheeks.

If you don’t want a surgery to reduce your cheeks, you should consider fillers. You may think that it is...

I want to reduce my cheeks, but I don’t want to get a hollowed out look.

In a buccal fat removal surgery, a small incision is made on the inside of the mouth and this intra-oral...

I want to have my cheeks reduced, but I’m afraid of scarring.

You don’t need to worry about scarring because buccal fat removal is a less invasive procedure requiring...

I don’t want to refrain from my exercise routine for a long period of time.

In general, your recovery process is going to be like this: After a buccal fat removal procedure, most patients...

Testimonials

Experience speaks for itself! Let's listen to our patients....

It has not been a week yet and I’m very impressed with my results! I’m already super happy with my appearance. My cheeks look slender, more defined and sculpted even now. I still have some facial swelling and small bumps, but they are getting better. Now I’m more confident with my face.
Alejandra Chavezz Buccal Fat Removal
If you ask me what I really liked about this clinic, I say professionalism and coordination. Each person working with them, surgeons, nurses, patient coordinators, drivers, all of them, knows what they are doing and they all do it in a surprisingly coordinated and organized manner.
Felicity Andrews Buccal Fat Removal

Why Clineca?

At Clineca, we take everything seriously. We understand how important the results are for you. We care about your health and comfort as much as you do. From beginning to end, we inform you, guide you, serve you, and help you.

01
Fully Equipped Hospitals

Surgeries are performed in prestigious fully equipped hospitals in which doctors from all specialties are present.

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02
Free Consultation

We provide free online consultation with highly experienced surgeons through video chat.

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03
Ensured Performance

We cooperate with the surgeons who perform a limited number of surgeries each week to ensure the best results.

04
7/24 Support

You can contact our agents 7 days 24 hours for your questions or support.

05
5-Star Hotels

We provide you with special discounts in luxurious hotels in the vicinity of the hospital. Your comfort is very important to us.

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06
VIP Transportation

We provide, via VIP vehicles, airport transfer and transportation between your hotel and the hospital before and after the surgery.

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07
Wellbeing Assistance

As Clineca, we will provide you with patient accompaniment, who will visit you every day in your hotel room during resting period to examine you and provide medical assistance if needed.

08
No Hidden Costs

The price includes fees of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, operating room expenses, anesthesia, hospitalization, standard tests, medications and medical visits by a nurse.

09
All-Inclusive

The price includes hotel accommodation (including breakfast), airport transfer, transportation between hotel and hospital before and after the surgery.

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10
Optional Services & Products

Interpreter service, BBL pillow, neck pillow (rhinoplasty), eye mask (rhinoplasty), voltage converter, and others that will enhance your comfort and satisfaction.

11
Why Turkey?

Turkey is a leading player in medical tourism, and Istanbul, which is an extremely beautiful touristic city, is the plastic surgery capital of Turkey.

Step by Step Experience for International Patients

Clineca has a holistic approach. We believe that everything should be right for a satisfactory cosmetic surgery experience, including your days in İstanbul. That is why we plan every detail of your journey.

Knowing Each Other

Shortly after you fill the form, one of our agents will contact you. They will listen to you, ask you questions, and answer yours. They will inform you about the whole experience, in detail. If you want to go further, they will arrange an online consultation for you.

Online Consultation

You will have an online consultation with your surgeon through video chat. They will perform an online examination, listen to you about your wishes, and will provide you with in-depth information. They will help you to choose what the best approach to your case is.

Planning

We'll plan your whole journey, including the date of your surgery and where you'll stay at while you’re in Istanbul. We'll inform you about everything you need to know from what to have in your suitcase to what to do before your procedure.

Landing

Our VIP transportation vehicle will be ready at the airport before you land. The driver will be waiting for you. We'll drive you to the hospital. At the hospital, we will perform required blood tests and the COVID test. Then, we will take you to your hotel.

Examination & Surgery

The next morning, we will take you from your hotel to the hospital. Your surgeon will examine and inform you about the procedure. On the same day, you will have the surgery. You will stay at the hospital 1-2 day(s), depending on the procedure.

Resting & Recovering

After your stay at the hospital, we will drive you to your hotel. You will rest and recover at your hotel room during the following week. A wellbeing assistant will visit you every day to inform you, to examine, and to provide medical care.

Entertainment

We will gladly and proudly show you around our beautiful city. We will be more than happy to provide you with professional guidance in historical sightseeing. You can also learn from us where you can find anything from shopping to entertainment.

Follow-Up & Leaving

We will take you for your 1-week follow-up with your surgeon. They will examine you, remove your bandages if required, and inform you about what you should/shouldn’t do during your recovery period, in detail. Afterwards, we will drive you to the airport.

Recovery Period

During your recovery, we will be in touch. We will inform you, check on you, and answer your questions. You can reach us 7 days 24 hours. We will expect you to send photos periodically to follow your recovery period.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Buccal Fat Removal?

It is not hard to be eligible for this procedure. If you are reading this, you are probably a candidate!

You may be a good candidate for buccal fat removal:

  • If you are uncomfortable with the convex appearance of your cheeks
  • If you have overly full, puffy, and chubby cheeks
  • If you want to achieve a balanced and rejuvenated facial appearance
  • If you are in good health
  • If you do not smoke
  • If you have realistic expectations
  • If you are bothered with self-image issues and if you feel self-conscious about the size of your cheeks
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What are the Expected Outcomes of Buccal Fat Removal?

The outcomes of buccal fat removal can be analyzed in two main categories: aesthetical and psychological.

Aesthetical Outcomes

Through buccal fat removal, the shape of the natural cheekbones is revealed, and it helps you to achieve a more refined, sculpted, and chiseled look. It helps to slim and contour the face. You can have more defined cheeks, your overall facial harmony is enhanced, your facial contours are improved, and your facial shape is rejuvenated. Unwanted puffy appearance of the cheeks is eliminated by removing fat from the cheeks.

Psychological Outcomes

For most people, fat and chubby appearance of the cheeks is a serious concern. If you are bothered with the appearance of your cheeks, you can experience psychological distress and this situation negatively affects your self-confidence and social life. After the procedure, you will have a more positive self-image. Your elegant and chiseled cheeks will boost your self-confidence. You will want to share photos of your newly refined and sculpted cheeks and people on Instagram are going to love it!

How is the Buccal Fat Removal Done?

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to change the appearance of cheeks.

Anesthesia

First of all, you will receive anesthesia medications. Generally, the surgery is performed under local anesthesia,*1 but depending on the particular case, general anesthesia can be used as well. In either case, you will not feel any pain.

Surgery

The details of the surgery depend on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s approach. Before accepting a patient for a buccal fat removal surgery, the surgeons decide what’s the best option for the patient along with the patient’s desire. This surgery is a highly customized procedure. After a meticulous consultation process, the surgeons make their surgical plans in coordination with their patients. What’s suitable for you depends on your anatomical characteristics and your desired goals.

In general, a small incision is made on the inside of the mouth and this intra-oral approach allows the surgeon to remove nearly a teaspoon of buccal fat through this incision, which is hidden in the area near the molar tooth.*2 Because of its location, the incision leaves no external scars and heals quickly. In order to avoid a hollowed-out look, the fat is not removed in an aggressive manner. In the face, this amount of removal is sufficient to contour the cheeks. After removing the fat, the incision is closed with sutures which are typically absorbable. The surgery generally takes only an hour to perform.

Risks and Complications*3*4

The risk of having a complication is very slim in buccal fat removal and any potential complication is due to chosen approach rather than the removal itself. Potential complications are:

  • Facial nerve impairment
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Trismus: locked jaw
  • Hemorrhage
  • Infection
  • Parotid gland damage: Salivary gland damage
  • Facial paralysis
  • Hematoma
  • Edema

What To Expect During A Buccal Fat Removal Recovery?

The First Week

After the procedure, swelling is very normal and usually mild. Tissues inside the mouth generally recover within ten days following the surgery. For this reason, you may need to maintain a soft or semi-liquid diet for the first week after the surgery. You should rinse your mouth after every meal for up to a week or more to prevent the risk of infection around the incision. Pain and discomfort are usually very mild, and they can be controlled by pain medications prescribed by your surgeon. Most patients are generally able to attend their daily activities the following day after the surgery. You may need to take a few days off from work.

Later

You should precisely follow post-op instructions given by your surgeon. You will experience facial swelling, but it will subside within about two or three weeks. You should avoid strenuous physical activities for approximately 4 weeks after the procedure. This is important to minimize bruising and swelling. Your results start to become apparent after two weeks and most of the swelling will be resolved by then. After the swelling disappears, your cheeks start to look thinner. You will probably see your final results within six weeks, and you will continue to see improvements even after this time period.

Guidance & Support

A nurse will visit you in your hotel every day during the first week after the surgery. We will expect you to be in our clinic for your post-op examination 1 week after the surgery, before you leave İstanbul. We will still follow your recovery process while you are away. Clineca will provide you with complete support and inform you about everything you need to know during your recovery. We will be with you from your consultation to the very end of your recovery.

Quote from the Doctor

“Under favorable conditions, buccal fat removal is one of the best ways to reduce chubby appearance of the cheeks and it can easily be combined with other procedures such as facelift and chin augmentation.”

What to Do Before Buccal Fat Removal?

During your online consultation, your surgeon will ask you questions about your medical history. They will also conduct a physical examination. Your surgeon will inform you about everything you need to know before the surgery. Clineca will provide you with complete guidance and support before your surgery. You will have a complete and detailed list of instructions.

Instructions

Most important instructions include,

  • Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery.
  • Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) for 2 weeks before the procedure.
  • Avoid herbal remedies and supplements
  • Take only the medications approved by your surgeon.

What to Do After Buccal Fat Removal?

What you need to do after the surgery will be explained to you in detail by your surgeon and Clineca will provide you with all the support and guidance you need. Most important instructions include:

  • Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.
  • Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications after the surgery until your surgeon approves using them.
  • Take pain medication and antibiotics prescribed for you by your surgeon.
  • Rest as much as possible even if you feel better.
  • Follow a soft and healthy diet for the first week after surgery.
  • Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash after every meal to maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Avoid eating hard foods. (nuts, apples etc.)
  • If anything unusual happens, please contact us.

Quote from the Doctor

“Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive surgery with low complication rates. It is safe and effective.”

FAQ

We know you have many questions. Having realistic expectations and deciding to have a cosmetic surgery requires information. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about Buccal Fat Removal.

Buccal fat removal is an outpatient surgical procedure performed to reduce fat deposits called buccal fat located in the cheeks.
All kinds of surgeries have risks. However, the complication rate of buccal fat removal is very low and if your surgery is performed by an experienced and talented plastic surgeon, the risk of a serious problem is very small.
During surgery, you will not feel pain because of anesthesia. After the procedure, pain and discomfort are usually very mild, and they can be controlled by pain medications.
Generally, the surgery is performed under local anesthesia, but depending on the particular case, general anesthesia can be used as well. In either case, you will not feel any pain.
If you have fatty cheeks and if you want to achieve a more defined contour and a thinner face, you are a good candidate for buccal fat removal.
Buccal fat removal surgery generally takes only an hour to perform.
Most patients are generally able to attend their daily activities the following day after the surgery. You may need to take a few days off from work. Swelling is normal, and it will subside within about two or three weeks.
Your results will be permanent. Once the buccal fat is removed, it does not come back even if you gain weight. But if you gain a significant amount of weight, your cheeks may grow plump.
Most of the swelling will subside within about two or three weeks.
A small incision is made on the inside of the mouth and this incision is hidden in the area near the molar tooth. Because of its location, the incision leaves no external scars and heals quickly.
Through buccal fat removal, you can have more defined cheeks, your overall facial harmony is enhanced, your facial contours are improved, and your facial shape is rejuvenated. Unwanted puffy appearance of the cheeks is eliminated.
You should avoid strenuous physical activities for approximately 4 weeks after the procedure. This is important to minimize bruising and swelling.
Your surgeon will prepare a detailed and customized plan by discussing your goals, desires, and expectations with you. He/she will ask you some questions about your medical history, make a physical examination, and provide treatment options and before-after photos.
You can have buccal fat removal at almost any age. But bear in mind that in your 20s and 30s, you may lose facial fat and if your fat reserves are removed before then, you may end up with a hollowed out look.
At Clineca, we are using 3D Imaging System. This technology provides a preview of your cheeks before your buccal fat removal procedure begins. In addition, your surgeon will provide before-after photos.
The complication rate of buccal fat removal is very low, but all kinds of surgeries have risks. Most common ones are infection and bleeding.
When you work with highly experienced and understanding doctors such as the ones our clinic’s working with, you will be definitely satisfied with your results. Cheek surgeries are among our contracted surgeons’ specialties. They and their staff work tenderly to provide high quality care and fascinating results.
Your results start to become apparent after two weeks. After the swelling disappears, your cheeks start to look thinner. You will probably see your final results within six weeks, and you will continue to see improvements even after this time period.
The total cost can vary according to the type of surgical technique and the procedure. You can contact us for detailed information.
Most patients are generally able to attend their daily activities the following day after the surgery. You may need to take a few days off from work.

Problems & Solutions

Buccal Fat Removal can address your cosmetic problems around your brows. Here you can find answers for different complaints.

If you don’t want a surgery to reduce your cheeks, you should consider fillers. You may think that it is irrational to use fillers to make your cheeks slimmer, but they are highly effective. Dermal filler injections can be placed strategically to correct loss of volume while giving you a good contour and lift. Increasing the volume provides a more youthful facial harmony and shape. It makes your features slimmer rather than droopy and puffy. It is not invasive, and it helps to achieve youthful and slender midface appearance. Generally, it takes 15-30 minutes to perform and pain and discomfort is minimum. You can see the results immediately. You will be able to return your daily activities right after the operation. But after all, your surgeon will determine and recommend the best option and solution for your case. Please contact us to get an appointment.
In a buccal fat removal surgery, a small incision is made on the inside of the mouth and this intra-oral approach allows the surgeon to remove nearly a teaspoon of buccal fat through this incision, which is hidden in the area near the molar tooth. In order to avoid a hollowed-out look, the fat is not removed aggressively. This amount of removal is sufficient to contour the cheeks. That’s why you don’t need to worry about getting a hollowed-out look. The surgeons we work with are highly experienced in this surgery, and they will assure you that your results will be very natural, expected and successful.
You don’t need to worry about scarring because buccal fat removal is a less invasive procedure requiring a very small incision. Typically, a small incision is made on the inside of the mouth and this incision is hidden in the area near the molar tooth. Because of its location, the incision leaves no external and visible scars. It heals quickly and really well. It is fully concealed from view.
In general, your recovery process is going to be like this: After a buccal fat removal procedure, most patients are generally able to attend their normal level daily activities the following day after the surgery. You may need to take a few days off from work. Tissues inside the mouth generally recover within ten days following the surgery. After the procedure, you may experience mild degree of swelling which will subside within about two or three weeks. You should avoid strenuous physical activities for approximately 4 weeks after the procedure. This is important to minimize bruising and swelling. Your surgeon will follow your recovery and will tell you when you are ready. It is very important to follow post-op instructions. Your surgeon will provide a customized recovery plan based on your needs and your level of healing.
References

1. Traboulsi-Garet, B., Camps-Font, O., Traboulsi-Garet, M., & Gay-Escoda, C. (2021). Buccal fat pad excision for cheek refinement: A systematic review. Medicina oral, patologia oral y cirugia bucal, 26(4), e474–e481. https://doi.org/10.4317/medoral.24335

2. Davis B, Serra M. Buccal Fat Pad Reduction. [Updated 2022 Jan 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576413/

3. Alcântara, M. T., Ribeiro, N. R., & Abreu, D. F. (2021). Complications associated with bichectomy surgery: a literature review. Minerva dental and oral science, 70(4), 155–160. https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-6329.20.04415-5

4. Moura, L. B., Spin, J. R., Spin-Neto, R., & Pereira-Filho, V. A. (2018). Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: an established technique?. Medicina oral, patologia oral y cirugia bucal, 23(4), e478–e484. https://doi.org/10.4317/medoral.22449