Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
Medical Review Date: September 13, 2026
Buccal Fat Removal Turkey Cost 2026 is an important consideration for patients exploring bichectomy, a facial contouring procedure that reduces selected portions of the buccal fat pad inside the cheeks.
Clinic Care Center’s current estimated price for standalone buccal fat removal in Turkey is approximately $1,200–$1,800.
This is an indicative price range rather than a guaranteed quotation. Final cost depends on individual anatomy, anesthesia requirements, medical facility services, whether another facial procedure is combined and the patient’s treatment plan.
Buccal fat removal is not suitable for every face. Removing too much volume can create an overly hollow appearance, and long-term facial ageing must be considered carefully when deciding whether the procedure is appropriate.
You can also explore other procedures in our Face Aesthetics in Turkey section.
Buccal Fat Removal Turkey Cost 2026
| Treatment | Estimated 2026 Cost |
|---|---|
| Buccal Fat Removal / Bichectomy | $1,200–$1,800 |
The price shown is an estimate and not a guaranteed final treatment price.
The final quotation may depend on:
- facial anatomy;
- amount of buccal fat reduction proposed;
- previous facial procedures;
- anesthesia requirements;
- medical facility services;
- preoperative assessment;
- medications;
- postoperative follow-up;
- additional procedures when medically appropriate;
- services included in the treatment arrangement.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal, also called bichectomy or buccal fat pad reduction, is a facial aesthetic procedure that reduces selected portions of the buccal fat pad.
The buccal fat pad is a deep compartment of facial fat located within the cheek.
It is different from superficial facial fat and has anatomical relationships with important structures including:
- branches of the facial nerve;
- the parotid duct;
- facial blood vessels;
- muscles involved in facial movement.
This anatomy is one reason appropriate surgical technique and patient selection are important.
Is Buccal Fat Removal the Same as Cheek Liposuction?
No.
Buccal fat reduction and superficial facial liposuction target different anatomical fat compartments.
Buccal fat removal is generally performed through an incision inside the mouth.
Facial or chin liposuction instead targets selected superficial subcutaneous fat through small access points.
Some patients may have fullness primarily from the buccal fat pad, while others may have:
- superficial facial fat;
- submental fat;
- strong facial muscles;
- facial bone structure that creates a round appearance;
- a combination of several factors.
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the facial fullness.
How Is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?
Buccal fat reduction is commonly performed through a small incision inside the cheek.
Through the intraoral incision, the surgeon carefully accesses the buccal fat pad and removes or reduces an appropriate portion.
The procedure is then repeated on the opposite side when bilateral treatment is planned.
The incision is closed inside the mouth.
The exact surgical technique and amount of fat removed depend on the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s assessment.
Does Buccal Fat Removal Leave a Visible Facial Scar?
Because the planned incision is generally made inside the mouth, buccal fat removal normally does not require an external facial skin incision.
This means there is usually no planned visible facial skin scar from the bichectomy incision itself.
However, it is better to use this precise wording rather than claim that the procedure creates “absolutely no scars,” because healing still occurs at the internal surgical incision.
Who May Be Suitable for Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat reduction may be considered for selected adults with persistent fullness in the lower cheek area where the buccal fat pad contributes meaningfully to facial shape.
Assessment may consider:
- facial width;
- cheek volume;
- cheekbone projection;
- jawline structure;
- skin quality;
- overall facial proportions;
- age;
- previous facial surgery;
- weight stability;
- individual aesthetic goals.
The objective should be proportional facial contouring rather than removing the maximum possible amount of fat.
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?
Buccal fat removal may be less appropriate for patients who already have limited midface or lower-cheek volume.
Additional caution may be appropriate when there is:
- a naturally narrow or angular face;
- significant pre-existing facial hollowing;
- low facial fat volume;
- marked skin laxity;
- certain facial asymmetries;
- previous facial surgery affecting the area;
- medical conditions affecting healing;
- unrealistic expectations.
Ageing also needs to be considered because facial fat distribution and soft-tissue volume naturally change over time.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Make the Face Look Older?
Potential long-term hollowing is an important concern when considering bichectomy.
Removing facial volume from an already lean face may make cheek hollows more prominent.
However, long-term scientific evidence remains limited.
A recent systematic review evaluating buccal fat pad reduction found that published studies generally reported high patient satisfaction and favourable short-term contour changes, but long-term outcomes were poorly studied.
One included study reported a gaunt appearance in a small proportion of patients.
For this reason, it is not appropriate to promise either that:
“Buccal fat removal will definitely make you age faster”
or that:
“Buccal fat removal can never affect the appearance of facial ageing.”
Patient selection and conservative treatment planning are particularly important.
How Much Buccal Fat Is Removed?
There is no universal volume that should be removed from every patient.
The appropriate amount depends on:
- size of the buccal fat pad;
- overall facial proportions;
- cheekbone structure;
- existing facial volume;
- facial symmetry;
- the desired degree of contour change.
More removal does not automatically create a better result.
Excessive volume reduction can potentially contribute to an overly hollow or unbalanced appearance.
Does Buccal Fat Removal Permanently Remove the Fat?
The portion of buccal fat that is surgically excised is physically removed.
However, describing the overall aesthetic result as a guaranteed permanent facial shape is too simplistic.
Facial appearance can continue to change because of:
- ageing;
- weight gain or loss;
- changes in superficial facial fat;
- skin laxity;
- muscle and skeletal changes;
- other facial procedures.
The removed tissue does not simply recreate itself in exactly the same way, but the appearance of the face is not permanently frozen after surgery.
Does Weight Loss Remove Buccal Fat Naturally?
Buccal fat is a distinct deep facial fat compartment, and its prominence does not always change proportionally with general body weight.
However, facial appearance is influenced by multiple types of fat and soft tissue.
Some people experience significant facial slimming after weight loss, while others retain relatively full cheeks.
For this reason, statements such as “diet can never affect a round face” should be avoided.
Buccal Fat Removal vs Facial Fat Reduction
| Concern | Possible Treatment Discussion |
|---|---|
| Deep lower-cheek fullness related to buccal fat | Buccal fat reduction may be considered |
| Submental or jawline fat | Chin or facial liposuction may be considered |
| Loose lower-face skin | Skin laxity requires separate assessment |
| Weak chin projection | Chin augmentation may be discussed |
| General facial fullness associated with body weight | Weight management may influence appearance |
Buccal Fat Removal vs Chin Liposuction
Buccal fat removal primarily changes volume in the lower cheek.
Chin liposuction primarily targets selected fat beneath the chin and around the jawline.
Because these procedures affect different anatomical regions, one should not automatically be substituted for the other.
Selected patients may be evaluated for both procedures, but combining treatments should depend on facial anatomy rather than a predefined package.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Combined With Rhinoplasty?
Selected patients may undergo more than one facial aesthetic procedure during the same treatment period.
For example, bichectomy may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty or another facial procedure when the treating surgeon considers the combination appropriate.
However, it should not be described as “extremely common” or automatically recommended.
Combining procedures can affect:
- total anesthesia time;
- swelling;
- recovery;
- overall surgical risk;
- treatment cost.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?
Buccal fat removal may be performed under local anesthesia, sedation or another anesthesia plan depending on the individual patient and whether additional procedures are being performed.
The anesthesia technique should be determined by the treating surgical and anesthesia team.
It should therefore not be promised that every bichectomy is performed under local anesthesia.
How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Take?
The procedure is generally relatively short compared with more extensive facial surgery.
However, there is no exact operating time that applies to every patient.
Duration can vary according to:
- individual anatomy;
- surgical technique;
- previous procedures;
- unilateral or bilateral treatment;
- additional surgery;
- anesthesia requirements.
What Are the Risks of Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is an elective surgical procedure and carries potential complications.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists risks including:
- asymmetry;
- bleeding;
- hematoma;
- infection;
- fluid collection;
- injury to the parotid salivary duct;
- injury to branches of the facial nerve;
- temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness;
- changes in sensation;
- persistent pain;
- poor healing;
- prolonged swelling;
- minimal or unsatisfactory aesthetic change;
- need for revision surgery.
The buccal fat pad lies close to important nerves, vessels and the parotid duct, making detailed knowledge of facial anatomy important.
How Common Are Complications?
Published complication estimates vary significantly.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies reported postoperative events including:
- edema;
- trismus;
- pain;
- asymmetry;
- facial nerve weakness;
- infection;
- hematoma;
- subcutaneous emphysema.
The studies were highly heterogeneous, meaning one percentage should not be presented as an exact individual risk.
A separate recent systematic review involving more than one thousand patients reported fewer overall complications but also emphasized the low quality of available evidence and limited long-term follow-up.
The difference between these findings demonstrates why complication statistics need context rather than being used as a simple marketing claim.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Damage the Facial Nerve?
Facial nerve injury is a recognized but uncommon possible complication.
Branches of the facial nerve run close to the surgical region.
Injury can potentially cause weakness in facial movement, which may be temporary or, rarely, persistent.
This is one reason the procedure should be performed by a healthcare professional with appropriate knowledge of facial surgical anatomy.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Damage the Parotid Duct?
Yes, parotid duct injury is a recognized potential complication.
The parotid duct carries saliva from the parotid gland into the mouth and passes close to the buccal surgical region.
Published case reports describe complications related to duct injury after buccal fat pad surgery.
Persistent unusual cheek swelling or problems related to salivary flow after surgery require medical assessment.
What Is Recovery Like After Bichectomy?
Temporary swelling, tenderness and difficulty opening the mouth fully can occur during early recovery.
Patients may receive instructions regarding:
- oral hygiene;
- diet;
- medications;
- mouthwash when prescribed;
- physical activity;
- smoking and nicotine;
- follow-up.
Recovery varies and should not be reduced to one fixed timetable for every patient.
What Should You Eat After Buccal Fat Removal?
The treating surgeon may initially recommend foods that are easier to chew and less likely to irritate the intraoral incision.
Depending on the individual postoperative protocol, early choices may include:
- appropriate liquids;
- soft foods;
- foods requiring limited chewing.
Patients may temporarily be advised to avoid foods that are very hard, sharp, spicy or otherwise irritating to the healing incision.
The exact progression should follow the surgeon’s instructions rather than a mandatory three-day schedule for every patient.
How Important Is Oral Hygiene After Bichectomy?
Oral hygiene is important because the surgical incision is located inside the mouth.
The medical team may provide instructions regarding:
- tooth brushing;
- rinsing;
- prescribed mouthwash;
- care around the incision;
- diet during early healing.
Patients should use antiseptic mouthwash only according to the treating team’s instructions rather than assuming that it must be used after every meal indefinitely.
How Long Does Swelling Last?
Postoperative swelling is expected, but its severity and duration vary.
The cheeks may initially appear fuller rather than slimmer because of postoperative edema.
Swelling generally decreases progressively as healing continues.
The final contour should not be judged in the first days or weeks after surgery.
When Will I See the Final Result?
Facial contour becomes clearer as postoperative swelling resolves.
There is no exact month when every patient reaches a final result.
Healing can be influenced by:
- amount of swelling;
- extent of fat reduction;
- individual tissue response;
- additional facial procedures;
- weight changes;
- healing characteristics.
Smoking and Nicotine After Buccal Fat Removal
Smoking and nicotine exposure can impair blood flow and wound healing.
They may also be particularly relevant when the incision is inside the mouth.
Patients should disclose use of:
- cigarettes;
- vaping products;
- nicotine pouches;
- nicotine replacement products;
- other nicotine-containing products.
The required cessation period should be determined by the treating surgeon rather than using one fixed two-week rule for every patient.
Can the Result Become Asymmetrical?
Yes.
Human faces are naturally asymmetric before surgery, and differences can also occur during healing.
Postoperative asymmetry may relate to:
- pre-existing facial anatomy;
- different buccal fat volumes on each side;
- swelling;
- amount of tissue removed;
- healing;
- other facial structures.
Perfect bilateral symmetry cannot be guaranteed.
Can Buccal Fat Be Put Back?
Once tissue has been surgically removed, simply replacing the same buccal fat pad is not a straightforward reversal.
If a patient later develops unwanted hollowing, possible corrective approaches may include:
- facial fat transfer;
- selected injectable treatments;
- another individualized reconstructive or aesthetic approach.
These treatments cannot guarantee recreation of the original anatomy.
This is another reason conservative patient selection is important.
Who Performs Buccal Fat Removal for Clinic Care Center Patients?
Clinic Care Center is a medical tourism provider and does not independently perform bichectomy surgery.
Facial aesthetic procedures coordinated through Clinic Care Center may be performed by Op. Dr. Abdolreza Khash, a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery specialist.
Bichectomy is listed among Dr. Khash’s clinical areas of practice.
For patients under his care, surgical procedures coordinated through Clinic Care Center take place at ISTUN Beylikduzu Kolan Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.
Medical assessment, confirmation of suitability, the amount of buccal fat reduction, anesthesia, surgical technique and clinical follow-up remain the responsibility of the treating surgeon and healthcare facility.
Clinic Care Center coordinates communication, appointments, treatment quotations and travel-related arrangements for international patients.
Questions to Ask Before Buccal Fat Removal
- Is my cheek fullness actually caused by the buccal fat pad?
- Would removing facial volume suit my facial structure?
- How much fat do you expect to remove?
- What is the risk of excessive hollowing in my case?
- Could another treatment address my concern more appropriately?
- Which type of anesthesia will be used?
- What risks apply to my anatomy?
- How will postoperative follow-up be arranged?
- What is included in my written quotation?
Frequently Asked Questions About Buccal Fat Removal
Is bichectomy the same as buccal fat removal?
Yes. Bichectomy is a commonly used term for surgical reduction or removal of part of the buccal fat pad.
Does buccal fat removal leave an external facial scar?
The planned surgical incision is typically inside the mouth, so an external skin incision is not normally required.
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
The fat tissue that is surgically removed does not simply return to its original position. However, facial appearance continues to change with ageing, weight fluctuations and changes in other facial tissues.
Can buccal fat removal make me look gaunt?
Excessive reduction or treatment of an already lean face may contribute to an overly hollow appearance. Long-term scientific evidence remains limited, making careful patient selection important.
Does buccal fat removal make you age faster?
There is not enough long-term evidence to state that bichectomy universally accelerates facial ageing. Loss of facial volume can, however, influence the appearance of ageing in selected patients.
Can I lose buccal fat by dieting?
The buccal fat pad does not necessarily change in the same way as superficial facial or body fat. However, overall weight change can alter facial appearance, so round cheeks should not automatically be attributed only to buccal fat.
Is buccal fat removal painful?
Anesthesia is used during the procedure, but postoperative discomfort, swelling and tenderness can occur. Individual experiences vary.
How long does bichectomy take?
It is generally a relatively short facial procedure, but no exact operating time should be guaranteed because anatomy, anesthesia and additional procedures can change the duration.
Can buccal fat removal cause nerve damage?
Facial nerve injury is a recognized possible complication because nerve branches are close to the surgical area. The reported risk is low, but it is not zero.
Can I combine bichectomy with rhinoplasty?
Selected patients may be evaluated for combined facial procedures. Suitability should be determined according to overall surgical risk and individual treatment goals.
Medical References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Buccal Fat Removal Risks and Safety
- Systematic Review – Aesthetic Outcomes, Complications and Long-Term Effects of Buccal Fat Pad Reduction
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – Prevalence of Complications of Buccal Fat Removal
- Systematic Review – Buccal Fat Pad Excision for Cheek Refinement
- Literature Review – Complications Associated With Bichectomy Surgery
- Management of Complications Related to Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Request Buccal Fat Removal Treatment Information
The Clinic Care Center patient coordination team can provide information about bichectomy treatment, consultation availability, indicative costs and treatment coordination in Istanbul.
Patients may be asked to provide facial photographs and relevant medical information for an initial review.
Photographs can assist preliminary assessment but do not confirm suitability or determine exactly how much buccal fat should be removed.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.
Suitability for buccal fat removal, the amount of fat reduction, expected aesthetic changes, risks and recovery vary between patients. Final treatment decisions should be made by the treating plastic surgeon following individual assessment.
