What is buccal fat extraction (Bichectomy)?
It's a simple cosmetic surgery that makes your cheeks look slimmer. Surgeons remove a small pocket of fat from the inside of your cheeks (called buccal fat) through tiny incisions made inside the mouth. No visible scars.
Who's it for? Most individuals with naturally round or fuller faces seek a more defined jawline
The procedure takes about 30 minutes. You're usually awake but numbed, and recovery is pretty quick. Most people go back to normal within a few days. The swelling? It fades in a week or two. And the results? They settle in over a few months, gradually.
How to get rid of face fat?
There's no secret button for just face fat, but yes, you can slim it down. The trick? Go for the whole system, not just the surface.
Face fat is mostly about overall body fat. The body doesn't pick and choose where to burn fat first; it follows your genetics. So, when you start losing weight through proper diet and exercise, your face will gradually follow.
Puffy face but no big belly?
Yep. Blame genes, salt, and sometimes hormones.
Hydration helps. Drink enough water to reduce bloating. Cut back on salty, processed foods. They hold on to water like a sponge, and that shows up in your cheeks.
Now, cardio is your best friend here. Think walking, swimming, dancing, or anything that gets your heart rate up. Combine that with strength training, and your whole body (including your face) will look more toned.
Chewing gum won't melt cheek fat. Sorry. But improving posture and facial exercises can help define your jawline over time. Not miracles, but small boosters.
One more thing! Don't overdo it. Extreme dieting can make your face look worn and sunken.
Think of your face like a balloon tied to the rest of your body. When the balloon deflates slowly and steadily, it keeps its shape. But sudden air loss? Not so pretty.
How is Bichectomy done?
It's quicker than you think. No bandages. No big drama. Just a few small steps, and it all happens inside the mouth.
First, you sit back in the chair, and the area inside your cheeks gets numbed. Local anaesthesia. You stay awake, but you don't feel a thing. Some people say it feels like getting a dental filling.
Then, the surgeon makes a tiny cut inside each cheek. We're talking about 1-2 cm, small enough to heal fast, big enough to reach the buccal fat pad.
Next, the surgeon gently teases out that fat without touching the muscles or nerves.
Once the fat's out, the cut is stitched with dissolvable sutures. No need to return to remove them. You rinse, rest, and let your face heal.
The whole thing takes about 30 minutes. You walk in, get it done, and walk out the same day. Most people go back to work in 1-2 days. Swelling? It's mild and fades in a week or so.
What are the advantages of Bichectomy?
| Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal |
| Slimmer face: Reduces cheek fullness for a more defined look. |
| Sharper cheekbones: Highlights natural bone structure and creates a sculpted appearance. |
| Quick procedure: Takes around 30 minutes with local anaesthesia. |
| No visible scars: All incisions are inside the mouth, nothing shows on the skin. |
| Fast recovery: Mild swelling for a few days, most people return to normal life quickly. |
| Permanent results: Removed fat doesn't grow back, so the contour stays long term. |
| Boosts confidence: Makes people feel more attractive and comfortable with their facial shape. |
Let's keep it simple. If you feel your face is a bit too round, bichectomy will benefit you.
The biggest advantage? It defines your cheeks without touching your jaw or chin. That's what makes it so popular. Just by removing that soft cheek fat, your face starts to look more sculpted. Especially in photos or under makeup!
It's quick, too. Around 30 minutes. No visible scars. You're awake the whole time. Healing is fast, and the change is permanent.
It also pairs well with other treatments. Many people combine it with fillers or a chin tweak for an even more balanced look. Like editing contrast and lighting in a photo, but in real life.
Another plus? Confidence. A slimmer face can make you feel fresher, more awake, and even more expressive. Especially if you've always felt your cheeks steal the spotlight.
So, what makes it stand out?
No general anaesthesia. No shouting, just subtle shaping.
Bichectomy recovery time
Recovery is easier than most expect. You walk in, get it done in about 30 minutes, and walk out the same day. No bandages. No hospital stay. Just a little swelling and a few simple rules.
The first 2-3 days are key. You'll feel a bit sore inside your cheeks, like you accidentally bit them too hard. Eating soft foods helps. So does a cold compress. Think soup, yoghurt, mashed potatoes - nothing spicy, nothing crunchy.
Puffy face?
Yes, at first. But it fades fast.
Most people return to daily life in 48 hours. Your talking is normal. You might avoid big smiles or wide yawns for a few days. Stitches? They dissolve on their own in about - 10 days.
Around the two-week mark, the swelling goes down. But the real results? You'll see them more clearly after 4-6 weeks.
How long will Bichectomy last?
Forever. Once removed, the buccal fat remains permanently. The results are permanent, but your face can still change with age, weight loss, or gain. So the contour stays, but the overall look may shift slightly over time.
Bichectomy before and after in Turkey, Antalya
Before bichectomy, the face often looks rounder or fuller, especially in the lower cheeks. Even with a slim body, some people feel their face doesn't match. Makeup helps but can only do so much.
After the procedure, the change is subtle but noticeable. The cheeks look more contoured. The face appears longer, slimmer, and more defined, especially around the cheekbones and jawline.
Final results show up in 1 to 3 months. And once they settle, they stay.
Bichectomy Turkey cost
In Turkey, bichectomy is way more affordable than in most places without cutting corners on quality. That's why people fly in from all over.
The price often includes the surgery, consultation, anaesthesia, medication, and even hotel + airport transfers. No surprise bills. Just smooth planning.
Prices can change depending on the city, the surgeon's reputation, combined procedures like face lift, neck lift and what's included. Big-name clinics in Istanbul or Antalya might charge a bit more, but you also get top-tier service.
And here's the fun part:
You get your cheeks sculpted and enjoy baklava with a Bosphorus view. Not bad, right?
So, if you're after a slim, defined look and a smart price, Turkey's worth putting on the map.
For consultation and to learn the exact pricing for Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy) in Antalya, please contact Op. Dr. Ümit Küçüktepe directly. He will guide you through the process, evaluate your facial structure, and provide you with personalised information.
Bichectomy side effects
Let's be honest, no surgery is 100% risk-free, even if it's small. Bichectomy is simple, but your cheeks still need time to heal.
Right after the procedure, some complications are possible. You'll likely feel mild pain or soreness inside your mouth. Nothing dramatic. Kind of like biting your cheek too hard annoying, but it goes away.
You might also notice slight bruising or numbness. Totally normal. It fades fast. Some people feel tightness while chewing, especially in the first week.
Now here's the real talk if too much fat is removed, or if your face naturally loses volume with age, it can lead to a hollow look later. That's why good planning matters.
Infection risk? Very low. Just keep your mouth clean, follow your post-op care, and avoid smoking.
So yes, there are side effects, but most are mild and short-lived.
Think of it like a little turbulence on a smooth flight. You feel it, but you still land beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age for bichectomy?
There's no magic number, but timing matters. Most surgeons recommend waiting until you're at least 20 to 25. Why? Because your facial fat is still shifting in your early 20s. The look you think is “too chubby” might naturally slim down on its own.
Baby cheeks at 18?
Wait. They might melt away by 24.
Mid-20s to mid-30s is often the sweet spot. Your face has matured, and you can see your real bone structure. That's when bichectomy makes the biggest difference and still keeps things natural.
Doing it too young? Risky. You might regret removing fat you'll miss later.
Is it too late? It can still help but needs more planning since facial volume drops with age.
Is bichectomy painful?
Not really. You stay awake, but the area is numbed. Most people say it feels like a dental procedure. Afterwards? Just mild soreness for a few days, like you bit your cheek too hard. Manageable and short-lived.
Is bichectomy safe in Turkey?
Yes, it's generally very safe in Turkey. The country has highly experienced plastic surgeons who perform this procedure every day, especially in Antalya.
Clinics are tightly inspected. The Ministry of Health monitors hygiene, equipment, and safety standards. Many top clinics also follow international protocols and welcome patients from all over the world.
Add to that years of experience in medical tourism, and you get skilled hands, modern facilities, and smooth aftercare, all in one place.
How long does buccal fat surgery last?
It's quick, surprisingly quick. Most bichectomy procedures take 20 to 40 minutes. You walk into the clinic, get numbed, and the surgeon removes the fat through small cuts inside your mouth.
No big machines. No overnight stay. Just precision and a steady hand.
Yo're fully awake, just numbed in the cheek area. Some clinics let you go home right after. The whole thing is smoother than most dental procedures and much shorter than you'd expect for something that changes your face.
Can you eat after a bichectomy?
Yes, but you need to be smart about it. Right after the procedure, your cheeks will be sensitive. There are stitches inside your mouth, and they need a clean, calm place to heal.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, stick to soft foods. Think yoghurt, soup (not hot), mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Nothing spicy, salty, or crunchy. Why? Because rough food can irritate the stitches and increase the risk of infection. Spicy or acidic foods might sting or delay healing.
Also, chew slowly and gently. You don't want to stretch the incision area or open the stitches accidentally. Your mouth just had surgery, treat it like fresh skin after a cut. The goal is to avoid bacteria, friction, and heat.
And yes, hydration matters too. Drink lots of water, but skip straws. Sucking motion can create pressure inside your mouth and disturb healing, just like with wisdom teeth removal.
Is buccal fat removal better than jaw Botox?
It depends on what you want to change. Both contour the face, but they work in totally different ways.
Buccal fat removal slims the cheeks. It targets the soft fat in the lower face. If your face looks round or puffy even when you're fit, this helps create that sculpted, V-shaped look. And it's permanent.
Jaw Botox, on the other hand, works on muscle. It relaxes the masseter (chewing) muscle, making the jawline look slimmer. It's great if you have a wide jaw from clenching or grinding.
If your cheeks are the issue, Botox won't fix that. If your jaw looks bulky from tension, buccal fat removal won't help there either.
Which country is best for buccal fat removal?
There are a few strong contenders. The U.S., Turkey, South Korea, and Mexico all have skilled surgeons and modern clinics. The U.S. offers great quality, but the prices are sky-high. South Korea is famous for precision and beauty standards, especially in facial contouring. Mexico’s popular for affordable treatments close to home, especially for Americans.
Turkey is a really good choice, and honestly, it's a favourite for a reason.
Great result, lower price?
Turkey does both.
You'll find experienced surgeons, clean and modern clinics, and staff who speak fluent English. Many of them perform bichectomy every single day. Add in tight health regulations and a strong medical tourism system, and you get safety and savings.
It's like flying business class… but paying economy prices.
Antalya, in particular, offers all-inclusive packages. Surgery, hotel, transfers, and aftercare, all handled. So while other countries are strong, Turkey really hits the sweet spot between price, quality, and experience.
Bottom line?
If you want good hands, fair prices, and smooth planning, Turkey's a solid pick.
This article is for informational and advisory purposes. The recommendations of your surgeon, who will examine you, should be a priority.
Please contact us for more detailed information.