Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat, or cheek fat, contributes to the shape and aesthetics of your face. It gives the cheeks a rounded appearance, which is the hallmark of a youthful face. However, most people do not like rounded cheeks and prefer to undergo buccal fat removal cheeks to appear chiseled instead of rounded. 

What’s Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal surgery, or bichectomy, is a procedure performed with the purpose of removing the fat pad from the cheeks. The face's bone structure, particularly the cheekbones and the hollowed-out areas between the cheeks and jawline, can be made more prominent by removing the fat from these areas.

You can consider Buccal fat removal nonsurgical procedure as well, however, the results won’t be as prominent as the bichectomy. You can also have buccal fat removal naturally which relies on face yoga, but as with the nonsurgical procedures, the results won’t be that drastic. 

Who Can Have Buccal Fat Pad Removal? 

The ideal candidate for buccal fat removal surgery is someone who:

• dislikes the way their cheeks appear to be full
• Is mentally and physically healthy
• Is young, as buccal fat has a tendency to naturally decrease with age
• Is making an informed decision
• Is undergoing the surgery for themselves, and not to fit into any trends or fads.

Bichectomy Treatment Duration  

Bichectomy procedure or buccal fat removal procedure takes approximately one hour, however, the procedure can be prolonged if other cosmetic procedures are being performed as well. 

Buccal Fat Removal Side Effects & Risks 

Buccal fat removal or bichectomy can be surgical or nonsurgical but regardless of the technique chosen, there are certain risks associated with the procedure. Some of the common side effects are:

• Infection at the incision site
• Injury to facial nerves and/or salivary duct injury
• Numbness or sensation changes
• Asymmetry

In case the following symptoms develop, it is important to seek immediate medical help:

• Excessive bleeding
• Symptoms such as oozing, pus, or swelling from the incision site
• Delayed wound healing
• Sudden abnormal taste in the mouth
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Palpitations

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Time 

Recovery from the buccal fat removal procedure takes roughly 3 weeks, but you can resume your daily life from week 3 onwards. 

When leaving the hospital, your doctor will go over how to care for your incisions after the procedure. To prevent infections, a special mouthwash will be prescribed. For the first couple of days, as the incisions begin to heal, only a liquid diet is allowed. However, after the doctor gives the green light, soft foods can be incorporated into the diet. 

The recovery period is marked by mild swelling and bruising around the incisions. There might also be some numbness but these symptoms spontaneously resolve by week 3.

Buccal Fat Reduction Success Rate

The buccal fat removal process has a high success rate and patient satisfaction rate, studies report only 8% of patients had minor complications. 

Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Alternative Treatments

• Facial Liposuction
• Botox
• Weight loss treatment

How Is The Procedure Performed?

You can have buccal fat removed in a hospital or in a clinic, as it is performed as an outpatient procedure.

Initially, your face will be numbed with a local anesthetic but no intravenous sedation will be applied. This means that the procedure will happen while you are awake to expose the buccal fat pads, your plastic surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of your mouth, on both sides of your face.

Then, gentle pressure will be applied to the cheek fat pads to expose them. Once fully exposed, the fat pads will be excised and removed by the surgeon. This marks the end of buccal fat removal. 

The incisions will then be stitched up and you might need to revisit the surgeon after a week to have the sutures removed. This might not be necessary if your surgeon uses dissolvable sutures. 

What Should I Expect After Buccal Fat Reduction Procedure?

Right after the procedure, there will be mild swelling and bruising that hides the results of the procedure. However, the cheeks will begin to appear more contoured and thinner once the swelling goes down.

The results of the procedure are long-lasting. The people who have undergone the treatment claim buccal fat removal 10 years later have the same contoured appearance. 

How To Prepare For The Procedure?  

• Research. Find the best clinic for your procedure. Choosing the right clinic and doctor is crucial for the best results of the procedure. 
• Look at online testimonials and buccal fat removal before and after pictures for the shortlisted clinics to make sure you have chosen the right clinic.
• Discuss the buccal fat removal cost and inquire about any packages that you can find. 

Learn more about Buccal Fat Removal in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.

Quick Facts 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you remove buccal fat naturally?

You can use face yoga to give your face a contoured appearance however, the results will not be as prominent as with buccal fat removal surgery.

Does buccal fat shrink with weight loss?

Even with weight loss, sometimes the rounded appearance of the face with full cheeks remains unchanged. In other cases, there might be a slight reduction, but not enough for the contoured and chiseled appearance that the buccal fat removal surgery provides.

Is buccal fat painful?

Buccal fat is not painful, and neither is the procedure to remove it. The entire procedure takes less than an hour and is performed under anesthesia, meaning that you will not feel a thing. 

At what age does buccal fat go away?

Buccal fat begins to gradually decrease with age, and the decrease becomes prominent around the age of 50. However, the changes in buccal fat can begin to appear in the 30s.

Does buccal fat removal age you?

No, the buccal fat removal does not age you. In fact, it will improve the appearance of the face instead.

Learn more about Buccal Fat Removal in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.

Overall Satisfaction 9.6 Based on 8 reviews

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  Lucas, United Kingdom
  Apr 2023
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  Nicholas, United States
  Feb 2023
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  Gwen, United Kingdom
  Dec 2022
  I've always heard that it's a really popular procedure. Also I heard they provide both affordable and professional service, so I decided to give it a try. With your eyes closed, you can trust this wonderful team :D
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  Mariana, Spain
  May 2022
  While doing a price search for plastic surgery in my own country, I came across flymedi and had my surgery at esteworld for a much more reasonable price and I am very happy. The team and flymedi were very professional.
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  Sophia, United Kingdom
  Apr 2022
  Ana was extremely helpful, friendly and made planning my trip so much easier. I don't know what I would have done without her! Going overseas to a country you've never been to before to get plastic surgery can be scary, having Ana made it a lot less scary knowing you have somebody there that's on your team to help you.
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  Vukašin, Serbia
  Jan 2022
  Thank you for all the florence nightingale team and my doctor. I have been feeling better since I had the surgery. Professional and caring staff
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  Ellis McLintock, Turkey
  Aug 2020
  From start to finish my experience with Flymedi was exceptional. The coordinator, Abud worked hard at finding the right surgeon for me. He was constantly in contact while I was away to ensure everything went smoothly. I honestly could not be happier with the company. Dr Ozge has done an exceptional job too. Thank you Abud for making me feel confident again!
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  Maribeth, Switzerland
  Jan 2019
  I highly recommended flymedi.com. Mustafa was good assistance all the way through. From airport, hotel, and hospital. The surgeon who conduct the operation did a great job. I was hesitant at first and was scared what would be the result but waking up after the surgery I was surprised by his professionalism. As well as Mustafa was being present every time I needed him out anytime I could contacted him. He never fails. Thanks to Y'ALL guys.
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