Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy) Istanbul

Buccal fat removal (bichectomy) is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce lower cheek volume by removing part of the buccal fat pad inside the cheek through the mouth. It is not suitable for every round face; candidate selection is important because it may increase natural volume loss with advancing age.

What Is Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy)?

Facial width is a combination of bone structure, chewing muscles, subcutaneous fat and buccal fat tissue. Buccal fat removal only affects the buccal fat component; it is not a weight-loss method and does not recreate the jawline on its own.

In people with a thin face, prominent cheekbones or a high risk of age-related volume loss, it can create a hollow appearance. Removing a standard amount of fat without assessing the face shape is not appropriate.

Who May Be a Candidate?

• Adults with noticeable lower cheek fullness despite a stable weight
• People whose facial bone and soft tissue proportions are found suitable for buccal fat removal
• People who understand long-term volume changes and that reversal is limited
• People without active oral or dental infection and with good oral hygiene

What is assessed during the examination?

Assessment 1

The contributions of facial bone structure, cheekbones, the jawline, subcutaneous fat and buccal fat are assessed separately.

Assessment 2

Weight changes, dental infections, salivary gland problems and previous facial procedures are reviewed.

Assessment 3

Keeping the amount of tissue removed limited, differences between the two sides and the volume loss expected with age are discussed.

Assessment 4

It is clearly explained that buccal fat removal is not liposuction or a slimming procedure.

How Does the Process Work?

1. Controlled access to the buccal fat pad is achieved through a small incision inside the mouth.
2. Only the planned amount is removed while preserving the anatomy of the facial nerve branches and the salivary duct.
3. The incision is closed inside the mouth, and diet and hygiene instructions are given.

Recovery and follow-up

Swelling in the cheeks, tenderness inside the mouth and temporary asymmetry may occur. Instructions regarding diet and oral care should be followed in the first days. The result becomes clear as the swelling subsides; no decision is made about hollowness or the final contour in the early period.

Expected results and limitations

The aim is to reduce lower cheek fullness in a measured way. The result depends on the bone and soft tissue structure of the whole face; sharp cheekbones or a defined jawline cannot be guaranteed.

Alternatives and complementary options

Depending on the source of the problem, weight management, assessment of the chewing muscles, jawline planning or monitoring without a procedure may be considered. Making the face look slimmer with fillers is a different approach and carries additional volume and injection risks.

Possible risks and complications

• Bleeding, infection and intraoral wound healing problems
• Injury to the salivary duct or facial nerve branches
• Asymmetry, excessive volume loss and a hollow appearance with advancing age
• An unsatisfactory result or the need for correction

Frequently asked questions