hero-bichectomy

Bichectomy
(Cheek Aesthetics)

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Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy)

If you feel your cheeks look round in photos, your face looks “soft” from certain angles, or you’ve always had a “baby face” even when you’re lean, buccal fat removal may be the contouring solution you’re looking for. Also known as bichectomy or buccal fat pad removal, this procedure reduces cheek fullness to create a more sculpted midface—often described online as “Hollywood cheeks.”

What Is Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy)?

Buccal fat pads sit deeper in the cheeks and contribute to the overall roundness of the lower midface. Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that reduces these pads to:

  • slim the lower cheek area
  • highlight cheekbone structure
  • create more definition through the midface and toward the jawline

A key expectation: this is contouring, not weight loss. You won’t see “final” definition immediately because swelling is part of healing. The goal is a more refined shape that still suits your facial proportions.

bichectomy-01
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Who It’s For (Women + Men) and What Results Look Like

Common goals in women

  • softer, round cheeks that don’t match the rest of the face
  • “baby face” effect in photos
  • desire for more defined cheek contours without obvious surgery

Common goals in men

Men often request a sharper, stronger look rather than a “hollow” cheek. Buccal fat removal can help in selected male faces, but for many men, true “stronger” definition comes from lower-face structure as well.

That’s why men are frequently advised to consider combining buccal fat removal with:

  • jawline definition procedures (e.g., doublechin liposuction if indicated)
  • chin implant or jawline implant (when chin/jawline projection is part of the profile goal)

When the midface and lower face are balanced, results look more natural and “intentional.”

Realistic results

  • Your cheeks usually look fuller at first due to swelling.
  • Definition improves gradually.
  • The outcome should look like you, just more contoured—especially from angles and in photos.

Customer Video Testimonials

Procedure Details: Intraoral Approach (No External Scar)

You confirmed your approach is intraoral, meaning the incision is made inside the mouth. This is one of the reasons the procedure is so popular for facial slimming:

  • No visible facial scar
  • Small incision inside each cheek
  • Tissue is removed conservatively based on anatomy and desired contour
  • The incision is closed with sutures inside the mouth

Anesthesia options

Depending on your plan and whether you’re combining procedures, buccal fat removal can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend what’s safest and most comfortable based on your case.

Combining Procedures for a Better “Hollywood Cheeks” Result

Buccal fat removal is often most flattering when it’s part of an overall facial harmony plan.

Common combination ideas (case-dependent):

  • Buccal fat removal + chin implant (men, especially) for stronger lower-face structure
  • Buccal fat removal + jawline contouring to sharpen the jawline line
  • Buccal fat removal + facial fat injection (select cases) to balance contour and avoid a harsh look

This isn’t about “more surgery.” It’s about avoiding one-dimensional contouring and aiming for a balanced, proportionate result.

Recovery: Timeline, Eating Rules, Oral Hygiene, Return to Work

Buccal fat removal recovery is usually straightforward, but the mouth-based incision means aftercare matters.

Typical recovery timeline (general)

First 48–72 hours

  • cheek swelling and mild discomfort are common
  • you may feel tightness when smiling
  • focus on rest, hydration, and following diet guidance

Week 1

  • swelling is still noticeable (sometimes peaks early)
  • bruising is possible, though many patients have minimal external bruising
  • follow-up check(s) assess healing

Days 7–14

  • many patients return to desk work and social activity (depends on swelling)
  • facial definition begins to emerge, but not final
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Weeks 3–6

  • swelling continues to settle
  • your contour starts looking more “like the result”

2–3 months

  • final refinement becomes clearer for most patients

Eating and oral hygiene (practical guidance)

Because the incision is inside the mouth:

  • you’ll typically start with softer foods and progress as advised
  • careful oral hygiene is essential (your team will give a protocol)
  • avoid anything that irritates the incision early (spicy/very hot foods may be discouraged initially)

When can I go back to work?

Many patients feel comfortable returning to desk work within about a week, sometimes sooner—though swelling can be the deciding factor.

Patient Reviews

Risks, Complications & Safety Planning

All surgery carries risks. With buccal fat removal, the key is a conservative plan and respect for anatomy.

Potential risks can include:

  • infection (mouth incisions require good hygiene)
  • bleeding/hematoma
  • asymmetry or uneven contour
  • over-resection (too much removed)
  • injury to nearby structures (rare but important to discuss)
  • prolonged swelling or firmness

A high-integrity consultation should include:

  • what your anatomy can realistically achieve
  • whether you’re better suited for buccal fat removal alone or a combined plan
  • a clear aftercare pathway (especially important for medical travelers)

Non-Surgical Alternatives

If you want subtle change or you’re unsure about surgery, alternatives may include:

  • weight stability + body composition changes (for patients whose fullness is weight-related)
  • contouring via injectable options in selected cases (provider-dependent)
  • skin tightening devices (typically subtle; won’t replace structural contouring)

If your roundness is primarily from buccal fat pad volume, surgery is usually the more definitive method.

Medical Travel to Istanbul: What to Plan

For medical travelers, the best experience comes from structure:

  • arrival timed for consultation/pre-op checks
  • procedure day + aftercare instructions
  • follow-up before you fly home
  • remote follow-up options when appropriate

Your coordinator should help align flight timing with your healing milestones and provide clear guidance for questions once you’re back home.

Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Turkey: Starts from €1,100

At Vanity, buccal fat removal starts from €1,100.

Final pricing depends on:

  • whether buccal fat removal is standalone or combined (chin implant/jawline work)
  • anesthesia plan
  • operative time and complexity

Price comparison: London vs Miami vs Switzerland

Costs vary by clinic and what’s included, but many medical travelers find higher pricing in high-cost markets:

  • London (UK): examples include £4,500–£5,500 depending on anesthesia/setting (standalone pricing shown by some clinics)
  • Miami (USA): examples include $3,000 to $5,500+ depending on complexity and facility/anesthesia
  • Switzerland: examples include CHF 3,500+ for bichectomy at some clinics
  • USA reference point: ASPS reports an average surgeon fee of $3,142 for buccal fat removal (not total cost)

Why Turkey can be more affordable often comes down to operating costs and healthcare economics. The right comparison is always surgeon expertise + safety standards + aftercare structure + transparent inclusions, not price alone.

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What’s Included in Your Vanity Package

Your Vanity package is designed to cover the essential medical pathway:

  • surgery and anesthesia
  • pre-op testing and consultation
  • structured aftercare and follow-ups
  • complication insurance
  • multilingual support (coordinator + translator)
  • longer-term follow-up guidance (including remote options)
  • 24H nurse assistance at your hotel

Optional VIP Travel Packages (Add-ons)

Most of our patients from the UK and Europe choose to add our luxury logistics package:

  • 7 Nights Hotel Stay: Premium accommodation in the heart of Istanbul.
  • VIP Transfers: Private cars for all airport, hotel, and hospital travel.

Flight Coordination: We can help you manage your travel dates to fit your surgery schedule.

Our Bichectomy (Cheek Aesthetics) Doctors

Vanity Estetik Doktoru Güray Yeşiladalı
Güray Yeşiladalı, M.D.
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Personal Details

  • Officially appointed expert in the field of plastic surgery, Highly experienced plastic surgeon specialising in breast and buttock enhancements, rhinoplasty, liposuction, fat transfer procedures.
  • Graduated from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine.
  • Won the Turkish-German Medical Association Scholarship and had the chance to study in Giessen University, Germany.
  • He started his Plastic Surgery residency in Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul.
  • Apart from performing thousands of plastic surgery operations, he was accepted as an International Fellow to Wisconsin University, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in United States, and had the chance to improve his surgical skills, experience and international communication abilities.

Certifications and professional memberships

  • International Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ISAPS),
  • Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Association (EPCD),
  • Fellow of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS)
  • Istanbul Medical Chamber
  • Rhinoplasty Society of Europe

Other

  • Performing thousands of plastic surgery operations.
  • Founder of Vanity Cosmetic Surgery hospital(2016).
Op. Dr. Bora Ok
Bora Ok, M.D.
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Personal Details

  • MD. Bora Ok completed his medical education with honors at Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine.
  • He began his professional career by receiving specialization training in the field of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Istanbul Haydarpasa Training and Research Hospital.
  • During his specialization training, he participated in numerous hand surgeries, burn treatments, congenital anomaly corrections, microsurgery procedures, tumor surgeries, and aesthetic surgical operations.
  • He successfully completed a microsurgery course organized by the Reconstructive Microsurgery Association at Dokuz Eylül University.
  • Member of International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and more.
  • Speaks fluent English.

Certifications and professional memberships

  • American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  • International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
  • Rhinoplasty Society of Europe (RSE)
  • Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Association
  • Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Association
  • Turkish Medical Association

Other

  • MD. Ok is renowned for his expertise in ethnic rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty procedures.
  • He uses state-of-the-art methods to achieve exceptional results in breast augmentation, breast lifts, neck lifts, facelifts, eyelid surgery, body shaping, liposuction, tummy tuck, and mommy makeover procedures.
  • Dr. Ok’s approach to patient care is highly personalized, taking into consideration each patient’s needs and expectations. He is deeply commited to providing his patients with the highest quality of care and achieving outstanding results. After closely listening to their wishes and goals, he creates a realistic framework that puts them on the path to achieving their dreams.
Doç.Dr Selami Serhat Şirvan
Prof. Dr. Selami Serhat Şirvan
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
sinem-eroglu
Prof. Dr. Sinem Eroğlu
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Personal Details

  • Graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Medicine in English in 2000,
  • Completed her residency in the field of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital in 2006.
  • In 2012 by being successful in written and oral exams and has received a professor title in 2022.
  • Assumed the administrative responsibility for University of Health Sciences Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital between 2012 and 2021.

Certifications and professional memberships

  • International Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ISAPS).
  • Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery(FEBOPRAS).

Other

  • Prof. Dr. Sinem Eroğlu, who has more than 50 articles and more than 100 announcements that were published in the international and national scientific journals.
  • Accept her clients in Vanity Cosmetic Surgery Hospital since 2022.
  • Working at Vanity Cosmetic Surgery hospital since 2022
can-zeliha-gul
Can Zeliha Gül, M.D.
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Personal Details

  • Dr. Can Zeliha Gül completed her medical training at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine (Çapa Medicine) in 2011.
  • M.D. Gül began her professional career by receiving specialization training in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Şişli Etfal Research and Training Hospital, where she worked between 2011 and 2017.
  • From 2017 to 2019, she served in the field of Plastic Surgery at Gaziantep Nizip State Hospital.
  • She worked at Vanity Cosmetic Surgery Hospital from 2019 to 2021, further enhancing her knowledge and experience in the field of aesthetic surgery.

Certifications and professional memberships

  • Fellow of the European Board Of Plastic, Reconstructive And Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS)
  • Turkish Plastic, Reconstructive And Aesthetic Surgery Association (TPRECD)
  • Aesthetic And Plastic Surgery Association (EPCD)
  • Turkish Doctors Assoc. (TTB)
  • International Society Of Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)

Other

  • In August 2023, she rejoined the team at Vanity Hospital. She aims to provide patients with the highest quality healthcare utilizing her knowledge and skills in the field of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery to enhance their quality of life.
mert-sizmaz
Mert Sızmaz, M.D.
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Personal Details

  • Graduated at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine in English.
  • Specialty training at Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital.
  • In 2019 he was in the United States as part of the observership program.
  • He completed his compulsory service at Kars Harakani State Hospital.

Certifications and professional memberships

  • Turkish Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Association (TPRECD)
  • Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery(FEBOPRAS)
  • Istanbul Medical Chamber
  • Turkey Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Society
  • Turkish Doctors Assoc.

Other

  • He had the opportunity to experience many surgeries at Tampa General Hospital.
  • He has publications in many national and international journals.
  • Working at Vanity Cosmetic Surgery Hospital since 2023.
Op. Dr. Çağatay Öner
Çağatay Öner, M.D.
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Personal Details

  • Dr. Çağatay Öner completed his medical education at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa English Faculty of Medicine in 2014.
  • He completed his Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery specialist training, which he started in 2015, at Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital in 2020.
  • In 2019, he participated in an observership program in Germany to enhance his experience in the field of Aesthetic Surgery.
  • He worked in the field of Plastic Surgery at Şırnak State Hospital between 2020-2022.

Certifications and professional memberships

  • Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (TPRECD)
  • Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS)
  • Turkish Doctors Assoc.

Other

  • He has publications in various national and international journals.
  • His hobbies include nature photography, skiing, scuba diving, and trekking.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cheek contouring surgery that reduces the buccal fat pads to slim round cheeks and enhance definition.
No external scar—incisions are inside the mouth.
Results develop gradually as swelling settles; many see clearer refinement over weeks, with final contour often apparent by a few months.
The removed buccal fat does not “grow back,” but overall facial fat can still change with weight fluctuations.
Most patients describe mild-to-moderate discomfort early on that improves quickly with routine pain management.
Many return to desk work in about 7–10 days, depending on swelling and comfort.
You’ll usually start with soft foods and follow an oral hygiene protocol to protect the intraoral incision.
Yes. For men seeking a sharper look, combining with jawline definition or a chin implant is often recommended for balance.
Risks can include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, over-resection, and prolonged swelling—discussed in your consultation.
Your surgeon will advise based on healing and follow-up timing; travel planning is part of the medical traveler pathway.
Güray Yeşiladalı, M.D.

About The Author

Created By
Publish Date
Update Date
Güray Yeşiladalı, M.D.
25/10/2022
11/06/2026

MD. Yeşiladalı graduated from the Istanbul University–Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine and completed his residency in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital. With a scholarship from the Turkish-German Medical Association, he pursued further training at the University of Giessen in Germany. His success in both written and oral exams in Austria and Belgium earned him membership in EBOPRAS (European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery). Since 2006, he has performed thousands of facial, breast, and body-contouring surgeries. He consistently performs an average of more than 15 surgeries per week. In 2016, MD. Yeşiladalı founded Vanity, where he began leading the surgical team and continues to advance techniques in rhinoplasty, liposuction, and fat transfer. He speaks German, English, and Turkish.

MEDICAL REFERENCES

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) — Buccal fat removal cost (average surgeon fee).
  • Cleveland Clinic — Buccal fat removal overview (what it is, candidacy, recovery).
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine — Buccal fat removal overview, longevity, weight gain note.
  • NCBI Bookshelf (StatPearls) — Buccal fat pad reduction (anatomy, indications, complications).
  • Systematic review (ScienceDirect) — Complications prevalence after buccal fat removal
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