Where the incision is placed
The incision is made on the inner cheek (buccal mucosa), approximately above the second upper molar. The incision is typically 1–1.5 cm long — large enough for the surgeon to identify and tease out the buccal fat pad, small enough to heal cleanly.
The location is chosen because:
- It overlies the buccal fat pad anatomically — shortest path
- It's in an area that doesn't move much during talking or eating
- It's hidden from any external view
- It's outside the path of food
What closes the incision
The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures (typically Vicryl Rapide or similar fast-absorbing material). These don't need removal — they dissolve naturally over 7–10 days.
Some surgeons leave the incision open without sutures, allowing healing by second intention (the mucosa naturally closes over). Both approaches produce similar long-term scarring; sutured closure is slightly more comfortable in the first few days.
What it looks like at each stage
- Day 0 (immediately after surgery): A short red incision line with small suture loops visible. May be slightly swollen.
- Days 1–3: Surrounding tissue is inflamed and tender. Sutures may catch on tongue.
- Days 4–7: Inflammation subsides. Sutures begin to loosen.
- Weeks 2–3: Sutures fully dissolved or gone. Incision visible as a thin pink line.
- Month 1: Pink line fades to a thin pale line.
- Month 3: Almost invisible — typically only detectable by feeling with the tongue.
- Month 6 and beyond: Indistinguishable from normal cheek lining for most patients.
Will anyone notice?
External viewers will see no scars. The incision is fully internal and not visible during speaking, smiling, eating, or any normal facial movement.
You yourself will be able to feel a slight ridge with your tongue for the first few weeks. By 3–6 months most patients say they can't even locate the scar by feel.
Dentists during routine examination will see the healed line if they look specifically for it, but it doesn't require any special dental care.
Caring for the scar during healing
Standard intraoral healing care:
- Salt-water rinses 4–5 times daily for 10–14 days
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could traumatise the area
- Avoid extremely hot foods or drinks for the first week
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes for 2 weeks (they slow mucosal healing)
- Resume normal teeth brushing immediately, but avoid vigorous brushing of the incision area for 1 week
Internal mucosa heals significantly faster than external skin — typically 80% of healing happens in the first 2 weeks.
When to worry about the scar
Contact us if you notice:
- Persistent significant pain in the incision area after week 2
- Pus or foul taste from the area
- Persistent swelling that doesn't decrease over time
- The incision opening (very rare with dissolvable sutures)
- Numbness in the cheek that doesn't improve after 6 weeks
These are uncommon but should be addressed quickly. WhatsApp post-op support is available 24/7 for international patients.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to feel the scar with my tongue forever?
Most patients can no longer feel it by 3–6 months. A small number of patients can feel a very subtle ridge long-term — this is normal and doesn't represent abnormal scarring.
Can keloid scars form inside the mouth?
Keloid formation (excessive scar tissue) is much less common inside the mouth than on external skin. Some patients are prone to keloids — if you've had keloids elsewhere, mention this in consultation, though it rarely changes the surgical plan for intraoral procedures.
Does smoking affect intraoral scar healing?
Yes — smoking significantly impairs mucosal healing and increases risk of dehiscence (incision opening). We strongly recommend stopping smoking 2 weeks before surgery and avoiding smoking for at least 2 weeks after.
Ready to discuss buccal fat removal?
Schedule a free WhatsApp consultation with Doç. Dr. Erdal. Send a few facial photos and your questions — typical response within 2 hours during business hours.