Is buccal fat removal painful?
Most patients describe the procedure itself as painless under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is mild — a feeling of tightness and pressure rather than sharp pain — and is well controlled with paracetamol. Stronger painkillers are rarely needed.
Will I have visible scars?
No external scars. The entire procedure is performed through a small incision inside the cheek, above the second upper molar. The intraoral incision heals within 1–2 weeks and is completely hidden inside the mouth.
When can I go back to work?
Most patients return to non-physical work in 5–7 days, when visible swelling has reduced enough to be socially acceptable. Roles with significant face-to-face contact may benefit from waiting 7–10 days.
When can I exercise?
Light walking from day 2. Gentle exercise (yoga, light cardio) at 2 weeks. Heavy lifting, contact sports, and intense cardio at 4 weeks.
What can I eat after surgery?
Soft, lukewarm foods for the first 3–5 days — yoghurt, soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potato. Avoid hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods until the intraoral incision has closed.
Will I look gaunt as I age?
Possibly, if you are an unsuitable candidate or if the removal is aggressive. With proper patient selection and conservative partial removal, this risk is significantly reduced. See our dedicated page on this topic.
Can buccal fat grow back?
No. The buccal fat pad does not regenerate. However, the surrounding cheek can change with weight gain, weight loss, and ageing. See our full article.
How long is the result visible after surgery?
Some change is visible from day 1, but the cheeks are usually swollen — sometimes more swollen than before surgery. Real refinement becomes visible at 4–6 weeks, ~80% of the result at 6 weeks, and the final stable contour at 3–6 months.
How much does buccal fat removal cost in Istanbul?
Prices are not published online due to Turkish Ministry of Health regulations and because the appropriate technique varies between patients. Personalised quotes are provided after photo assessment. Read more about cost.
Is buccal fat removal regulated in Turkey?
Yes. Plastic surgery is a regulated medical specialty in Turkey. International health tourism providers are additionally regulated by USHAŞ (Uluslararası Sağlık Hizmetleri AŞ) under the Turkish Ministry of Health. Dr. Erdal holds USHAŞ certificate {SURGEON['ushas']}.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
4–6 days is sufficient: arrival, in-person consultation, surgery, one or two recovery days, and travel home. Many international patients stay slightly longer to combine with a short Istanbul break.
Can I combine buccal fat removal with other procedures?
Yes — common combinations include masseter Botox (slims the jaw width), chin augmentation, FaceTite, and rhinoplasty. See our combinations guide.
Not sure if you're a candidate?
Buccal fat pad removal is the right choice only for the right face. Send 3 facial photos (front, profile, three-quarter) and Doç. Dr. Erdal will give you an honest, no-pressure suitability assessment before you decide anything.