1 Salt-water mouth rinse
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 250 ml of warm water. Rinse gently inside the mouth for 30 seconds, focusing on the cheek incision area. Do this 4–5 times daily, especially after eating and before bed. Continue for 10–14 days. This is the single most important step in preventing intraoral infection.
2 Sleep with head elevated
For the first 7 nights, sleep with two pillows under your head so your face is above your heart. This significantly reduces overnight swelling. Sleeping flat is fine after one week.
3 Soft / liquid diet (Days 0–5)
First 24h: liquids and very soft foods only — soup (not too hot), yogurt, smoothies, scrambled egg, mashed potato. Days 2–5: soft solids — pasta, fish, cooked vegetables. Avoid: anything crunchy (chips, nuts, toast), anything hard to chew (steak), anything that requires opening the mouth widely, very hot or very spicy food, alcohol, straws (suction can disturb the incision).
4 Pain management
Most patients use paracetamol (1g 3–4 times daily) and a short course of mild prescribed analgesic for breakthrough pain in the first 2–3 days. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin in the first week unless specifically approved (they increase bleeding risk). Pain is typically minimal by day 5.
5 Antibiotic mouthwash
If prescribed, use the antibiotic mouthwash twice daily for 5 days starting the morning after surgery. Don't swallow.
6 Exercise restrictions
No exercise for 7 days. Walking is fine and encouraged. After day 7: light cardio and stretching. After day 14: gradually return to full normal exercise. No contact sports for 4 weeks.
7 Travel restrictions
We ask that international patients stay in Istanbul for a minimum of 4 nights after surgery. Flights home from day 5 onwards. Long-haul flights are fine from day 5 — wear compression socks, stay well hydrated.
8 When to contact us
Contact us immediately if you experience: significant unilateral swelling (one cheek much more swollen than the other after day 3), fever above 38°C, pus or foul taste from the incision, persistent severe pain not relieved by medication, or numbness in the cheek that doesn't improve after 2 weeks. We respond to WhatsApp 24/7 for post-op patients.
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.