The morning before
If you're under general anaesthesia: nothing to eat or drink (NPO) from midnight. If under local with sedation: light breakfast 6 hours before is fine. Avoid blood thinners and supplements for the prescribed pre-op interval (this will have been reviewed with you). Wear comfortable button-front clothing — no pullovers (you'll have minor swelling and won't want to pull anything over your face).
Bring: your ID, prescribed medications, a phone charger, and lip balm (your lips may feel dry post-op).
Arrival at the clinic (~30 min)
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled surgery time. You'll be greeted by our coordinator, complete final consent paperwork, and have pre-op photos taken (front, profile, three-quarter, smile, animation). Vital signs are checked. You'll change into surgical gown.
Doç. Dr. Erdal will see you again to confirm the planned resection volume, answer any final questions, and make small ink markings inside your mouth where the incision will be placed.
Anaesthesia (~15 min)
Two anaesthesia options:
- Local with sedation (most common). An IV provides a relaxing sedative — you're comfortable but breathing on your own and able to respond if needed. Local anaesthetic is then injected inside the cheek.
- General anaesthesia (if combined with other procedures or preferred). You're fully asleep with breathing supported by the anaesthesiologist.
Both are performed by a qualified anaesthesiologist with continuous monitoring.
The surgery itself (~30–60 min)
A small (~1 cm) incision is made inside the cheek, above the second molar. The buccal fat pad is identified through the incision. A planned, conservative volume of the body of the pad is gently teased out — the extensions (buccal and pterygoid) are left intact. Bleeding is controlled with electrocautery. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.
The same procedure is performed on the opposite cheek, with care to remove a symmetric volume.
Recovery in the clinic (~2 hours)
You're moved to the recovery bay. Vitals are monitored as anaesthesia wears off. Ice packs are applied to the cheek externally to minimise swelling. You'll be given water, then light fluids when you're ready. Doç. Dr. Erdal sees you once more before discharge.
Discharge instructions are reviewed with you and your companion in person and in writing. You receive a discharge pack with: post-op care instructions, salt-water rinse solution, paracetamol or prescribed analgesic, antibiotic mouthwash, and emergency contact card.
Discharge & first night
You're driven back to your hotel by clinic transport. We strongly recommend you have a companion for the first 24 hours.
That evening: rest with head elevated (two pillows), take prescribed medication on schedule, do your first salt-water rinse before bed, and eat soft food when hungry (yogurt, soup, mashed potato). Don't plan anything social. Most patients describe the evening as "manageable but uncomfortable rather than painful."
Frequently asked questions
Can someone wait with me at the clinic?
Yes. We provide a comfortable companion area for one accompanying person. They can also accompany you for discharge.
How will I feel coming out of anaesthesia?
With local + sedation, most patients are clear-headed within 30–60 minutes. With general anaesthesia, expect to feel groggy for a few hours. Either way, you're not in a state to make decisions or be alone — hence the companion requirement.
Can I drive myself back to the hotel?
No, not on surgery day. We provide complimentary clinic transport (and most international patients use this for the full Istanbul stay).
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.
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.