1 Surgery day (Day 0)
Procedure takes 30–60 minutes under local anaesthesia with sedation, or under general anaesthesia. Sutures inside the cheek (dissolvable). Immediate swelling begins. Soft-food diet starts. Pain is typically mild — paracetamol or mild prescription analgesic. Return to hotel/accommodation same day; rest with head elevated.
2 Days 1–3 (peak swelling)
Swelling reaches peak around 48–72 hours, then begins to subside. Bruising minimal (intraoral approach causes little external bruising). Liquid and soft-food diet. Salt-water mouth rinses 4–5 times daily, especially after eating. Sleep with head elevated. No vigorous activity, no bending, no heavy lifting.
3 Days 4–7 (early healing)
Swelling reduces by approximately 30–40% from peak. Light office work or computer work usually fine. Continue salt-water rinses. Soft diet continues but more variety possible. Pain typically minimal by day 5–6. Most patients fly home on day 5 or later.
4 Week 2
External swelling visibly resolving. Face appears slightly fuller than the final result will be — this is normal. Return to normal diet, gentle exercise. Cheek may feel firm or 'tight' from internal healing tissue. Sutures fully dissolved or near-fully.
5 Weeks 3–6
Most external swelling resolved. Subtle internal tissue remodelling continues. Final contour starting to emerge but cheek may still feel slightly firm. Normal exercise and activity. Photo comparison with pre-op typically shows clear change by week 4–6.
6 Months 2–4
Most patients see what they consider their 'real' result during this window. Cheek softens further as scar tissue matures. Photographs at this point are usually used for portfolio purposes.
7 Months 4–6 (final result)
Final aesthetic result. Cheek tissue fully redistributed, scar tissue softened to natural feel. This is the stable long-term contour. Any subsequent change is due to weight changes or natural aging.
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.