Bichectomy in Turkey, Istanbul

Opr. Dr. Hasan Duygulu

Bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal or cheek reduction surgery, is a procedure that removes part of the fat pad in the lower cheeks to create a slimmer, more sculpted face. At his Istanbul clinic, Dr. Hasan Duygulu plans every bichectomy individually, based on your facial structure, cheek fullness and goals. If you are considering bichectomy in Turkey, our team will guide you from your first online consultation to your final follow-up.

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What Is Bichectomy (Cheek Reduction Surgery)?

Bichectomy is an aesthetic procedure, often described as cheek surgery, that removes part of the buccal fat pad, also known as the Bichat fat pad, from the lower cheeks. The aim is a slimmer, longer-looking face and a more defined cheek line for people whose cheeks look full or round. The procedure is performed through small incisions inside the mouth, so there are no visible external scars.

Bichectomy can improve concerns such as:

Full or round lower cheeks that make the face look wider
A lack of definition between the cheeks and the jawline
A wish for a slimmer, longer facial outline

Bichectomy changes the fat inside the cheek only. It does not change the bone structure, it does not treat fat along the jawline or under the chin and it does not tighten loose skin. Some of the fat pad is removed, but not all of it, and the result depends on your anatomy. The goal is a natural, balanced face, not a hollow or gaunt look.

Why Choose Turkey for Bichectomy?

Turkey is one of the most frequently preferred destinations for international patients seeking facial aesthetic procedures. Patients who research bichectomy in Turkey or bichectomy in Istanbul usually mention the following reasons:

Experienced surgeons: Many surgeons in Turkey treat patients from abroad regularly and take part in international medical communities.
Modern facilities: Procedures are performed in clinical settings that follow established protocols.
Cost advantage: Bichectomy prices in Turkey are generally lower than in many Western countries, largely because of different operating costs and exchange rates.
Coordinated patient journey: Airport transfers, accommodation support, interpreters and follow-up can be organized for you.
Shorter waiting times: Consultations and surgery can usually be scheduled promptly.
Istanbul as a destination: Bichectomy requires a stay of about 3–5 days, and many patients combine it with time in one of the world’s most culturally rich cities.

Choosing a destination should never be based on price alone. The surgeon’s qualifications, the facility’s standards and the quality of follow-up care matter far more.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Duygulu for Bichectomy in Istanbul

Surgeon-led care from the first consultation to the final follow-up
Individual planning for each face, with careful assessment of how much fat to remove
Experience with both bichectomy and facelift procedures, which helps in planning cheek volume
A natural-result philosophy that avoids over-reduction and a hollow look
Extensive experience in facial and head & neck anatomy
A 24/7 accessible patient coordination team for international patients
Verified patient reviews on Google, RealSelf, Flymedi and Instagram
A central clinic in Harbiye / Nişantaşı, Istanbul

Who Can Have a Bichectomy Operation?

Bichectomy may be suitable for men and women who:

Are at least 18 years old
Have a normal body weight and full or round lower cheeks
Want a slimmer, longer facial outline
Are in good general health, with no uncontrolled medical conditions
Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before surgery as advised
Have realistic expectations: a more defined cheek line, not a different face
Are making the decision for themselves rather than under outside pressure

Bichectomy may look like a simple operation, but it is not suitable for everyone, and candidacy can only be confirmed through a consultation in which your facial structure, cheek fullness, weight, age and medical history are assessed together. Your surgeon may also request some tests before surgery.

Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?

Bichectomy may need to be postponed or may not be recommended if you:

Are under 18
Are overweight or obese, because fullness then comes from fat elsewhere in the face and body, and surgery carries more risk
Are aged 45 or over, because the buccal fat pad naturally decreases with age and removing more of it can make the face look older and more hollow
Already have a thin or hollow face
Plan significant weight loss in the near future
Have a bleeding disorder, an active mouth or gum infection, or uncontrolled medical conditions
Smoke and are unwilling to stop
Have unrealistic expectations, such as expecting the procedure to change your bone structure or remove fat along the jawline

Your surgeon will give honest advice on whether bichectomy is right for you, even when the answer is no.

Bichectomy Techniques in Turkey

The approach is chosen after examination, not before. These are the options most commonly discussed by patients researching bichectomy in Turkey.

Standard Bichectomy (Intraoral Approach)

Through a small incision inside the cheek, the surgeon reaches the buccal fat pad and removes part of it. It is performed under local anesthesia, and there are no external scars.

Bichectomy During a Facelift

When a facelift is planned, the buccal fat can be treated in the same operation. In suitable patients, instead of removing the fat, Dr. Duygulu repositions it and uses it to restore volume, which helps avoid a hollow look.

Bichectomy with Other Contouring Procedures

Some patients combine bichectomy with other treatments for the jawline, chin or lips to balance the lower face. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.

Dr. Duygulu will explain which approach he recommends for your face and how much fat he plans to remove.

How Is a Bichectomy Operation Performed?

Bichectomy, often called cheek thinning surgery, is an outpatient operation performed under local anesthesia. Before surgery, you should clean your mouth carefully, since the incisions are made inside the mouth and good oral hygiene helps lower the risk of infection.

The operation starts with local anesthesia. The surgeon then makes a small incision inside the cheek, next to the fat pad. With the help of forceps, the planned amount of buccal fat is removed to achieve a natural look, and the incision is closed with sutures. The same steps are repeated on the other cheek. A light compression bandage may be applied at the end. Bichectomy usually takes 30–45 minutes, and you are discharged the same day.

The amount of fat removed depends on your anatomy. In Dr. Duygulu’s practice, between 2 cc and 3.5 cc is typically removed from each side, and the part of the fat pad that extends toward the temples is not removed.

Bichectomy and Related Facial Procedures

Bichectomy is often planned together with treatments for the jawline, chin and lips to create a balanced, defined face. Dr. Hasan Duygulu evaluates your facial proportions and recommends only the treatments that suit your goals.

Jowl Liposuction

Removes excess fat along the jawline and jowl area to create a sharper lower-face contour. It works best for patients with good skin elasticity and localised fullness.

Chin Aesthetics

Refines the shape and projection of the chin to improve facial balance and profile. Dr. Hasan Duygulu plans the result in harmony with your nose and jawline.

Lip Filling

Uses injectable fillers to add volume, definition and shape to the lips. It is a quick option with little downtime and temporary, adjustable results.

Lip Lift

Shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip to reveal more of the lip and create a more youthful shape. The result is a longer-lasting alternative to fillers.

Facelift

Tightens sagging skin and deeper facial tissues to restore a firmer, more youthful contour. Dr. Hasan Duygulu focuses on natural-looking results that avoid a pulled or overdone appearance.

Your Bichectomy Journey with Dr. Duygulu

Consultation Request

Send your request via WhatsApp, email or the website form, along with clear photos of your face from the front, both profiles and three-quarter views. Our coordinator replies within 24 hours.

Online Consultation with Dr. Duygulu

You discuss your goals, medical history, medications and previous procedures. The surgeon gives a preliminary assessment. A final decision is made only after an in-person examination.

Pre-Operative Planning

You receive written instructions on medications, smoking and oral hygiene. Our team helps with travel and accommodation planning.

Arrival & In-Person Assessment

You are met at the airport. Before surgery, you have an examination of your face and mouth, any required tests and a final consultation with your surgeon.

Procedure Day

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient operation, and you go home the same day.

Early Recovery & First Check

Dr. Duygulu reviews your healing in the first days before you travel home.

Long-Term Follow-Up

We stay in contact after you return home, with photo-based check-ins as agreed with your surgeon.

Things To Do Before and After Bichectomy

Before the operation

Share your full medical history, allergies and current medications
Clean your mouth carefully before surgery, as advised
Stop smoking and nicotine products before surgery for the period your surgeon advises
Ask your surgeon which medications and supplements to stop, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil and herbal products. Never stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
Arrange a companion for the first day

After the operation

Keep your head elevated, including during sleep, for the first days
Eat soft or liquid foods at first, and avoid very hot, spicy or hard foods as advised
Keep your mouth clean and use any prescribed mouth rinse as directed
Apply cold compresses to the cheeks as advised to limit swelling
Avoid strenuous exercise for as long as advised
Do not smoke during recovery
Attend all follow-up appointments
Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice severe or one-sided swelling, increasing pain, fever, bleeding, pus or any other concern

Bichectomy Recovery Timeline

Healing varies from person to person. This is a general guide:

Days 1–3: Swelling and tightness in the cheeks are expected. A soft or liquid diet is usually advised. Discomfort is managed with prescribed medication.
Days 4–10: Swelling gradually decreases. The incisions inside the mouth heal, and sutures dissolve or are removed as planned.
Weeks 2–3: Most swelling has settled, and most patients are back to normal daily life, including eating normally.
Months 2–3: Residual swelling resolves, and the final cheek contour becomes clear.

Flying Home After Bichectomy

Bichectomy is an outpatient procedure, so most patients stay in Istanbul for about 3–5 days. This allows early check-ups before the journey home. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe to fly. Share your travel plans early so your return date can be arranged around your recovery.

Risks and Possible Complications

Every surgery carries risks, including bichectomy. The outcome depends on the surgeon’s knowledge and experience, because the buccal fat pad lies close to important structures. Possible risks include:

Infection inside the mouth or cheek
Bleeding or hematoma (a collection of blood), and swelling that lasts longer than expected
Pain or tightness in the cheeks
Asymmetry between the two sides
Injury to the facial nerve branches or the salivary duct of the cheek, which is uncommon
Temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness
Removing too much fat, which can create a hollow look and make the face look older over time
Results that do not match your expectations
Risks related to anesthesia

Dr. Duygulu will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation. Choosing a qualified surgeon, disclosing your full medical history, keeping your mouth clean and following aftercare instructions all help lower the risk.

How Long Do Bichectomy Results Last?

The fat that is removed does not grow back, so the change in your cheek contour is long-lasting. However, the rest of your facial fat continues to change with age, weight gain or weight loss, and natural aging reduces facial volume over time. For this reason, the result is not frozen in time, and over-reduction can make the face look older in later years. Stable weight and good skincare support a natural long-term result.

How to Choose a Bichectomy Surgeon in Turkey

Selecting the right surgeon matters more than the destination. Before booking bichectomy in Turkey, check:

Qualifications: The surgeon’s specialty, training and experience in facial surgery. Verify credentials through official medical associations rather than relying on clinic websites alone.
Facility: That the operation takes place in a clean, licensed facility with emergency capability.
Personal involvement: Whether the surgeon personally performs the operation and follows your recovery.
Honest advice: Whether the surgeon is willing to tell you that bichectomy is not right for you, especially if your face is already slim or you are older.
Real results: Before and after photos of the surgeon’s own patients, with consent, and independent reviews.
Transparent planning: A written plan that explains the technique, risks, follow-up and what the quote includes.
Aftercare: How you can reach the team after you return home.

Be cautious of any offer that promises guaranteed results or quotes a fixed price without reviewing your photos and medical history.

What Determines the Cost of Bichectomy in Turkey?

Bichectomy cost in Turkey depends on your individual plan, which is why a reliable quote is only possible after reviewing your photos and medical history. The main factors are:

The surgeon’s experience
The facility and operating room standards
Whether it is performed on its own or together with other procedures
The anesthesia type
Pre-operative tests
Post-operative care, including follow-up visits and medications
Additional services such as transfers, accommodation and interpreter support

Bichectomy prices in Turkey are generally lower than in many Western countries, but the lowest price is not a sign of the best value. For a personalized quote, contact our team with your photos and questions.

Op. Dr. Hasan Duygulu

Istanbul, Türkiye

Op. Dr. Hasan Duygulu

Specialist in Otolaryngology (ENT) and Head & Neck Surgery

Born in Turkey, Dr. Hasan Duygulu graduated from Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine in 2009 and specialized in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Diseases and Head & Neck Surgery. Throughout his career, he has focused on facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, with particular expertise in rhinoplasty, septoplasty, otoplasty and facelift. He holds double board certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (EBCFPRS and IBCFPRS). His practice is built on detailed facial evaluation and personalized surgical planning, so that every result looks natural and respects the unique character of each patient’s face.

Dr. Hasan Duygulu’s training did not end with his specialty. He has attended advanced rhinoplasty courses and live surgery workshops across Europe, and in 2016 he took part in deep-plane facelift cadaver dissection courses, which keeps his methods aligned with current scientific literature.

With more than 15 years of experience and over 6,000 operations across rhinoplasty, septoplasty, otoplasty and facelift surgery, he has treated patients from more than 30 countries.

Every patient has a detailed one-on-one consultation, and Dr. Hasan Duygulu personally performs every stage of the surgery, from planning to the final follow-up visit.

Dr. Hasan Duygulu’s approach to bichectomy

Suited to patients with full lower cheeks who want more defined cheek contours, bichectomy removes the buccal fat pads, the pads of fat in the lower cheeks, to create a slimmer, more sculpted face. Dr. Hasan Duygulu, one of the leading bichectomy specialists in Turkey, first examines your facial structure, because the procedure is not suitable for every face: the fat that is removed does not return, and faces that are already slim may look hollow, especially as they age. When it is suitable, the fat pads are removed through a small incision inside the mouth, which leaves no external scar. He explains the recovery and the expected result during the consultation, and he advises against the procedure when it would not benefit you. The aim is defined cheek contours that stay in proportion with your face.

Ask Our Experts!

You can fill out the form to get answers to all your questions and detailed information about treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much fat is removed in bichectomy surgery?

The fat removed in bichectomy surgery is the part of the buccal fat pad located in the cheeks. We do not remove the part extending to the temples. This may vary between individuals. In my own practice, I have removed between 2 cc and 3.5 cc of fat from a single side. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with small incisions made inside the mouth, or the fat can be removed during facelift surgery. However, instead of removing it, I change its location during facelift surgery and use it for augmentation purposes.

Is bichectomy surgery permanent?

The fat that is removed does not grow back, so the change in your cheek contour is long-lasting. However, the remaining facial fat can still change with weight gain or loss, and natural aging reduces facial volume over time. For this reason, a conservative approach is important.

Where is the bichectomy procedure performed and with which type of anesthesia?

Bichectomy is performed as an outpatient procedure, usually under local anesthesia, through small incisions inside the mouth. When it is combined with a larger operation such as a facelift, it can be done under the anesthesia used for that operation. Your surgeon will confirm the plan during your consultation.

Does bichectomy surgery restrict eating and drinking?

Because the incisions are inside the mouth, a soft or liquid diet is usually advised for the first days, and very hot, spicy or hard foods are avoided. Most patients return to normal eating within about 1–2 weeks. Keeping the mouth clean is important, and your surgeon will give you detailed instructions.

Is there an age limit for bichectomy surgery?

Bichectomy is performed on adults aged 18 and over. It is generally not recommended for people aged 45 and over, because the buccal fat pad decreases with age and removing more of it can make the face look older and more hollow. Your surgeon will assess you individually.

When does the bichectomy swelling go away?

Most swelling settles within 1–2 weeks. A small amount of residual swelling can last longer, and the final contour becomes clear after about 2–3 months. Healing varies from person to person.

Is there any pain during surgery?

The operation is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure, only some pressure. Afterward, most patients describe tightness, swelling and mild discomfort, which is managed with prescribed medication.

Can the fat taken be injected to any area on the face?

In selected cases, buccal fat can be used to restore volume in other areas of the face. During a facelift, for example, it can be repositioned and used for augmentation instead of being removed. Whether this is suitable depends on how much fat is available and what your face needs, and your surgeon will advise you.

Is it necessary to stay in hospital after the procedure?

No. Bichectomy is an outpatient procedure, and you are discharged on the same day.

Is bichectomy in Turkey safe?

Bichectomy is a surgical procedure, and its safety depends on the surgeon’s qualifications, the facility’s standards, your health and your aftercare, not on the country. Check your surgeon’s credentials, confirm the operation takes place in a clean, licensed facility, and plan enough time for follow-up before flying home.

How much does bichectomy cost in Turkey?

The price depends on whether it is performed alone or with other procedures, the facility and the services included. A personalized quote is given after your photos and medical history are reviewed. Contact us for details.

How long should I stay in Turkey after bichectomy?

Plan for about 3–5 days. This covers the procedure and the first check-ups. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe to fly.

Will there be visible scars after bichectomy?

No. The incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no visible external scars. The small internal incisions heal within a few weeks.

Will bichectomy change my face shape?

Bichectomy can make the cheeks look slimmer and the facial outline longer, and it may make the cheek line look more defined. It does not change your bone structure and does not remove fat along the jawline or chin. Results depend on your anatomy.

Can I combine bichectomy with other procedures?

Often yes, if your health allows. Bichectomy can be planned together with facial contouring procedures, and in suitable patients the buccal fat can be handled during a facelift. The safety of combining procedures is decided during your consultation.