Bichectomy, also known as buccal fat removal, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce excess fat in the cheeks and create a more contoured, V-shaped facial appearance. By removing buccal fat pads, the cheeks appear slimmer, enhancing the definition of the cheekbones and jawline.
Many international patients choose bichectomy in Antalya due to the city’s combination of expert plastic surgeons, advanced medical facilities, and affordable pricing compared to Europe and the UK. Op. Dr. Erkan Dodanlı, an experienced plastic surgeon in Antalya, performs buccal fat removal in Turkey with techniques that ensure natural and balanced results tailored to each patient’s facial structure.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for buccal fat removal. Ideal candidates for bichectomy are typically:
Individuals with naturally round or chubby cheeks who desire a slimmer, more defined facial shape
Patients in good overall health with no serious medical conditions
Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
People with realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure
During a detailed consultation, Op. Dr. Erkan Dodanlı evaluates the amount of buccal fat, overall facial balance, and patient goals. He ensures that cheek fat removal will complement the patient’s facial proportions rather than create a hollow or unnatural appearance.
Buccal fat removal (bichectomy) is not a single standardized procedure; it can be tailored based on each patient’s facial structure, amount of buccal fat, and desired results. The goal is to achieve a slimmer and more sculpted face while maintaining natural balance. Op. Dr. Erkan Dodanlı, who is highly experienced in facial contouring surgeries, offers different techniques to ensure the most suitable and natural-looking outcome for every patient.
This is the most common method of buccal fat removal. The procedure is performed through small incisions made inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars on the face. A controlled amount of buccal fat is removed from each cheek to create a slimmer, more contoured appearance. This technique is ideal for patients with fuller cheeks who want a noticeable but natural change. Because the incisions are hidden inside the mouth, healing is quick, and patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days.
Some patients prefer a more subtle change rather than a dramatic reduction in cheek volume. In such cases, partial fat removal is performed. Instead of removing the entire buccal fat pad, only a portion is carefully extracted. This approach is best for patients who already have defined facial features but want slightly slimmer cheeks to enhance their natural bone structure. Op. Dr. Erkan Dodanlı evaluates each patient’s facial proportions to ensure that the results look balanced and age-appropriate, avoiding a hollowed appearance as the patient gets older.
For patients who want a more comprehensive facial transformation, bichectomy can be combined with other contouring procedures, such as chin liposuction, neck liposuction, or even a facelift. This combined approach helps achieve a more defined jawline and overall harmony in facial proportions. For example, pairing buccal fat removal with chin liposuction can dramatically improve the lower face’s contour without making the cheeks look unnaturally thin. Op. Dr. Erkan Dodanlı takes a highly personalized approach to each bichectomy in Antalya, considering factors like facial symmetry, bone structure, and future aging changes. By customizing the amount of fat removed and combining techniques when necessary, he ensures results that are natural, balanced, and long-lasting.
While bichectomy is considered a safe and relatively quick procedure, it carries certain risks, as with any surgical intervention. Potential complications include:
Choosing an experienced surgeon like Op. Dr. Erkan Dodanlı minimizes these risks significantly. He uses advanced surgical techniques to ensure that buccal fat removal in Turkey is safe, precise, and yields natural-looking results.
Bichectomy in Antalya is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation and takes about 30–60 minutes. The procedure involves:
Making small incisions inside the mouth, near the upper molars, ensuring no visible external scars
Carefully removing a portion of the buccal fat pads to achieve the desired cheek contour
Closing the incisions with dissolvable sutures
Patients can return home the same day and typically resume normal activities within a few days. Op. Dr. Erkan Dodanlı takes a conservative approach to avoid excessive fat removal, prioritizing natural and long-lasting results.
Recovery after bichectomy is usually quick and uncomplicated. Patients may experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days. To ensure optimal healing, it is important to:
Op. Dr. Erkan Dodanlı provides detailed aftercare instructions and ensures close follow-up care. Within a few weeks, patients start noticing slimmer cheeks, with final results becoming visible after a few months as swelling completely subsides.
The bichectomy cost in Antalya depends on various factors, including the complexity of the procedure and whether it is combined with other facial surgeries. Compared to Europe or the UK, bichectomy price in Turkey is significantly lower while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
During a consultation, Op. Dr. Erkan Dodanlı provides a personalized treatment plan and an exact cost estimate tailored to each patient’s needs. Instead of a fixed price, the cost is determined based on the surgical plan, ensuring transparency without hidden fees.
Most patients are between 20 and 40 years old, but age matters less than cheek volume and skin elasticity.
When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Hadi Nural, only the right amount of fat is removed—maintaining balance and preventing an overly thin look.
Discomfort is minimal and usually limited to mild soreness inside the cheeks. Over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers are usually sufficient.
Yes, once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not return—making the results long-lasting.
No—since the incisions are made inside the mouth, the procedure leaves no visible external scars.
Facial Plastic Surgeon in Antalya