Bichectomy (Cheek Reduction)

A bichectomy is a procedure that removes a portion of the buccal fat pad, a rounded pad of fat that sits in the lower cheek and contributes to its fullness. By reducing this pad, the surgeon can slim the mid to lower cheek area and bring out more definition below the cheekbone. The amount removed is carefully judged, since the aim is a refined, natural contour rather than a hollow look. The procedure is carried out under anesthesia and is accessed from inside the mouth.

Orista is a health tourism facilitator that connects international patients with contracted hospitals and surgeons in Turkey. This page explains what a bichectomy involves, who it suits, and what recovery is like, so you can make an informed decision together with a qualified surgeon.

Understanding the target of the procedure helps explain the result. The buccal fat pad is a natural structure that everyone has, sitting deep in the cheek. In some people it is more prominent, giving a rounder, fuller face. A bichectomy reduces this specific pad rather than the fat just under the skin, which is why it affects the deeper contour of the cheek. The surgeon removes a measured amount to refine the shape while keeping the result balanced with the rest of the face.

A notable feature of the procedure is that it leaves no scar on the outside of the face. The small incision is made inside the mouth, on the inner cheek, so once it heals there is nothing visible externally. This hidden access appeals to people who want facial contouring without an outward sign of surgery, and it is one of the points that distinguishes a bichectomy from procedures requiring external incisions.

One point deserves honest attention during planning. Because the fullness of youthful cheeks comes partly from this fat, removing some of it is a permanent change, and as the face naturally loses volume with age, the effect can become more pronounced over the years. For this reason, surgeons are conservative about how much is removed and careful about who is suitable. This long-term consideration is an important part of the consultation, so the decision is made with a full picture in mind.

A careful consultation begins the process. The surgeon examines the face, assesses the fullness of the cheeks and the overall proportions, reviews your medical history, and discusses your goals. This is the stage to understand what is realistic, since the effect is subtle and depends on your facial structure, and to talk through the long-term considerations. For international patients, the assessment often begins remotely with photographs and information and is confirmed in person before the procedure.

A bichectomy is often carried out under local anesthesia, sometimes with sedation. The surgeon makes a small incision inside the cheek, locates the buccal fat pad, removes a measured portion, and closes the incision with dissolvable stitches. The procedure itself is relatively short compared with larger operations, often completed within around an hour. Because the access is intraoral, there is no external wound to care for.

A bichectomy is generally considered by adults in good general health with naturally full cheeks who want a more defined mid-face, with realistic expectations and no medical conditions that would make the procedure unsafe. It is less suitable for those with naturally slim faces, where removing the fat could lead to a hollow look over time. A full assessment is the only reliable way to confirm suitability, taking the long-term effect into account.

Recovery is generally quicker than for larger operations but still requires care, particularly of the mouth.

• Swelling in the cheeks is common in the first days and settles over the following weeks
• A soft diet and careful oral hygiene, including rinses as advised, support healing inside the mouth
• Mild discomfort is usual early on and eases with time
• The final, slimmer contour becomes clear over several weeks to months as swelling resolves

As a surgical procedure, a bichectomy carries risks that should be understood in advance. These include the general risks of surgery and anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and, given the intraoral access, considerations relating to the structures inside the cheek and to healing in the mouth. The permanent nature of the fat removal and the long-term effect of facial aging are also key considerations. An honest and thorough discussion of the risks and realistic outcomes is an essential part of the consultation, and no responsible surgeon guarantees a specific result.

Turkey is a frequent destination for facial contouring procedures, supported by contracted hospitals in Istanbul and other cities with modern facilities and experienced surgeons. For international patients, combining the procedure with organized travel, accommodation, and aftercare support makes the overall experience easier to manage, allowing attention to stay on recovery.

As a facilitator, Orista coordinates the steps around your procedure. Your information and photographs can be reviewed by the medical team before you travel, you are matched with a suitable surgeon and hospital, and a dedicated representative stays in contact throughout. Transfers, accommodation, translation, and aftercare support can be arranged so your attention stays on recovery.