Buccal Fat Pad Excision

This is the standard approach to buccal fat removal. A small incision is made inside the cheek, then part of the buccal fat pad is carefully exposed and removed. The surgeon aims to control the amount removed while protecting nearby structures, including the salivary duct and facial nerve branches.

Buccal Fat Pad Excision often refers to the same intraoral technique, with an emphasis on removing a measured amount of fat. Many surgeons use a conservative approach to preserve natural facial balance as cheek volume changes with age.

The surgeon reviews facial proportions, lower cheek fullness, skin quality, bite and jaw anatomy. Photographs may be taken and the expected degree of change is discussed to support a conservative and realistic plan.

A small incision is made inside the mouth and the buccal fat pad is gently accessed. The amount removed is adjusted to the patient’s anatomy and the planned balance between both sides of the face.

The incision is usually closed with absorbable sutures. Patients receive instructions about mouth care, dietary progression and the timing of follow-up appointments.

• Share your complete medical and dental history, including previous facial procedures
• Review medicines and supplements with your surgeon and prescribing clinician before making any changes
• Stop smoking or using nicotine products if advised because they may interfere with healing
• Prepare for temporary dietary changes and mouth care after Buccal Fat Pad Excision

• Arrive with enough time for consultation and any required pre-operative checks
• Choose accommodation that allows convenient travel to follow-up appointments
• Arrange suitable soft foods and fluids at your accommodation
• Plan for a support person on the first day if the clinic recommends one

Many patients arrive 1 to 2 days before the procedure for assessment, consent and a final discussion about whether the planned contour change should be subtle or more defined.

Buccal Fat Pad Excision is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients generally leave the clinic with written guidance for oral care, diet progression and follow-up appointments.

A follow-up appointment during the first week is common to review healing and address mouth irritation or other concerns. An additional check may be arranged depending on swelling, healing and planned travel dates.

The timing of return travel depends on swelling, healing inside the mouth and the surgeon’s assessment. Many patients plan approximately 5 to 10 days abroad. A longer stay may be advised when another procedure has been performed or closer monitoring is needed.

Swelling often increases during the first 48 to 72 hours. The inside of the cheeks may feel tender and eating can be uncomfortable. Soft foods and careful mouth rinsing are commonly advised.

Depending on comfort and swelling, many people resume desk work and light daily activities during this period. Bruising varies between patients and swelling usually begins to improve gradually.

Residual swelling continues to settle and early contour changes become easier to see. Final symmetry should not be judged too soon because each cheek may heal at a different pace.

The contour may continue to refine as deeper swelling resolves. The surgeon can advise when healing is considered stable and whether any ongoing concern needs further assessment.

• Use any prescribed mouth rinse or hygiene routine as directed
• Avoid touching the incision with your tongue or fingers
• Clean your teeth gently and follow brushing instructions around the treated area
• Avoid smoking and nicotine products during healing if advised

• Begin with soft foods and progress according to clinical guidance
• Avoid very hot, spicy or hard foods if they irritate the incision
• Limit strenuous exercise until the clinical team confirms it is appropriate
• Avoid facial massage unless the surgeon specifically recommends it

• Request a written summary of the Buccal Fat Pad Excision and aftercare plan
• Arrange remote check-ins to review healing and facial symmetry
• Confirm who to contact if symptoms change after returning home

• Swelling and bruising
• Infection around the incision inside the mouth
• Temporary numbness or altered sensation
• Temporary asymmetry during healing

• Bleeding or a collection of blood called a hematoma
• Injury to the salivary duct
• Injury to facial nerve branches that may affect facial movement
• Persistent hollowing or an overly gaunt appearance over time
• Need for revision or another procedure to improve contour balance

Prompt medical assessment is important for fever, worsening cheek swelling, spreading redness, increasing pain, an unpleasant taste or discharge, difficulty opening the mouth or new facial weakness. International patients should receive clear instructions about who to contact while abroad and after returning home.

Turkey has a broad medical tourism infrastructure and many facial aesthetic services that work with international patients. When comparing clinics for buccal fat removal, patients should review surgeon credentials, facility standards, communication arrangements and the timing of follow-up checks for mouth healing, swelling and travel readiness.

Iran has established medical training and experience in facial surgical procedures. International patients considering Buccal Fat Pad Excision should look for a thorough consultation, conservative planning, clear communication and a structured follow-up schedule during their stay, with appropriate guidance after returning home.