Buccal Fat Removal (Hollywood Cheeks): V-Shape Face

In facial aesthetics, the "triangle of youth"—a V-shaped contour descending from prominent cheekbones to a defined chin—is considered a universal symbol of attractiveness and beauty. However, excess fat tissue in the cheeks, often due to genetic structure rather than excess weight, can cause the face to appear rounder, fuller, and less defined. It's at this point that Buccal Fat Removal, one of the most popular and effective modern cheek aesthetic procedures, comes into play.

Popularly known as Hollywood Cheeks, Buccal Fat Removal is a minimally invasive surgical method that provides sharper, more attractive, and proportional facial features by removing excess fat from the cheek area. At his clinic in Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram performs buccal fat removal surgery with a personalized approach, utilizing the most advanced techniques to reveal your face's natural beauty. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about the cheek fat removal procedure.

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What is Buccal Fat Removal (Cheek Aesthetics)?

Buccal Fat Removal is the procedure involving the permanent removal of the natural fat tissue located inside the cheeks, known as the "Bichat's fat pad" through a small incision made from inside the mouth. These fat pads primarily aid in the sucking function during childhood and serve little functional purpose in adulthood beyond their aesthetic role. In some individuals, these fat pads can be larger than normal, causing the face to look persistently "chubby" or round, regardless of the person's weight.

The purpose of buccal fat removal surgery is to strategically reduce this excess fat tissue, thereby:

• Making the cheekbones appear more prominent and defined.

• Creating a subtle and natural hollow (contour) in the cheeks.

• Slimming the lower part of the face to create a sharper "V-shape".

• Achieving an overall more elegant, attractive, and sculpted facial expression.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?

Buccal fat removal is a procedure that yields highly satisfying results when performed on the right candidates. The key criteria determining ideal candidacy include:

• Structural Cheek Fullness: Individuals who are dissatisfied with genetically round and full cheeks despite being at their ideal weight.

• Undefined Facial Features: Those who feel their cheekbones and jawline lack definition due to cheek fullness.

• Age Factor: Individuals whose facial development is complete, generally over the age of 20-25. Performing the procedure earlier is typically not recommended, as natural facial fat loss later in life could lead to a disproportionate appearance.

• Realistic Expectations: Candidates who understand that the procedure aims to create a natural and aesthetic contour, not an exaggerated hollow.

• Women and Men: Buccal fat removal is a highly popular cheek aesthetic application not only among women but also among men seeking a sharper and more masculine jawline definition.

How is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Performed? (Intraoral Aesthetics)

One of the greatest advantages of buccal fat removal surgery is that the entire procedure is performed from inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars on the face. The process is remarkably comfortable and quick.

1. Consultation and Facial Analysis: The process begins with a detailed facial analysis conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram. During this consultation, your facial structure, bone-to-fat tissue ratio are evaluated, your expectations are discussed, and the amount of fat to be removed is planned. The surgeon's experience is crucial at this stage to achieve natural results.

2. Anesthesia: A Comfortable and Painless Procedure: When performed as a standalone procedure, Buccal Fat Removal is overwhelmingly performed under local anesthesia. Since the inside of the cheek is numbed, the patient feels no pain or discomfort during the procedure. This is a significant advantage, allowing the patient to return to their normal life the same day.

3. Surgical Process (Approximately 30-45 Minutes): The surgery is quite short and involves the following steps:

• A small incision (about 1 cm) is made on the inner cheek lining (mucosa).

• The Bichat's fat pad is accessed through this incision.

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram carefully removes the pre-planned amount of fat tissue with delicate maneuvers.

• Once the procedure is complete, the incision is typically closed with one or two dissolvable stitches. These stitches do not need to be removed later.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Process: Step-by-Step Expectations

The recovery process after buccal fat removal is relatively quick and comfortable due to the intraoral nature of the procedure.

• First 24-48 Hours: Mild swelling (edema) and tenderness in the cheeks are normal after surgery, often compared to the swelling felt after wisdom tooth extraction. Applying cold compresses and sleeping with the head elevated helps reduce swelling faster.

• First Week: Extra attention to oral hygiene is crucial during this period. You will need to use antibacterial mouthwashes recommended by your doctor. Consuming soft, lukewarm, and non-granular foods (like soup, yogurt, puree) for the first few days protects the stitches. A significant portion of the swelling decreases by the end of the first week, and most patients can comfortably return to their social life or work.

• Emergence of Final Results: Although the slimming effect in the cheeks may start to become noticeable even in the initial weeks, it can take 1 to 3 months for the tissues to fully settle and the swelling to completely disappear. The new, sharp, and aesthetic contour of your face becomes clearly evident at the end of this period.

Buccal Fat Removal Costs 2025: What Affects Cheek Aesthetic Pricing?

Buccal fat removal costs can vary depending on the standards of the clinic or hospital where the procedure is performed, the surgeon's experience, and the type of anesthesia used. Prices for buccal fat removal in Istanbul can fall within a wide range based on these factors.

Precise pricing information tailored to you will be determined during your consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram, following an evaluation of your facial structure and a discussion of your expectations. Remember, this aesthetic touch-up to your face is a permanent investment in your self-confidence when performed by an expert and experienced surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buccal Fat Removal (Cheek Aesthetics)

Is buccal fat removal surgery permanent?

Yes, buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure. The removed Bichat's fat pads do not regenerate or grow back. Even in the case of significant weight gain, the treated area will never return to its previous fullness.

Will there be scars on my face after buccal fat removal?

No. Since all incisions are made inside the mouth, there will be absolutely no visible incision marks or stitch scars on your face or skin.

Could buccal fat removal make my face look gaunt later in life?

This is one of the most frequently asked and important questions. An experienced surgeon with a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, like Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yalçın Bayram, considers the aging process and removes only the portion of the fat pad causing aesthetic concern. Excessive fat is not removed. This approach eliminates the risk of developing an unnatural hollow or aged appearance in later years.

Is the cheek aesthetic procedure painful?

No. Thanks to local anesthesia, the surgery is completely painless. Mild soreness that might be felt in the first few days post-op is easily managed with simple pain relievers.

Is buccal fat removal suitable for men?

Yes. While buccal fat removal aims for a more feminine, V-shaped face in women, it is also frequently performed on men to sharpen the transition between the cheekbones and jawline, creating a more masculine, attractive, and "chiseled" expression.

When will I see the final results of cheek aesthetics?

Initial results become noticeable as the swelling subsides, but it generally takes about 3 months for the face to fully settle and the final aesthetic contour to emerge.