What is the cost of bichectomy in Turkey?
In Turkey, the price of a bichectomy ranges from £1,300 to £1,900. This “all-inclusive” fee covers the surgery, anaesthesia, luxury accommodation, and VIP transfers. In the UK, the average cost is around £3,000, resulting in a saving of £1,100 to £1,700 depending on the technique.
📊 2026 Price Comparison: Turkey vs UK
This table details the average costs for buccal fat removal between aesthetic clinics in Istanbul and specialised practices in the UK. For reference, bichectomy in Spain and bichectomy in Tunisia fall within this price range.
| Procedure Type | Turkey Price | UK Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bichectomy (cheeks) | £1,300 - £1,900 | £2,600 - £3,900 |
| Bichectomy + Chin Liposuction | £1,900 - £2,400 | £3,900 - £5,600 |
| Bichectomy + Jawline Contouring | £2,200 - £3,000 | £4,300 - £6,900 |
| Facial Asymmetry Correction | £1,400 - £2,100 | £3,000 - £4,300 |
📈 Statistics and Results
No published data quantifies satisfaction rates after bichectomy in Turkey. Regarding complications, a meta-analysis of twelve studies reports them in one in four patients, with considerable heterogeneity between studies[1]. A literature review describes them as poorly predictable[2]. Swelling typically subsides within 3-5 days, and the final outcome is appreciated after 3-6 months.
What is a bichectomy?
A bichectomy is a cosmetic procedure that removes the buccal fat pads (the fat deposits in the cheeks). The goal is to slim the face, hollow the cheeks, and make the cheekbones more prominent. The removed fat does not regenerate, but the volume of the buccal fat pads changes with age[3].
Buccal fat pads have no vital function in adults. In infants, they aid in chewing and sucking. In adulthood, their removal is purely aesthetic, to correct a face perceived as too “round” or “baby-faced”.
Why Choose Turkey for Bichectomy?
Several factors explain Istanbul’s prominence in facial surgery:
- High Volume: Turkish teams operate on a large number of international patients each year.
- Value for Money: Prices are lower than in Western Europe, as detailed in the table above.
- Infrastructure: Several Istanbul clinics are JCI-accredited.
- Inclusive Services: Packages often include accommodation, transfers, and an interpreter.
Bichectomy requires a thorough understanding of cheek anatomy: the buccal fat pad lies close to the facial nerve and Stensen’s duct, damage to which is among the reported complications[2]. Istanbul clinics also accommodate patients living with HIV.
Quick Scheduling
Unlike in Europe where waiting times can stretch to several months, Turkey offers immediate scheduling. You can plan your cosmetic surgery within 15 days, with an optimised stay of 3-4 days on-site for the procedure and follow-up.
The Procedure
Buccal fat removal is performed through a short incision inside the mouth, at the level of the upper molars, using blunt dissection and suction-assisted extraction[4]. No external scarring is visible. The operation lasts about 45 minutes under local anaesthesia with sedation.
This technique can be combined with a facelift or chin liposuction for a more comprehensive result (jawline contouring). The aim is to sculpt a “V-shaped” face, a sign of youthfulness and vitality.
Recovery and Aftercare
Post-operative recovery is straightforward: some swelling is normal for the first 3-5 days. A liquid or soft diet is recommended for the first 48 hours. Most people resume daily activities after about 3 days, but should avoid intense exercise for 15 days.
Medical service prices in Turkey, including bichectomy, remain lower than in Western Europe, in the proportions shown in the table above.
Risks and Precautions
Although rare, a bichectomy carries certain risks:
- Haematoma or local infection
- Temporary facial nerve injury
- Residual asymmetry
- Injury to the salivary duct (Stensen’s duct)
It is therefore crucial to choose a certified and experienced plastic surgeon in Istanbul. Note that the procedure is compatible with the principles of Halal surgery in Islam, as it aims to correct a physical disharmony that improves well-being.
We provide special facilities to make the stay of disabled individuals (those with reduced mobility) more comfortable.
Exact package details and clinic selection cannot be compared from a price page. Our UK coordinator answers these questions for free.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How long do bichectomy results last?
The removal is permanent: these fat cells do not regenerate, even with moderate weight gain. However, the volume of the buccal fat pads changes with age, and the cheeks naturally hollow as you get older[3].
Is cheek reduction painful?
The procedure is painless thanks to anaesthesia. Post-operatively, you may feel discomfort similar to that after wisdom tooth extraction, which is easily managed with standard painkillers prescribed by the clinic.
What is the minimum age for buccal fat removal in Istanbul?
No specific age range has been published. Buccal fat volume is not correlated with sex or body mass index, but it is correlated with age[3]: a generous removal in a young person becomes more visible later.
How should I eat after cheek hollowing surgery in Istanbul?
You can eat directly after the first post-operative day and during the first 3 days following your bichectomy in Istanbul. However, food should be cold or lukewarm.
Can I have surgery after lipolytic injections in the cheeks?
It is possible, but the fibrosis left by these injections complicates the procedure. Out of a hundred patients, the success rate drops to 91.8% compared to 100% without prior injections, with complications rising from 0% to 6.6%[5]. Always mention them during your consultation.
What if my face looks too hollow after surgery?
The cheeks naturally hollow with age anyway[3], and a generous removal can accentuate this. A lipofilling procedure can add volume once the results have stabilised. There is no other way to reverse the effect.
How can I tell if there is enough fat to remove?
An ultrasound performed before the procedure can measure the volume of the buccal fat pads, and this measurement does not differ from the actual amount removed[3]. It is a simple exam you can request from the clinic. This study included twenty patients.
Sources & References
- Albuquerque MC, Arruda KAR, Xavier Junior GF, Cerqueira ACSG, Massignan C, Rocha FS. Prevalence of complications of buccal fat removal: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, 2025. View source
- Alcântara MT, Ribeiro NR, Abreu DF. Complications associated with bichectomy surgery: a literature review. Minerva Dental and Oral Science, 2020. View source
- Ciaramicola NO, Bisson GB, Constantino AF, Meira Júnior S, Ferreira Júnior O. Buccal Fat Pad: Anatomical Review and Evaluation of its Aesthetic Removal. Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, 2025. View source
- Espinosa Reyes JA, Camacho Triana JG. Buccal Fat Reduction: Indications, Surgical Techniques, Complications. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 2022. View source
- Sirimahachaiyakul P, Tansawet A, Wannachamras S. Success Rate of Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Cases of Previous Injection Lipolysis of the Cheeks: A Comparative Analysis. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2023. View source
