Hollywood Face® Surgery FAQs

Hollywood Face® Surgery, also known as bichectomy or buccal fat removal, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the buccal fat pads located in your cheeks. The buccal fat pads are natural fat pockets between the cheekbone and jawbone. By removing a strategic amount of this fat, we create more defined, sculpted cheekbones and a more contoured facial appearance.

The actual surgical procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes. However, you should plan to spend 2-3 hours total at our facility to account for pre-operative preparation, anesthesia administration, and post-operative recovery and monitoring.

It’s best to be within 10-15 pounds of your target weight before surgery. If you’re significantly overweight, the buccal fat pads may appear large due to overall facial fullness. Weight loss often improves cheek appearance naturally. However, if the fullness persists after weight loss, Hollywood Face® Surgery can be very effective.

While both remove fat, Hollywood Face® targets specifically the buccal fat pads. General facial liposuction addresses subcutaneous fat throughout the face. Buccal fat removal is more precise and produces more sculpted cheekbone definition than general facial liposuction.

Dermal Fillers: Temporary (6-12 months), requires repeated treatments, adds volume rather than removing fullness

Hollywood Face®: Permanent, requires only one procedure, removes fullness to create definition

Fillers might be used to enhance results after buccal fat removal or address volume loss in other areas.

Your consultation includes:

• Discussion of your aesthetic goals
• Facial analysis and assessment
• Review of before/after photos
• Examination of your buccal fat pads
• Digital imaging showing potential results
• Discussion of risks and benefits
• Review of pre-operative instructions
• Opportunity to ask questions
• Pricing and scheduling information

You may need:

• Blood work (depending on age and health)
• Blood pressure check
• Medical history review
• Any other tests recommended based on your health

Avoid alcohol for:

• 48 hours before surgery
• 2 weeks after surgery (especially with pain medication)

Alcohol can increase bleeding and interact with anesthesia.

Follow fasting instructions provided:

• Typically, no food for 6-8 hours before surgery
• Clear liquids only 2 hours before
• Follow specific instructions given at pre-operative appointment

The procedure is performed under:

• Local anesthesia (numbing of the surgical area)
• Mild sedation (twilight anesthesia)

You’ll be conscious but relaxed and not feel pain. This avoids the risks of general anesthesia while ensuring your comfort.

You may be vaguely aware but won’t feel pain. Most patients describe feeling pressure and movement but no discomfort. The combination of local anesthesia and sedation prevents pain while keeping you conscious.

The surgeon:

1. Makes a small incision inside the cheek
2. Gently locates the buccal fat pad
3. Carefully removes a strategic amount of fat
4. Closes the incision with dissolvable sutures

The procedure requires delicacy to ensure balanced removal and natural results.

Recovery timeline:

• Day 0-3: Rest with significant swelling
• Week 1: Swelling decreases, can return to light activities
• Week 2: Most visible swelling gone, can return to work
• Weeks 3-4: Can resume most normal activities
• Weeks 4-6: Return to full activities including exercise
• 3-6 months: Final results fully visible as all swelling resolves

Most patients report:

• Mild to moderate discomfort the first few days
• Pain easily managed with prescribed medication
• Minimal pain by day 3-4
• Very little pain by week 2

Pain is typically less than expected and manageable.

Guidelines:

• Day 0: Soft, cool foods only
• Days 1-3: Soft foods (yogurt, pudding, soup)
• Week 1: Soft to semi-soft foods (pasta, fish, eggs)
• Week 2+: Most normal foods, avoid very hard items initially
• Hot foods/drinks: Avoid for first week

Avoid spicy foods that irritate surgical sites.

Avoid smoking for:

• Minimum 2 weeks after surgery
• Ideally 4+ weeks
• Longer avoidance is better for healing

Smoking impairs healing and increases complications.

Avoid alcohol for:

• First 2 weeks after surgery
• Don’t mix with pain medications
• Alcohol can increase swelling and complications
• Stay well hydrated instead

Some swelling is normal and expected. If you experience:

• Severe asymmetrical swelling
• Swelling that doesn’t improve after week 2
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Contact Dr. Askeroglu immediately

Minor adjustments might be needed or additional monitoring.

Results timeline:

• Days 1-3: Masked by swelling (may look fuller temporarily)
• Week 2: Swelling decreases, subtle changes visible
• Weeks 3-4: Clear improvement becomes evident
• 6-8 weeks: Most visible results apparent
• 3-6 months: Final results fully visible

Change depends on:

• Amount of fat removed (conservative vs. generous)
• Your facial structure
• Starting fullness level
• Your facial proportions

Changes range from subtle refinement to dramatic transformation. Digital imaging during consultation shows your specific results.

During consultation, we use digital imaging to show you:

• Conservative results on your face
• Moderate results on your face
• Dramatic results on your face

This helps you visualize exactly what you’ll look like with different fat removal amounts.

While rare, if unsatisfied:

• Most concerns resolve within 3-6 months as swelling fully subsides
• Discuss concerns with Dr. Askeroglu
• If truly unsatisfied after 6 months, discuss options

Prevention is key—careful consultation prevents dissatisfaction.

While surgeons strive for symmetry, perfect symmetry isn’t always possible. Slight asymmetries:

• Are normal and expected
• Often result from natural facial asymmetry
• Typically imperceptible to others
• Resolve as swelling completely subsides

If significant asymmetry persists, discuss with Dr. Askeroglu.

Results timeline:

• Days 1-3: Masked by swelling (may look fuller temporarily)
• Week 2: Swelling decreases, subtle changes visible
• Weeks 3-4: Clear improvement becomes evident
• 6-8 weeks: Most visible results apparent
• 3-6 months: Final results fully visible

Change depends on:

• Amount of fat removed (conservative vs. generous)
• Your facial structure
• Starting fullness level
• Your facial proportions

Changes range from subtle refinement to dramatic transformation. Digital imaging during consultation shows your specific results.

Yes, over-removal creates:

• Excessively hollow cheeks
• Aged appearance
• Unnatural appearance
• Difficulty correcting

Prevention:

• Choose experienced surgeon like Dr. Askeroglu
• Conservative approach during consultation
• Digital imaging planning
• Clear communication about goals

With experienced surgeons, no. Dr. Askeroglu:

• Carefully assesses fat pad size
• Removes appropriate amount
• Maintains facial fullness where needed
• Creates definition without hollowing

Hollowing is preventable with proper technique.

While rare, if unsatisfied:

• Most concerns resolve within 3-6 months as swelling fully subsides
• Discuss concerns with Dr. Askeroglu
• If truly unsatisfied after 6 months, discuss options

Prevention is key—careful consultation prevents dissatisfaction.

Temporary numbness is common; permanent numbness is extremely rare. Numbness:

• Usually resolves within days to weeks
• Caused by temporary nerve irritation
• Not caused by nerve damage with proper technique
• Fully resolves in almost all cases

nfection risk is very low because:

• Mouth has natural antibacterial properties
• Post-operative antibiotics prevent infection
• Proper oral hygiene reduces risk

Incisions are well-hidden inside

Maintain results by:

• Keeping weight stable (within 5-10 pounds)
• Eating healthy, balanced diet
• Staying hydrated
• Getting adequate sleep
• Protecting skin from sun
• Maintaining healthy lifestyle
• Avoiding smoking

Results last indefinitely with stable weight.

Weight gain affects:

• Overall facial fullness
• How sculpted your cheekbones appear
• Overall facial appearance

However, buccal fat won’t return. Even with weight gain, your cheekbones will still be more defined than before surgery.

Yes. After Hollywood Face® Surgery heals (3+ months), you can:

• Have rhinoplasty
• Get a facelift
• Have chin augmentation
• Undergo lip augmentation
• Have other facial procedures

Discuss timing with Dr. Askeroglu.

After initial recovery:

• Year 1: Optional 3-month and 6-month check-ins
• Yearly wellness visits recommended
• As needed if questions arise
• No mandatory appointments after healing completes

Standard pricing:

• EUR: €3,500
• USD: $4,000

This includes surgery, consultation, medications, dressings, and 3 follow-up visits.

Your price includes:
✓ Initial consultation
✓ Surgical procedure
✓ Anesthesia and sedation
✓ Operating room facility
✓ Surgeon’s expertise
✓ All surgical materials
✓ Post-operative medications
✓ Dressings and supplies
✓ Three follow-up appointments
✓ Access to Dr. Askeroglu for questions

Yes, we offer:

• 2-payment plan (50/50)
• 3-payment plan
• Extended payment plans
• Medical financing options
• Multiple currency options

Ask about specific plans during consultation.

• Deposit: 50% of total cost
• Due: Upon booking
• Purpose: Reserves surgical date
• Non-refundable but reschedulable

Deposit policy:

• Non-refundable
• Can be rescheduled to another date
• Can be transferred to another person
• No refunds issued

Dr. Askeroglu has:

• Extensive training in facial contouring
• Years of specialized experience
• Hundreds of satisfied patients
• Advanced degree and certifications
• Reputation for natural-looking results
• Expertise in various cosmetic procedures

Ask for detailed credentials during consultation.

Dr. Askeroglu is qualified and credentialed. Specific certifications can be discussed during consultation.

Yes, we can arrange:

• Patient referrals for your questions
• Testimonial videos
• Patient success stories
• References available upon request

Digital imaging:

• Takes high-quality photo of your face
• Analyzes facial structure and proportions
• Simulates different fat removal amounts
• Shows conservative, moderate, and dramatic results
• Creates realistic predictions based on your anatomy

This helps you visualize your potential results.

Local anesthesia with light sedation is considered:

• Very safe
• Effective for this procedure
• Avoids general anesthesia risks
• Allows quick recovery
• Minimizes post-operative nausea

It’s the standard approach for Hollywood Face® Surgery.

Yes! Men represent a significant portion of patients. Results for men:

• Create more masculine definition
• Enhance jawline appearance
• Create chiseled look
• Build confidence

No procedure is gender-specific.

Yes, can be combined with:

• Rhinoplasty
• Chin implant/reduction
• Facelift
• Lip augmentation

Discuss timing and approach with Dr. Askeroglu.