Agassi is a medical aesthetic device for non-surgical cheek fat reduction. It delivers radiofrequency energy through the lining of the mouth (the mucosa) to target the buccal fat pads, also known as Bichat’s fat pads. These fat pads sit in the middle and lower cheeks and give the face a full, “baby-faced” look.

Agassi cheek slimming does not involve surgery. Because the energy is applied from inside the mouth rather than through the outer skin, there are no incisions or marks on the face. The mucosa conducts heat better than skin, which helps the energy reach the target tissue in a controlled way.

The treatment has two goals: reducing cheek fat through heat and stimulating collagen so the tissue looks firmer. Together, these aim for slimmer cheeks and a more defined facial contour.

Agassi is usually considered for:

• Full cheeks: When cheek fat makes the face look wider and rounder than it is.
• Early laxity in the lower face: When heavier cheek tissue starts to blur the jawline.
• People who prefer to avoid surgery: Those looking for an incision-free alternative to surgical cheek fat removal.

Cheek slimming is never planned in isolation. In the Facial Architecture (Yüz Mimarisi®) approach, the balance between the cheeks, jawline and cheekbones is assessed together.

Many people searching for buccal fat removal in Istanbul are really hoping for slimmer cheeks without an operation. It is important to know that Agassi is not buccal fat removal.

• Buccal fat removal (bichectomy): A surgical operation in which cheek fat is removed through an incision inside the mouth. It requires stitches and a recovery period.
• Agassi: Incision-free. It reduces fat in a controlled way rather than removing it, supports tissue tightening, and allows you to return to social life the same day.

Because the fat is reduced gradually rather than taken out, the aim is natural-looking slimming. Which option suits your face is assessed at your consultation.

A wide lower face can have different causes, so Agassi and masseter Botox are often confused.

• Agassi: Targets excess fat in the cheeks. It is preferred for a full, round look in the middle and lower face.
• Masseter Botox: Relaxes the chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw. It is used when teeth clenching or muscle enlargement creates a square, wide lower face.

During the examination, the doctor asks you to clench your teeth to assess the jaw muscle and cheek fat separately. If the width comes from muscle, masseter Botox may be more suitable; if it comes from fat, Agassi may be. Some people have both, and the two treatments can be part of the same plan. If you would like more structure and definition along the jawline, jawline filler can also be considered.

Before treatment, your face is analyzed, the amount of cheek fat is assessed, and your mouth is checked for infection or gum problems.

1. You rinse your mouth with an antiseptic solution, as the treatment is done from inside the mouth.
2. The facial skin is cleansed.
3. The device’s special tip is moved over the mucosa inside the cheek in controlled movements.
4. The radiofrequency energy warms the fat tissue underneath to around 42–45 °C.
5. Both cheeks receive the same time and energy to maintain symmetry.

The procedure takes about 15–20 minutes. You will feel mild warmth inside the mouth, and it is generally well tolerated. An anesthetic gel can be applied inside the mouth for comfort; in that case, wait for it to wear off before eating. With no incisions or stitches, you can return to your day straight away.

Recovery is short, and most people return to work the same day. Because no energy is applied to the outer skin, redness or marks on the face are not expected. For the first day:

• Eating: You can eat about one hour after the procedure.
• Hot and spicy food: Avoid very hot and spicy foods.
• Oral hygiene: Brush your teeth as usual, but avoid firm pressure inside the mouth.

Mild cheek swelling may last 1–2 days, and the inside of the mouth may feel sensitive for a few hours.

If the energy is set incorrectly, internal burns may occur, and uneven treatment can cause asymmetry. These risks are reduced when a doctor performs the procedure with the correct protocol. At your follow-up appointment, both cheeks are compared and the next session is planned. Contact your doctor if you notice persistent pain, a sore or marked swelling inside the mouth.