One of the three “landmarks” of the face, the cheeks provide proportion and structure to the overall look of the face. Many patients whose landmarks (the chin, nose, and cheeks) are not balanced may be unsatisfied with their appearance. The cheekbones may be too shallow, for example, leaving the face looking flat or even hollow over time. By enhancing the cheeks in any of the following ways, patients can see improved results for facial contour. Learn more about cheek augmentation, fillers, and fat transfer to understand all of your options.
What Is Cheek Augmentation?
This surgical approach to cheek enhancement involves the use of cheek implants to add contour and definition to the facial structure. Cheek implants, inserted during a surgery known as malarplasty, can create the stronger cheekbones we traditionally associate with beauty. They also have many additional benefits:
- Cheek implants can reverse shallow cheekbones, which often result from heredity or the re-absorption of bone tissue that may occur during the aging process. This will eliminate the flattened look that can affect the entire face.
- Early facial sagging of the skin and fat cells can also be corrected with cheek implants, much like a facelift.
- Prominent cheekbones will enhance the entire face, especially the appearance of the eyes.
Cheek implant procedures are performed through an incision placed inside the mouth. Silastic implants are then inserted through the incision and the body’s tissue heals and conforms to the implant. This process typically takes about three days. The resulting swelling and bruising will gradually subside within two to three weeks as the area heals. Cheek implants are a permanent enhancement to the face, but can be removed if necessary with the help of a plastic surgeon.
What Is Facial Fat Transfer?
The transfer of fat from one part of the body to another may seem like a simple enough concept, but this doesn’t mean it won’t reap big benefits for your look. Facial fat transfer is becoming a popular option for adding volume to strategic areas of the face, especially the cheeks. It is effective for restoring youthful, full contours that are natural-looking and long-lasting. Because the aging process involves the loss of fat cells, adding in new fat cells to these areas is a wonderful way to give the face a natural boost. Plus, in addition to adding fullness to the cheeks, a facial fat transfer can be applied to other areas, such as the eyelids, the jawline, and other facial hollows and depressions.
The procedure itself is quite straightforward, typically beginning with the administering of a local anesthetic and/or light sedation. Fat cells are then collected from a designated donor area, usually the abdomen, hips, or thighs. Using a small cannula, the fat cells are then injected into the cheek area for enhancement. Since the cells belong to your own body, there is no risk of rejection, allergic reaction, or other adverse effects. You should expect bruising and swelling to be present for about two weeks following the procedure, with some swelling beyond that as well. Typically, over correction is necessary to accommodate for fat resorption.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
A third option for cheek enhancement is a dermal filler injection. These biocompatible formulas are a great way to create definition and restore volume lost due to the aging process. There are many different types of dermal fillers on the market today, each with its own benefits. For cheek enhancements, many plastic surgeons turn to Perlane or Radiesse. A newcomer to the dermal filler scene, JuvedermVoluma XC is a specially designed injectable gel that adds volume instantly to the cheek area. In fact, JuvedermVoluma XC is the first and only filler to be approved by the FDA for this specific purpose. Made from hyaluronic acid derivative, a sugar molecule naturally found in the human skin, Voluma XC can replenish lost volume and restore natural contour for a more youthful profile. For many patients, results will last up to two years following your procedure.
Where Can I Learn More About Cheek Enhancement?
Begin by scheduling your consultation with a highly credentialed surgeon. Contact the Aesthetic Surgery Center to book an appointment with Dr. Anurag Agarwal or Dr. Richard Maloney, our double board certified facial plastic surgeons. They have been featured on many of the major news networks, including ABC, NBC, and FOX, as recognized experts on a variety of facial plastic surgery topics. Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Maloney believe that educating and communicating with their patients are the keys to helping them achievesuccessful, natural-looking results. Book your appointment at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, located at 1175 Creekside Parkway #100 in Naples, FL, by calling (239) 594-9100.