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Cheek augmentation procedures
Among the most common signs of aging within the face is the loss of collagen and elasticity, specifically for the cheeks. A reduced presence of collagen and skin elasticity causes fatty tissues in the midface to fall towards the nose, mouth, and chin, resulting in the appearance of deep-set nasolabial folds and flat or sunken cheeks.
Through minor surgical adjustments to the face — with cheek surgery — facial plastic surgeons help patients restore a vibrant, more youthful appearance that offers greater definition and structure to the cheeks.
Contact Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center today for more information about available cheek plastic surgery procedures or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation.
What is cheek augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is a type of plastic surgery face procedure aimed at reversing the most common signs of aging in the mid-face region. The primary purpose of cheek augmentation is to increase the level of volume or to lift the cheeks. Plastic surgery options for cheek enhancement include fat grafting — during which the patient’s own fat is removed from another part of the body and injected into the cheeks — and cheek implants.
Cheek enhancement may also be performed on individuals who, for reasons not related to aging, experience dissatisfaction with cheeks that appear flattened or indistinct or those who seek to reverse the effects of a facial injury. Patients who seek a subtle increase to cheek volume may benefit from non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including non-surgical cheek fillers designed to create a natural, plump appearance.
Benefits of cheek enhancement
Cheek augmentation through the use of cheek implants provides patients with a wide range of benefits. Cheeks that are positioned higher on the face and those that feature greater fullness can serve to improve the patient’s overall appearance, create balance among facial features, and result in an overall more youthful appearance.
Cheek implants can also be used to correct facial asymmetries and congenital defects or as craniofacial surgery to correct congenital defects or acquired deformities to the midface region, including facial trauma or scarring. Undergoing cheek implant surgery can provide a permanent cheek enhancement that produces controllable results with safe materials.
Cheek implant surgery is widely considered to be low-risk in nature and it may be performed either as a singular procedure or in conjunction with a number of other types of facial procedures, including facelift and chin augmentation.
Types of cheek enhancement
The techniques used to administer cheek fillers and to perform cheek implant surgery offer noticeable results that vary from minimal to dramatic. The most common types of cheek enhancement procedures include cheek plastic surgery and cheek fillers.
Cheek Implants
Cheek implants offer patients a long-term solution to facial volume loss or a lack of contour in the cheeks. Patients can choose from the available types of cheek implants, each made in a range of different sizes and shapes to help patients achieve their desired results.
Malar implants, for example, are used to add volume lost to the normal aging process. The loss of fat along the facial midline, under the eyes, and alongside the nose are distinguishing characteristics that deplete a youthful appearance. Increasing midface volume can help facilitate symmetry within the face and provide balance among facial features.
Malar implants, for example, are used to add volume lost to the normal aging process. The loss of fat along the facial midline, under the eyes, and alongside the nose are distinguishing characteristics that deplete a youthful appearance. Increasing midface volume can help facilitate symmetry within the face and provide balance among facial features.
Cheek Fillers
Non-surgical cheek fillers, such as Juvéderm Voluma® XC are used to increase volume in the face, and specifically, in the cheeks and midface region. Results can last for up to a year. Patients may maintain the results of cheek fillers with regular treatment from our plastic surgery center.
Dermal fillers allow patients to achieve either a subtle improvement or a more apparent degree of volume, simply by varying the amount of injectable filler used. The results are not a permanent solution, so it is a good choice for individuals who are unsure about cosmetic procedures or those who are looking for a noninvasive procedure to boost their appearance.
Dermal fillers allow patients to achieve either a subtle improvement or a more apparent degree of volume, simply by varying the amount of injectable filler used. The results are not a permanent solution, so it is a good choice for individuals who are unsure about cosmetic procedures or those who are looking for a noninvasive procedure to boost their appearance.
Who is a candidate for cheek implants?
Cheek augmentation is a highly individualized procedure that can improve the lives of patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their cheeks. In general, patients may be good cheek augmentation candidates if they:
- Are in good general health and stable weight
- Do not use any form of tobacco product
- Experience dissatisfaction with the appearance of their cheeks
- Have cheeks that are flat, thin, or sagging either due to congenital defects, an accident, or natural aging.
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Cheek augmentation procedure
General anesthesia is typically used for the cheek implant procedure. However, depending on the specific needs of each patient, other options including intravenous sedation and local anesthesia may also be used.
Malar implants are placed on the cheekbone and held in place with a small screw. The screw holds the implant in place, preventing it from shifting and making it feel like part of the bone. These implants will last for decades and possibly forever.
The placement of the implant is extremely important. Placing the implant too far back or too high will not create the youthful look intended. Instead, it will push the eyes shut or create an unnatural, shelf-like appearance. Once the procedure is complete, our surgeons close the incisions with sutures.
Recovering from cheek surgery
Following the procedure, gauze dressings or bandages are typically applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or compression garment may minimize swelling and support the cheeks as they heal after surgery. A little soreness and swelling are normal with cheek implants recovery. Patients may feel tightness in the cheek area from the added implant volume, but the sensation will shortly dissipate.
In order to ensure a speedy recovery time, we recommend that patients keep their head elevated to minimize swelling. If the implant is inserted through the mouth, a bland, soft diet for a few days will help the patient stay comfortable. If the implant incision is made through the eyelid, patients will receive specific instructions to help minimize dryness and speed healing.
Risks of cheek augmentation
The risks associated with cheek surgery are fairly minimal. During the initial consultation, your cosmetic surgeon discusses with each patient the possible risks associated with their plastic surgery procedure. Possible risks of cheek augmentation include the following:
For more information about the possible risks of cheek augmentation, contact our plastic surgery center today to schedule a consultation.
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- Cheek implant displacement
- Poor healing of incisions
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Anesthesia risks
- Hematoma or seroma
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Unfavorable scarring
- Numbness
- Skin loss
- Asymmetry
- Prolonged swelling
For more information about the possible risks of cheek augmentation, contact our plastic surgery center today to schedule a consultation.
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