What is cheek augmentation?
The goal of cheek augmentation is to add volume or lift to the cheeks. Some people are bothered by their cheeks losing volume, or even sagging, with age. Others never develop the desired volume in their cheeks and are bothered by cheeks that may be considered flat or thin.
Options for cheek augmentation
Valid surgical options for augmenting and enhancing the cheeks are fat grafting/transfer (where a patient’s own fat is used) or the use of solid cheek implants. A nonsurgical option is the use of injectable fillers to enhance the cheeks, which is covered on the dermal fillers page.
Who is a good candidate for cheek augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is a highly individualized procedure. It can be a life-changing procedure for patients who are self-conscious about their cheeks. This procedure should be done for yourself, not for someone else or to conform with any sort of ideal image.
In general, you may be a good cheek augmentation candidate if:
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- You have realistic expectations
- You are a nonsmoker
- You are bothered by the appearance of your cheeks
- You have cheeks that are too flat, thin or saggy
If you’re considering surgery, spend some time reviewing cheek augmentation photos and learning about what to expect during recovery. Preparation ahead of time helps patients have reasonable expectations and a smoother recovery.
How should I prepare for cheek augmentation?
In preparing for cheek augmentation, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Cheek augmentation is typically performed in a hospital, licensed ambulatory surgery center or in-office procedure room, and will use either general anesthesia, intravenous sedation or local anesthesia. If your cheek augmentation is performed using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
What are the steps of a cheek augmentation procedure?
A cheek augmentation procedure includes the following steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The incision
A cheek augmentation requires different incisions based on the technique used. If fat transfer is used to enhance your cheeks, you will likely have a small incision near the area of fat that is harvested and small incisions near your cheeks. These incisions usually measure just several millimeters in length. If solid cheek implants are used, then the incision is based on your surgeon’s preferred approach. Some plastic surgeons insert cheek implants through an incision inside the mouth, whereas other plastic surgeons perform the operation through an incision under your eyelid.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Sutures, skin adhesives or tapes close the skin incisions.
Step 4 – See the results
Your cheek augmentation will result in fuller and possibly softer-appearing cheeks. Some patients find that their cheeks can even appear lifted. The results of solid cheek implants are permanent, whereas the results from fat transfer may last several years.
What should I expect during my cheek augmentation recovery?
Following your cheek augmentation surgery, gauze dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or compression garment may minimize swelling and support the cheeks as they heal following surgery. Alternatively, you may not have any dressings or bandages. If you have cheek implants placed through an incision inside your mouth, you may be placed on a liquid diet and/or given special mouth rinses.
You will be given specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
- When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
- Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
- What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
- Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
- When can I bathe or shower?
- When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
- When do I return for follow-up care?
- Do I need to be on a specific diet after surgery?
Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases. Continue to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
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Yes, it can be when you schedule your visit with a trusted clinic that offers rhinoplasty surgery for at least 50% less than back home. In fact, many of our partner clinics offer savings of up to 70%, allowing you ample money to recuperate in a relaxing setting while you’re away from home.
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