Cheek Augmentation

Cheek Augmentation or a cheek lift, a surgical procedure that enhances the cheeks by adding volume and reverse signs of aging. The procedure is not necessary for one who desires high cheekbones, while it can, cheek augmentation help to restore hollowness and improve the contour of the face.

It can involve using cheek implants, fat transfer or a non-surgical alternative would be the use of injectable fillers. Here, we talk about the use of implants with is fitted directly on the bone of the cheek, well below the skin in order to create a harmonious look as well other features of the eye, nose cheek, and mouth.

Another method entails the use of fat grafting, where fat from one area of the patient’s body is transfer to the face. Learn more about facial fat grafting.

During the consultation with your doctor, do reveal your surgical goals, medical conditions, and history. Current medications, supplements, and past surgeries.

To prepare, you will need to avoid and stop certain medications and smoking. The procedure is typically done in a hospital or surgery center or in-office surgery room under either general or local anesthesia.

Procedure entails
– Anesthesia
– Incision, this stage is dependent on what is required. For implants, the incision will be based on your surgeon’s approach.
– Closure: may involve the use of sutures, skin adhesives or tapes

Following the surgery, guaze dressings or bandages will be used. An elastic bandage or compression garment may help to minimize sweeling and support the cheek while healing takes place. If you have had cheeks implants through inside of your mouth, you may be required to go on a liquid diet and special mouth rinses.

Healing may take up to several weeks and ensure to follow instructions given by your surgeon.

Final results may vary based on the type of technique used. For fat transfer, results is based on how much fat was injected and how your body retains the fat. For cheek implants, results are expected to be more predictable.

It is important that your surgical incisions are not strained or rubbed during recovery. Do follow the instructions given by your surgeon.

While optimal results can be achieved in a single session, there might be some cases that may require a second procedure or a touch up done

Some side effects include:

• Bleeding
  
• Infection
  
• Poor healing of incisions
  
• Hematoma
  
• Anesthesia risks
  
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  
• Skin loss
  
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
  
• Unfavorable scarring
  
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
  
• Fatty cysts
  
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  
• Thick scar tissue around cheek implant (capsular contracture)
  
• Cheek implant displacement
  
• Asymmetry
  
• Lumpiness
  
• Blindness (rare complication of fat transfer)
  
• Suboptimal aesthetic result
  
• Possibility of revisional surgery
  
• Persistent pain
  
• Poor aesthetic result of donor site for fat transfer