Who wouldn’t want to have high cheekbones that complement their facial structure?

Cheek augmentation is the procedure that aesthetically improves facial appearance by increasing the size of the cheeks. It’s also used to minimize the signs of ageing and helps people to restore a youthful appearance.

It’s been the aim of many people to have a triangular shape face, often called ‘triangular of youth’. For such a pleasing structure, the cheeks play an essential part in uplift the appearance and make one look youthful.

The Different Ways of Cheek Augmentation

When it comes to increasing the size of the cheeks, there are three ways to do it.

Cheek Implants

Using cheek implants is an effective way to enhance your cheeks. There are several types of cheek implants available in various sizes, shapes and textures. Many of such implant materials impart a natural look with its flexible texture that looks similar to the natural construction of cheeks.

Cheek augmentation using implants is best for enhancing the mid-facial area.

Fat Transfers

Fat transfer is another way of augmenting the cheeks. In this procedure, the surgeon will extract the fat from another location on your body, usually from the thighs, stomach or buttocks. This fat is then processed and injected into the cheeks to make them completely natural.

A vital criterion for cheek augmentation through fat transfer is that the patient shouldn’t have any issues with coagulation, infections or lipid metabolism disorders.

Dermal Fillers

Injecting dermal fillers is a less-invasive version of the cheek augmentation. The results from dermal fillers aren’t long-lasting, like the fat transfer or cheek implants.

The surgeon will use a specific type of filler and inject it into several regions of your cheeks to easily increase its size. The effect of dermal fillers may begin to wear off after a few months. So you need to visit the surgeon regularly to get it injected and maintain the same appearance.

Preparation for Cheek Augmentation

Depending on the type of cheek augmentation procedure you opt for, the preparation for the treatment will vary.

For Cheek Implants and Fat Transfer, the surgeon will advise you to stop smoking for at least four weeks before and after the surgery. You should also stop taking any blood-thinning medications and anti-inflammatory drugs that could lead to difficulties in clotting in the blood after the surgery.

You shouldn’t consume alcohol for a minimum of two days after the surgery. Apart from that, the surgeon may also recommend taking a few medications that will help in quick recovery.

For dermal fillers, you need to stop taking blood-thinning medications for two weeks before the treatment. You should also refrain from consuming alcohol 24 hours before and after the procedure. You cannot go for dermal fillers if you have any active acne or rashes.

The Procedure of Cheek Augmentation

The extensiveness of the treatment for cheek augmentation differs widely.

Dermal Fillers

Since dermal fillers isn’t an invasive procedure, the surgeon will complete the entire treatment in an hour. The surgeon will inject the fillers into specific regions of your cheeks aimed at increasing their size naturally.

Fat Transfer

• In fat transfer, the surgeon will first extract the fat from a specific location of the body.
• The surgeon will then clean and process the fat to prepare it for the injection.
• The surgeon will graft the fat into the cheek areas.

You may be administered local anesthesia throughout this procedure.

Since the surgeon uses the fat from the same person, there are very negligible chances of allergic reactions.

Cheek Implants

The process for cheek implantation is entirely different from the previous two treatments.

The surgeon will discuss the size, shape and type of cheek implants well before the day of the surgery. You can choose the location of the implants and how you want them to look and feel.

• On the day of the surgery, the surgeon will administer a local or general anesthesia at the beginning of the procure.
• The surgeon then makes small incisions on the either side of the face near the ears.
• The surgeon will place the implants in the hollowest region of the cheeks.
• After ensuring that the implants are held between the facial bones, the surgeon will close the incisions.

Cheek implants are best to remedy the cheeks that have hollow cheekbones.

Recovery After Cheek Augmentation

The recovery period of fat transfer and dermal fillers takes about five to ten days. You can resume your normal life after this period with little precautionary measures.

Cheek implantation procedure has the longest recovery time. You will experience swelling and redness, which will begin to reduce in three days after the surgery. Often, it will take a few months for the complete swelling to reduce and notice the proper results.

You shouldn’t sleep face down for the next two months and take care of the incisions. While the surgeon will take sufficient care to ensure that the incisions can be hidden behind your hair, it can take several months for the incisions to vanish.

Wrapping Up…

Depending on your choice of cheek augmentation, you can consult with the surgeon and choose the best-suited treatment. Make sure to discuss your aesthetic goals with the surgeon and weigh the pros and cons of each of the treatments before making a call.

Dr. Sumit Malhotra

THE INFORMATION IS BEING PROVIDED BY COSMETICSURGERY.IN AND HAVE NO INTENTION TO REPLACE THE MEDICAL ADVICE OF YOUR DOCTOR. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR DIRECTLY FOR ADVICE ABOUT A SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITION. THIS DOCUMENT WAS LAST REVIEWED BY DR. Sumit Malhotra, PLASTIC SURGEON ON: 12-JUN-2020