Cheek augmentation procedures, and specially cheek fillers,have become very popular in the last years, not only for women but also men. Round-looking, prominent cheeks can give you a youthful appearance, taking years off your face!
A cheek enhancement procedure can improve your overall facial appearance, so you don’t have to deal with poorly defined, flat, sagging cheeks. You can really put a stop to the aging process and turn back the clock to a new, better, and younger version of yourself!
So keep on reading to find out everything there is to know about cheek fillers and other augmentation procedures.
There is a loss of volume in the fat pads located near the cheekbones as we age. That causes our cheeks to sag downwards, losing the youthful look given by full and rounded cheeks. Also, you could have naturally low, flat cheekbones or might be dealing with deformities due to birth defects or injury.
Whatever your case, a cheek enhancement procedure could add volume and lift your cheeks while improving the balance with the rest of your facial features.
You could choose between fat grafting and cheek fillers, all with their pros and cons.
In the case of fat grafting, it involves doing previous liposuction of the abdomen, hips, and thighs to get a hold of a good supply of fat cells to be harvested. After the fat is suctioned, it is purified and injected into the affected areas of the middle of the face to restore the volume and contour the cheeks.
This procedure is said to give more natural results, with less chances of allergic reactions or complications since it uses autologous material. Also, it can give you long-lasting results for about five years, although this can vary from person to person because fat can be naturally reabsorbed.
The recovery of fat grafting is shorter than with cheek implants, going from 5 to 10 days. However, you should take into consideration the recovery from the liposuction itself, which can be more painful. Swelling and bruising can be expected, and you should wait for a minimum of 48 hrs to reassume normal activities, except for exercise.
If you are afraid of going under the knife, the final and less invasive option for cheek augmentation is using injectable dermal cheek fillers. These are natural substances made of hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid, which are used to diminish the appearance of fine lines and create fullness of the cheeks.
Hyaluronic acid, the most used substance used in dermal fillers, is a natural molecule normally found in our bodies with the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water! That feature makes it perfect to use as a dermal filler, adding volume and expanding soft tissues.
There are different types of HA-based fillers that differ in viscosity, molecular weight, and binding capacities. Those used as cheek fillers tend to be on the higher molecular weight side to provide more lift and structure to the cheeks while maintaining the soft and plumped look.
The cheek filler procedure is performed under local anesthetic in 30- 45 minutes. Your doctor will use a numbing cream on the area, although some fillers are lidocaine infused so that you won’t feel pain or significant discomfort.
Then, the cheek filler will be injected using a small needle or cannula directly above the cheekbones to give more projection to the cheeks. However, your doctor could also inject the submalar area to improve the mid-face and reduce the sunken appearance you may have. Also, it could be really useful to replenish volume in this area and flatten out prominent nasolabial folds that may give you a tired-looking appearance.
Cheek augmentation using fillers is considered an effective, less expensive, low risk and minimally invasive option. The recovery process is quick and easy!
You will have some swelling, redness, and bruising for a few days, with a total recovery time of a week or so. However, most patients are able to return to their daily activities the next day, so the downtime is minimal.
Cheek fillers can last between 6 months and two years. The time frame is variable and depends on many factors, including the type of filler, amount, brand, metabolism, and aftercare.
However, the good news is that cheek fillers can be modified, and you have the chance of adding more so as to enhance your facial structure while the aging process occurs naturally.
Cheek filler procedure is not exclusive to women! Men can have it too, although some aesthetic concerns must be considered.
Women usually have more prominent, rounder, and fuller cheeks, whereas men tend to have more angular and chiseled cheeks that help masculinize facial features.
So there are key differences in size and shape that need to be considered!
Cheek fillers are an effective and low risk solution but fillers are not forever. A permanent solution for cheek augmentation will be cheek implant surgery.
Cheek augmentation with implants is an invasive surgical procedure performed with an approximate duration of 1-2 hrs. Although the procedure can be done under local anaesthetic, it should ideally be performed under a general anaesthetic.
Your doctor makes a small incision inside your mouth, above the gum line of the upper teeth, at the point where it joins the cheeks. Then, the implant is placed directly above the cheekbone and fixed in the proper position with a titanium screw.
In terms of implant choices, you could go with silicone implants. However, there are new popular options known as Medpor, made of high-density porous polyethylene, or Gore-Tex. These are inert substances that allow tissue ingrowth, providing better integration and a more natural feel. Although, if the patient is not happy with the final result, it would be problematic to remove them.
Expect bruising and important swelling for two weeks or so. You will have to wear a facial support garment for the first week to help reduce swelling. On top of that, you will have sutures to care for, and the use of antibacterial mouth rinse frequently will be mandatory to avoid infection of the incisions.
Although complications are rare, you could present with infection or displacement/shifting of the implant. You could avoid the latter by avoiding pressure on the cheeks, including not sleeping face down or massaging the area.
You will have permanent results, visible after a few months up to a year. And even though it involves a lengthier recovery and more risks, this is a perfect option for many patients.
At the end of the day, the procedure must be chosen after careful consideration and following your plastic surgeon’s advice. He will prepare a treatment plan specially tailored for you, according to your goals, expectations, and budget.
Also, your reasons for wanting the procedure and facial structure will all play an important role in determining which procedure is better for you!
A cheek augmentation is customized to your unique skin type, texture and aesthetic goals. Every procedure is personal to you and to your needs, and so is the cost.
Cheek fillers are considered the less expensive option. However, remember that fillers are not forever!
Since we know that cost is important, we welcome you to visit our facilities for a free, no-obligation visit. You’ll have time to consult with the plastic surgeon, ask questions, and talk about any concerns. We’ll identify the best solution and the best price for you.
We’re so glad you asked! With over 20 years of experience, Antiaging Group Barcelona is a leading clinic in thread lift treatments.
Doctor Jesús Benito is a member of many international plastic surgery organizations, has won numerous awards, and is dedicated to his patients. His world-class medical center in Spain is sought out for its excellence and state-of-the-art procedures. A highly trained team supports Doctor Benito and provides superb care for every patient.
Specialist in face and body cosmetic medicine.
Cosmetic medicine with laser techniques (IPL, QSwitch…)
Anti-aging medicine.
Cheek Augmentation Techniques. Whitehead DM, Schechter LS. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2019 May
Cheek augmentation improves feelings of facial attractiveness. Taub AF. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012 Sep;11(9):1077-80.
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Antiaging Group Barcelona
Ronda del General Mitre, 84, 08021 (Barcelona, Spain)
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