[vc_single_image image=”33003″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h2″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Cheek Augmentation” icon_material=”f526″ title_color=”#a51532″]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.[vc_single_image image=”32808″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Options for cheek augmentation” title_color=”#a51532″]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:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]
- 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.[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What should I expect during a consultation for cheek augmentation?” title_color=”#a51532″]During your cheek augmentation consultation be prepared to discuss:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]
- Your surgical goals
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
- Previous surgeries
Your plastic surgeon will also:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Examine your face
- Take photographs
- Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of cheek augmentation surgery and any risks or potential complications
The success and safety of your cheek augmentation procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon questions. It’s very important to understand all aspects of your cheek augmentation. To help, we have prepared a checklist of questions to ask your plastic surgeon that you can take with you to your consultation.
It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.
What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about cheek augmentation?
Use this checklist as a guide during your cheek augmentation consultation:
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- Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
- What specific training do you have in cheek augmentation techniques?
- How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
- Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
- Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What will be expected of me to get the best results?
- Where and how will you perform my procedure?
- What surgical technique is recommended for me?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
- What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
- How are complications handled?
- How can I expect my cheeks to look over time?
- What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the outcome?
- Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?
- Why would I choose a surgical option versus a nonsurgical one?
[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”How should I prepare for cheek augmentation? ” title_color=”#a51532″]In preparing for cheek augmentation, you may be asked to:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]
- 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.[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What are the steps of a cheek augmentation procedure? ” title_color=”#a51532″][vc_tta_accordion style=”modern” shape=”square” gap=”10″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”Step 1 – Anesthesia” tab_id=”1501493211410-76658c9f-1a13″]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.[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Step 2 – The incision” tab_id=”1501493211479-f644204c-bc11″]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.[vc_single_image image=”32820″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Step 3 – Closing the incisions” tab_id=”1501493632207-0dc6dcfb-a1a9″]Sutures, skin adhesives or tapes close the skin incisions.[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Step 4 – See the results” tab_id=”1501493669176-5752e7ea-6437″]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.[/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”How do I choose a plastic surgeon for cheek augmentation?” title_color=”#a51532″]Cheek augmentation involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a plastic surgeon who you can trust and is a member of the Iranian Society of Plastic & Aesthetic Surgeons (ISPAS).A plastic surgeon should meet rigorous standards:[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]
- Complete at least four years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training
- Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
- Graduated from an accredited medical school
- Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
- Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed, or Medicare-certified surgical facilities
[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=” What should I expect during my cheek augmentation recovery? ” title_color=”#a51532″]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.[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”You will be given specific instructions that may include:” title_color=”#a51532″][gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]
- 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.
[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.” title_color=”#a51532″]
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
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- 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.[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title_color=”#a51532″ title=”Recovery at home”]Tell your doctor, if you experience symptoms such as breath shortness, chest pain or unusual heartbeats.These symptoms should consider immediately.
Keep in mind that, no pressure should enter the wounds and sutures, which increases course of treatment.
[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What results should I expect after cheek augmentation surgery? ” title_color=”#a51532″]The final results of cheek augmentation surgery may be initially obscured by swelling. If your cheeks are augmented using fat transfer, the results will be based upon how much fat was injected into your cheeks and how much fat your body has retained. This can be determined by many factors, including surgical technique and your own body’s individual metabolism. If solid cheek implants are used, then your final result will be more predictable.[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What is the cost of cheek augmentation? ” title_color=”#a51532″]Cheek augmentation costs can widely vary. The average fee referenced above is only part of the total cost – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.
A surgeon’s fee for cheek augmentation will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic office location.
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans for cheek augmentation, so be sure to ask.
Cheek augmentation costs may include:
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- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Medical tests and x-rays
When choosing a plastic surgeon for cheek augmentation, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery[gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”Risks and limitations” title_color=”#a51532″][gem_icon_with_title icon_pack=”material” level=”h3″ icon_material=”f526″ icon_color=”#000000″ title=”What are the risks of cheek augmentation? ” title_color=”#a51532″]The decision to have cheek augmentation is extremely personal. You’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of cheek augmentation are acceptable.
The possible risks of cheek augmentation include, but are not limited to:
[gem_list type=”snowflake-style-1″ color=”2″]
- 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
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
