Cheek Augmentation

Cheek augmentation is a procedure where the cheek shape is enhanced by using filler products, performing a cheek lift to reposition the soft tissue, or by placing implants.

Candidates

A good candidate is someone who is healthy and has either cheek deflation, cheek soft tissue descent, or just desires fuller cheeks.

Cost

If one has filler injections, then this will vary for the different product used and the quantity. It could cost as little as $650 and go up in the thousands. A mid face lift or facelift procedure can cost $15,000 or more and cheek implants or fat injection can cost about $5000 or more.

Risks

Cheek augmentation with filler product of fat grafting is extremely safe with the most common issues being mild bruising or swelling. Cheek augmentation with implants or a facelift requires surgery and is more involved. It can be associated with swelling, bruising, some numbness and rarely infection, blood collections, or possible skin loss.

Cheek implants are safe but with the ease and availability of fat injections or filler products, cheek implants have almost become obsolete.

Procedures

If filler product is used then a topical anesthetic is often applied to the skin and then the skin is prepped. The injection procedure soon follows and depending upon the volume and areas treated the entire procedure usually takes between 10-15 minutes. Many patients can go back to work after the procedure. For cheek implants, fat grafting, or a midface or facelift procedure, these tend to be more involved. Patients will either undergo sedation or have general anesthesia for the procedure. The procedure can take one hour to several hours and the patient will have stitches that will often require removal within one to two weeks. They will usually be seen in the office a few days after the procedure for follow-up and then have subsequent visits for suture removal and general care.

Recovery

If fillers or fat injection are performed, then you will not have any bandages and may have some bruising and or swelling after the procedure. If you undergo cheek implants or a midface or facelift procedure, then you will likely have dressings around your head and sutures that will be required to be removed within a week or so. You might have a fair amount of swelling and bruising after the procedure as well, but can go back to light duty within seven to ten days.

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