In England, if you were called “cheeky” it’d be a nod to your raunchy but intriguing sense of humor. Here? Consider it a compliment aimed at letting you know how perfectly filled out and youthful your face looks after cheek augmentation via cheek implant surgery, dermal fillers or fat transfer.
However you get there, cheek augmentation can:
- balance and sculpt your facial features.
- make your profile look younger and more appealing.
- relieve lipoatrophy (sunken features caused by age/tissue loss).
Either by itself or alongside facial plastic surgery, cheek augmentation can be a relatively quick way anti-aging solution to revitalize your appearance. Typically performed on an outpatient basis, it usually requires a few days of downtime.
Cheek Implants, Fillers or Fat Transfer?
Only an experienced facial plastic surgeon can tell you which procedure will give you the full-faced results you’re looking for. But, we’re happy to share some background info that can make choosing the right cheek augmentation procedure for you a bit easier.
Read on to learn more about these 3 cheek augmentation procedures:
- Cheek Implants
- Injectable Dermal Fillers
- Autologous Fat Transfer
Cheek Implants
Cheek implants (most often made of silicone) add shape and volume in instances where age, heredity or lifestyle has left your cheeks less full than previously. Placement requires surgery, but the results are long-lasting, and they add fullness and balance where there once was none.
Pssst…“cheek” it out!
- Implants can typically be inserted on an outpatient basis in about one hour.
- Incisions are usually hidden inside the upper lip or lower eyelid.
- Implants are inserted via incisions and placed in cheek pockets.
- Either general or local anesthesia may be used.
Dermal Fillers
A number of dermal fillers http://www.faceforum.com/dermal_fillers.aspx and techniques are used to augment the cheeks for a more youthful and healthy appearance. Injectables commonly used for this purpose often contain acids (ex: poly L lactic acid or hyaluronic acid). Common brand names include Juvederm, Radiesse and Artefill.
Pssst…“cheek” it out!
- Topical anesthesia is used to prepare the treatment area.
- Fillers plump up the skin to create fuller-looking cheeks.
- Fillers can offer either short-term or long-term results.
- Fillers provide an alternative to implant surgery.
Autologous Fat Transfer
Who wouldn’t want the fat from her butt moved to a location where it can do more good? Autologous fat transfer for cheek augmentation lets you do just that. Because it relies on your body’s own fat cells, it’s currently considered a natural cheek augmentation option.
Pssst…“cheek” it out!
- Autologous fat transfer moves fat from another your body up to your face.
- Liposuction is used to harvest the fat cells being transferred.
- Those cells are prepped, then injected into your cheeks.
- The solution isn’t fool proof since cell life span varies.
Cheeky Keen or Too Extreme?
If you take nothing else away from this article, remember not to confuse reasonable levels of cheek augmentation with extreme ones. The only way to know whether you’re a good candidate for any form of cheek augmentation – cheek implants, dermal fillers or fat transfer – is to consult with a qualified facial plastic surgeon.
Find a board certified plastic surgeon near you!