Cheek volume and fullness are important features of the face that are often overlooked, although they can directly impact perceived age. Sunken or hollowed cheeks may result from genetics or age-related volume loss. As we age, our cheek fat begins to sag, making the mid-face appear deflated and flat. A deflated mid-face can make the eyes look tired and the face more square or "jowly." Cheek augmentation remedies these issues through the immediate and permanent restoration of mid-face volume, either with implants or facial fat transfer.
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Cheek augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses cheek implants to create volume and contour in the mid-face. Implants are constructed of silicon, porous polyethylene, or GoreTex®, depending on the needs and goals of each patient. Implants are the most permanent route to replacing lost volume in the mid-face, defining the cheekbones, and lifting jowls.
The surgery is performed in our on-site surgical suite under sedation by Dr. Rice, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with thousands of hours of experience and an impeccable record of satisfied patients.
Recovery time is 1-2 weeks, and results are instantaneous, although it sometimes takes up to 7 months for swelling to disappear completely.
If you have always wished for supermodel cheekbones or you’ve noticed the gradual onset of a “flattened” mid-face, you might benefit from cheek implants. Many of our female patients undergo this procedure because they seek a more youthful or feminine look featuring higher cheekbones. On the other hand, many of our male patients choose cheek augmentation to achieve a more masculine, chiseled facial contour.
If you relate to any of these concerns, you are likely a cheek augmentation candidate! You will love your new cheek implants, as they instantly give fullness and definition to the face while still maintaining a subtle, natural look. Cheek implants can also replace facial fillers as a more permanent means of adding facial volume, saving you time and money in the long run.
During the cheek augmentation surgery, we will use local anesthesia with sedation to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The implants, which will be custom-fitted and shaped for your facial structure and the appearance that you are seeking, will be inserted through the interior of the cheek via the mouth. This intricate process will ensure that you have no visible scarring while allowing Dr. Rice to have direct access to fit your implant to the cheekbone properly.
Following your surgery, you can expect considerable swelling and bruising partly because we will be reforming your facial tissue to accommodate the implant. It can take several months for your swelling to subside. We will prescribe pain medication for any postoperative discomfort you may feel. With all of this in mind, it can take a substantial amount of time for your final results to show, as swelling can distort your appearance.
You may resume physical activities within one to two weeks, including non-strenuous work. However, we recommend waiting three weeks before resuming light or moderate exercise because your body will need substantial rest to get you through the initial healing stages. Heavy exercise, including weightlifting and contact sports, should be avoided for six weeks.
Due to the physical strain and extended recovery period that this procedure requires, we suggest that you plan the surgery with your calendar in mind. While you can return to work reasonably soon after your procedure, it is important to remember that you will have fairly significant facial swelling for several weeks.
We pride ourselves on prepping our patients on what to expect and how best to recover from surgery with minimal discomfort. So rest assured that we will advise you every step of the way to get you back to normal day-to-day activities as quickly as possible.
All swelling after cheek implants should subside within seven months, allowing you to see your final results. The results of this procedure are permanent. The implants are designed to last a lifetime, so the material will not wear down over time, and your results are forever. That being said, it may be reassuring to know that cheek implants can be removed at any time should you ever become dissatisfied with them.
Cheek implants will add permanent volume to the face in the cheeks, but no procedure can stop the march of time completely. You can minimize sagging skin and other signs of aging by using high-quality, medical-grade skincare and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Cosmetic procedures such as microneedling with radiofrequency energy can also boost collagen production and preserve your skin’s health.
Cheek implants add volume and definition to your face and are a great addition to other facial plastic surgery procedures such as a brow lift, rhinoplasty, facelift, eyelid lift, or chin augmentation.
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Dr. Rice received his medical degree from Loma Linda University in Southern California where he also completed an internship in general surgery and specialty surgical training in Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. Dr. Rice went on to complete advanced training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Institute of Facial Plastic Surgery. He is double board-certified…
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