Cheeks have a significant impact on a person’s appearance. Having full, defined cheeks have been long considered a sign of youth and beauty. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have cheeks that are rich in volume and youth. Some people are prone to developing gaunt cheeks and others begin to lose volume in their cheeks as they get older.
As your cheeks lose volume, you may begin to notice that they droop down, giving you a much older appearance. These changes can affect your level of confidence and also affect how you are perceived by others you interact with.
Fortunately, this isn’t a problem that you’re forced to live with. Thanks to specialized cosmetic procedures such as the cheek augmentation, it is now easier for people with gaunt cheeks to obtain the volume they desire. It’s a safe and effective procedure that has helped many patients around the world achieve their ideal facial profile.
Cheek Augmentation: An Introduction
The primary focus of cheek augmentation is to lift and add volume to the cheeks. This goal is achieved through surgical or non-surgical procedures. Surgical options to lift the cheeks include fat grafting. Surgeons performing the procedure take fat from different parts of the person’s body and place it on the cheekbones to add volume.
Another popular surgical cheek augmentation method involves placing silicone implants in the person’s cheeks. Usually surgical methods deliver more sustainable results as compared to their non-surgical counterparts. In rare cases, surgeons perform procedures that involve making multiple incisions to the zygomatic bone.
For those who get cold feet by the thought of going under the knife, non-surgical methods to augment the cheeks are also available. To support the underlying skin structure, many cosmetic surgeons inject fat derived from the patient’s body or dermal fillers into their cheeks. Individuals opting for the non-surgical procedures have to return periodically (every 6-12 months) for repeat sessions to maintain the optimal results.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for cheek augmentation procedures are those who are in good general health and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can offer. You must be willing to provide your doctor with your full medical history and let him know about any underlying health concerns you may have.
You should be ready to follow any instructions given to you before and after the procedure. These instructions may include foregoing smoking and drinking for some time before and after the treatment and ceasing the use of certain medications.
Cheek Implant: The Process
Surgeons performing the surgery create a small incision at the meeting point of the cheek and gums. Next, the surgeon creates a pocket over the cheekbone. The implant is secured within this pocket. The final step involves closing the incision.
Post-Op Care
After undergoing a procedure such as this, there’s a certain degree of post-op care that you will need to do in order to achieve the best results and heal quickly. You should avoid performing strenuous activities, keep your head elevated as much as possible, eat soft foods, and take plenty of time to yourself to rest. Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions on what you should be doing during your recovery period.
The Dermal Filler Method
The first step involved for the dermal filler cheek augmentation method is marking the injection sites for precision. Next, the treatment area will be cleansed. To numb the area, your surgeon may apply an anesthetic ointment to the skin or inject a local anesthetic.
Once the anesthetic takes effect, the surgeon starts injecting the dermal filler into the marked areas. The final step involves evaluating the results. During this stage, if the surgeon deems necessary, additional filler may be added. The entire process may last as little as 15 minutes. It’s a quick procedure and you can return to your normal daily activities in no time.
Add More Volume to Your Cheeks With Wagner & Associates
If you’re not happy with the look of your cheeks and would like to give them more volume, a cheek augmentation is the perfect solution for you. If you’re interested in learning more about the procedure, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Wagner today!