Introduction:
Cheek augmentation can transform hollow, sunken, unattractive cheeks into radiant, plump, and youthful cheeks. Cheeks can lose volume due to aging, or some individuals naturally have hollow or flatter cheeks. For its correction, cheek augmentation surgery is the best option.
What Is a Cheek Augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is also called cheek implant. It is a facial plastic surgery that improves facial appearance by adding volume to the cheeks. The volume is added either by adding the patient's own fat as a graft or by inserting an implant underneath the cheek to improve the contours of the cheekbone.
Why Is Cheek Augmentation Done?
Cheek augmentation is preferred by individuals if they have the following conditions:
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If an individual does not like the appearance of his or her natural cheeks and desires a more pronounced and prominent cheekbone, commonly referred to as high cheekbones.
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If aging has affected the appearance of the cheeks and made them look hollow or flattened.
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If a person wants to achieve a more attractive look by getting balanced facial features.
Who Is the Best Candidate for the Cheek Augmentation?
The ideal candidate for cheek augmentation has the following criteria:
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Mentally fit and should have realistic expectations from the surgery.
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Should not have any bleeding disorder or any other serious illness.
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Should be nonsmokers as smoking inhibits healing after the surgery, which can lead to complications.
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Individuals are having flat or saggy cheeks.
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Should be physically fit.
What Are the Types of Implants Used for Cheek Augmentation?
The treatment options provided for cheek augmentation are discussed below:
1. Solid Implants:
In this method, an implant is used, an artificial prosthesis made of solid silicon. This implant is removable and usually safe for the body.
2. Soft Tissue Implants:
This is called auto-graft, wherein the fat is taken from the body parts where excess or adequate fat is present, like the thigh. This fat is then transferred to the cheek area, which lacks volume. This method is called fat transfer.
In addition, implants can be classified on the basis of location in the cheek area. The types are:
3. Malar Implants:
This type of implant results in a higher-arched cheekbone. These implants are directly inserted into the patient’s cheekbone to correct the cheekbone deficiencies. Patients who undergo this type of implant placement have higher-arched cheekbones as well as a more refined and beautiful facial profile.
4. Submalar Implants:
This type of implant results in fuller cheeks. The implant is inserted directly under the most pronounced area of the cheekbone. The hollow and sunken cheeks can restore their fullness by filling this area with implants.
5. Combined:
In the combined approach, both the cheeks and cheekbones are enhanced by a combination implant.
How Is Cheek Augmentation Performed?
The procedural steps of cheek augmentation have been discussed below:
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Cheek augmentation is cosmetic or plastic surgery, and it is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation so that the patient will not feel any pain or discomfort during the surgical procedure.
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After achieving complete numbness, the surgeon makes an incision or cut, depending on the implant type. For example, if the fat transfer method is to be used, the surgeon will create two small cuts, one near the cheeks and another near the fat area harvested. However, if solid implants are to be inserted, in that case, the surgeon will create an incision inside the mouth or under the eyelid.
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The implants (solid implants or soft tissue implants) are inserted through the opening created by the cuts or the incision. After placing the implant properly into its position, the incisions are closed by the stitches.
When Are the Results of Cheek Augmentation Visible?
The results may not be seen immediately because the face will be swollen after the surgery. The results will vary according to the type of implant inserted. If a soft tissue implant has been inserted, the result will depend on the amount of fat the body has retained. This depends on the body’s metabolism and the surgical method. In contrast, the solid cheek implant can provide more predictable results. The final results will be visible after complete recovery, which usually takes six weeks.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From the Cheek Augmentation?
The patient can return to their job after one week of the surgery. The following instructions should be followed for the first two to three days to reduce the swelling and discomfort:
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A liquid diet should be preferred.
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The patients are advised to wear an elastic compression bandage.
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Any heavy exercise or physical activity should be avoided.
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Two or three cushions should be placed under the head to keep it raised. This will minimize the swelling.
In addition, the stitches can be removed after a week.
What Are the Risks Involved in the Cheek Augmentation?
The risks of cheek augmentation are listed below:
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Uneven results in which both the cheeks look asymmetrical.
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Bleeding.
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Swelling.
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Displacement of the cheek implant.
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Scarring.
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Unsatisfactory results.
Which Are Better, Cheek Implants or Fillers?
Fillers are the nonsurgical options for cheek augmentation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized these injections, which are recognized as safe. These come in the form of injections that are made up of hyaluronic acid. These are injected directly underneath the skin of the cheek, which requires volume, and instant fullness is achieved.
However, the filler results are not as long-lasting as cheek implants and need to be repeated every six to 12 months. In addition, this is a non-surgical procedure and does not require any cuts, bandages, or stitches; therefore, the recovery time is much lesser than a cheek implant. To conclude, individuals who are afraid of surgeries, cuts, or stitches can opt for the filler option. On the other hand, those who want a long-lasting result and can bear surgery can opt for cheek implants.
Conclusion:
Cheek augmentation can give a rejuvenated youthful and attractive appearance by correcting flattened and hollow cheeks. Although it is considered safe, some rare risks are associated as this is a surgical procedure. However, the results are long-lasting and more remarkable.
