Cheek Augmentation / Cheek Implants

Description
The midfacial region refers to the middle third of the face, corresponding roughly to the facial region between the lower eyelid and the upper lip. Most people consider midfacial fullness to be an important attribute of facial beauty. Midfacial flattening may be congenital or age related. Cheek augmentation provides or restores volume and adds structural support to the soft tissues of the midface, restoring balance and proportion to this facial region.

The Aging Process
Viewed from the side, a youthful midface is characterized by a gentle convexity of the lower eyelid, which transitions smoothly to the larger convexity of the frontal cheek. On frontal view, a youthful short lower eyelid transitions seemlessly to a full upper cheek.

As part of the normal aging process, the soft tissue overlying the cheek bone (malar eminance) loses volume and descends in a predictable manner. Additionally, bone remodeling and resorption accentuate these soft tissue changes. Age-related changes cause separation of the soft tissue covering from the lower orbital rim, thereby exposing its contour. When viewed from the side, the lower eyelid fat may begin to bulge to some degree, accentuating its formerly gentle convexity. Just below, the single youthful convexity of the cheek becomes a double convexity consisting of the exposed bony lower orbital rim above and the descended soft tissue of the cheek. The resulting so-called ‘double bubble deformity' is characteristic of aging. On frontal view, the shadow cast in the space between those convexities contributes to the appearance of dark circles underneath the eyes, and may be interpreted by others as signs of tiredness, loss of vitality, and aging.

Candidates for Cheek Augmentation
You may be a candidate for cheek augmentation if you have noticed an unsatisfactory loss of fullness from your cheeks, a tired appearance to your lower eyelids, the development of the ‘double-bubble deformity' described above, or the appearance of dark circles underneath the eyes.

Possible Non-surgical Alternative Treatments
For early or subtle changes, nonsurgical methods can be employed by Dr. Pearson to improve the appearance of the midface. Volumizing dermal fillers can temporarily replenish some of the midfacial volume that is typically depleted with aging. For more significant changes or for those individuals seeking a more dramatic or durable improvement, cheek augmentation is considered.

Cheek Augmentation Surgery
Cheek augmentation is usually performed using local anesthesia in combination with sedation. A small incision inside the mouth underneath the upper lip is used to create a pocket situated over the cheekbone for insertion of the cheek implant. No external incisions are used.

Complementary Procedures
Cheek augmentation may be performed alone or in combined with a midface lift, lower blepharoplasty, or other facial surgery. Fat transfer may be performed at the same time to aid in the restoration of soft tissue volume. A skin resurfacing procedure may be performed to improve skin surface changes.

Recovery after Cheek Augmentation
Following cheek augmentation, you can expect a few days of soreness which is well controlled with oral pain medications. Swelling and bruising generally subside by 7-10 days. A bolster is used to secure the implant during the early phase of healing and is removed after a few days. You can resume most normal activities after a couple of days, except for intense exercise, which may be resumed at about 3 weeks. Most people are able to return to work in 1-2 weeks.