Cheek Enhancement

Patients will frequently recognize that they have very flat, elongated, and vague features of the face and cheeks and want more definition, fullness, or chiseled features. These are very good reasons to seek cheek enhancement.

I call this enhancement because the cheekbones, and other related areas for that matter, can be enhanced by a number of very creative methods which I will explain to you. The anatomy of the cheek area is relatively straightforward. There is the underlying cheekbone that defines the foundation or anatomy of this area both in width and height. Then, there is the overlying fat, and skin. The features of your cheeks consist mostly of that which you are born with, but can be affected by trauma, or even by aging where some of the bone dissolves and the fat droops. This area may be related to other nearby features so that there are many different anatomic features here that must be addressed prior to your surgery. I will coordinate the features of your anatomy with your expectations, formulate a plan with you, and guide you through this. In my practice I offer several techniques to enlarge and shape the cheek area:

• Implants. These are “anatomic” in shape and fit over the bone as an exact replica of your existing anatomy. They come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and sizes to allow for tremendous customization.
• Fat grafting. This technique is tremendously successful and highly predictable, permanent and safe. It is especially useful if you don’t need much and need to be artistic in the distribution.
• Injectables. Restylane, Perlane, and other products can be injected into this area and are very safe. You see your result immediately.
• Malarplasty. This means cutting the bone, repositioning it with screws, is usually done only for traumatic deformities, but is another option.

In the case of surgery with cheek implants, this involves a relatively short procedure under a light general anesthetic, performed where I do surgery, which is in a hospital setting. The surgery is safe and predictable. All the stitches are dissolvable, with return to work in as little as 1-2 days, and to some physical exercise within the first week.

The implant surgery involves a small ½” incision in the mouth, insertion of the implant, and dissolvable stitches. There is only mild to moderate swelling and you appear presentable and may return to work in as little as 2 days. I have a great expertise in this area, have performed many of these procedures in patients, and spend a great deal of time discussing your anatomy, listening to your expectations, and interpreting for you what your anatomy and tissues will allow me to do in a safe and predictable way. In addition, I consider your body as a whole and I build a system into every facial surgery that, initially, allows you to recover much quicker and, secondly, it serves to preserve your surgical results. This system includes a special diet, special attention to blood clotting, vitamins, supplements, special garments, skin products, physical training and knowing what to avoid. Together, all of this allows me to create results that are consistently very beautiful, quick to heal, exceptionally natural, and with minimal incisions, especially in the face; an area of such major importance. I am delighted to surgically provide you with such profound yet natural facial image changes, and ones that have consistently so pleased my patients and changed their lives.

For before and after images of this procedure click here

Please call or contact the office for any further information or to schedule an appointment.