The goal of cheek augmentation is to add volume or lift to the cheeks. Some people are bothered by their cheeks losing volume, or even sagging, with age. Others never develop the desired volume in their cheeks and are bothered by cheeks that may be considered flat or thin.

How is Cheek Augment done ?

Valid surgical options for augmenting and enhancing the cheeks are fat grafting/transfer (where a patient’s own fat is used) or the use of solid cheek implants. A nonsurgical option is the use of injectable fillers to enhance the cheeks.

What to expect immediately after surgery ?

Following your cheek augmentation surgery, gauze dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or compression garment may minimize swelling and support the cheeks as they heal following surgeryIf you have cheek implants placed through an incision inside your mouth, you may be placed on a liquid diet and/or given special mouth rinses.

How long the results would stay ?

Your cheek augmentation will result in fuller and possibly softer-appearing cheeks. Some patients find that their cheeks can even appear lifted. The results of solid cheek implants are permanent, whereas the results from fat transfer may last several years.

What is Cheek reduction?

The goal of buccal fat removal is to thin the cheeks, specifically in the area of the cheek hollows. Although a face that is naturally soft and filled out is considered youthful, some people find that their face feels too full, even chubby.

How is buccal fat removal done ?

A buccal fat removal surgery requires an incision on the inside of the mouth, on the inner portion of your cheek. Sutures close the incisions inside your mouth. Typically, these sutures are absorbable. Be sure to avoid playing with the sutures with your tongue until cleared by your surgeon.

What are the possible risks of buccal fat removal surgery?

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Anesthesia risks
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Numbness or other changes in sensation
• Prolonged swelling
• Injury to branches of the facial nerve, resulting in temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness
• Injury to a salivary duct
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Asymmetry
• Suboptimal aesthetic result and/or minimal changes
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Persistent pain

Are the results immediately seen ?The final results of buccal fat removal surgery may be initially obscured by swelling. It may take several months for you to see the final results, as your cheeks gradually contour to their new appearance.