Cheek Augmentation

What You Should Know

Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the volume and contour of the cheeks, providing a fuller and more youthful facial appearance. This can be achieved using implants, fat grafting, or dermal fillers, depending on the patient’s goals and preferences. Cheek augmentation helps restore facial balance, improve cheekbone definition, and reduce the appearance of sagging or hollow cheeks. The procedure can be tailored for subtle enhancement or more dramatic results.

What is Cheek Augmentation?

Cheek augmentation is a facial cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the shape, contour, and volume of the cheeks. The procedure may be done with implants, dermal fillers, or fat grafting, depending on what is preferred. The procedure aims to produce a more balanced, youthful, and contoured facial look.

You could be a good candidate if you:

  • Naturally have flat or underdeveloped cheeks
  • Are losing cheek volume as a result of aging or weight loss
  • Want improved facial symmetry or contour
  • Are physically healthy and have realistic expectations

Both men and women look for cheek augmentation to get more defined facial structure.

What Are the Various Types of Cheek Augmentation?

There are three dominant methods:

  1. Cheek Implants – Solid silicone or other biocompatible material surgically placed over the cheekbones.
  2. Dermal Fillers – Temporary, non-surgical injections (like hyaluronic acid) used to sculpt and add volume.
  3. Fat Grafting – Natural fat taken from another part of your body and injected into the cheeks.

Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your goals, anatomy, and preference.

What’s the Difference Between Fillers and Implants?

  • Fillers are non-surgical, have instantaneous effects, and are reversible (6–24 months duration).
  • Implants are surgical, irreversible, and create a more dramatic, formalized look.
  • Fat grafting is a long-term, natural solution utilizing your own tissue.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

  • Filler injections: 15–30 minutes, done in-office with minimal or no downtime.
  • Cheek implant surgery: 1 to 2 hours, done under local or general anaesthesia.
  • Fat grafting: Generally 1 to 2 hours, depending on location of fat harvest.

What Type of Anaesthesia Is Used?

  • Filler: Generally needs only numbing cream or local anaesthetic.
  • Implant surgery: Typically done with local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic.
  • Fat grafting: Also under local or general anaesthetic, depending on volume.

What Is Recovery Like After Cheek Augmentation?

  • Fillers: Short downtime. Swelling or bruising might persist for 1–3 days.
  • Implants or fat grafting: Swelling and minor discomfort for 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients recover in a week.
  • Results of surgery are apparent as swelling fades within 4 to 6 weeks.

Will There Be Scars?

Surgery to implant cheeks is usually done inside the mouth, with no visible external scars. If external incisions are needed (infrequent), they are hidden in inconspicuous locations.

How Long Do Results Last?

  • Implants: Permanent unless removed or revised
  • Fillers: Temporary—lasting 6 to 24 months, depending on the product used
  • Fat grafting: Semi-permanent, with 50–70% of the transferred fat usually surviving long-term

Are There Risks Involved?

  • Swelling, bruising, or infection
  • Asymmetry or implant shifting (with surgical techniques)
  • Allergic reaction or lumpiness (with fillers or fat grafting)
  • Rarely, nerve damage or numbness lasting longer than expected

Selecting an experienced, board-certified surgeon minimizes these risks.

Can Cheek Augmentation Be Done with Other Procedures?

  • Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
  • Facelift or midface lift
  • Chin augmentation
  • Lip enhancement

Combining procedures can maximize overall facial harmony and balance.

Ready to Improve Your Facial Contour?

Whether you desire subtle volume or a sculpted defined appearance, cheek augmentation can significantly enhance your facial profile. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options and determine the appropriate treatment for your needs.

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