Cheek augmentation is one of the most effective procedures that can restore the volume of the face. As the trend goes today, a youthful appearance is considered as attractive and beautiful. As we grow older, our face gradually sags and deflates, resulting in a mature appearance. One of the facial features that make aging more noticeable is the cheeks. When the cheeks sag or flatten, the cheekbone becomes prominent, making one look generally older. For this issue, there is cheek augmentation that can both restore the cheek’s fullness and the face’s youthfulness. 

What is a Cheek Augmentation? 

A cheek augmentation surgery, also known as a cheek implant, is a cosmetic procedure that is capable of refining the contours and volume of the cheek with the use of synthetic facial implants. The usual materials being used are silicone or polythene. These two are much more preferred as compared to Gore-tex and Medpor because they do not adhere to bone tissues over time, which makes it easier to remove when needed, therefore, they are preferred by the patient and doctor alike. Since cheek implants can fix the sagging of the mid-face, patients may prefer this without the need for a facelift. For those who would like to have a facelift, on the other hand, cheek augmentation may help in giving longer-lasting lifting results. 

There are three types of shapes for a cheek implant, namely, malar, submalar, and combined. Malar cheek implants are meant for higher cheek projection and are placed directly onto the cheekbone. Submalar cheek implants are round and can give off an appearance of fuller cheeks. Combined cheek implants from the name itself are a combination of the first two types. 

Benefits of Cheek Augmentation 

Some of the advantages of having a cheek augmentation are: 

• Improved cheek and facial volume 
• Compatible to be performed with other facial cosmetic procedures 
• Restores the contour of the face
• Restores the proper facial balance 
• Makes the facial features more proportioned with one another
• No visible scars 
• Proven safe and effective
• Long-lasting results 
• Increases confidence 
• Makes a face look youthful 

Cheek Augmentation Procedure

The surgical procedure for a cheek augmentation usually lasts for 45 minutes to an hour. Local anesthesia is preferred for this operation, but if needed, general anesthesia can also be opted for, especially if the patient is anxious about a surgical procedure. The steps involved during a cheek augmentation are as follows: 

1. The surgeon first makes an incision either inside the mouth (at the upper lip) or behind the lower eyelid. 
2. They then create a pocket between the muscles and the bone where the implant will be inserted. 
3. Once the pocket has been made, the surgeon inserts the customized implant and adjusts it according to the result that is desired. If the patient’s cheek augmentation procedure is paired with other cosmetic surgeries like a facelift or eyelid surgery, the surgeon may also insert the implant through the incisions that were made for the other surgical procedures. 
4. When the surgeon deems that the implant is in its proper place, they will either stitch it among the muscles or secure it with plates and screws. 
5. They then close the incisions through the use of dissolvable sutures.

Cheek Augmentation Recovery

You must follow your doctor’s instructions regarding post-operative care to ensure that you will not experience any complications and for your cheeks to heal correctly. Once the swelling has subsided, and the incisions have fully healed, the final results will become visible. Over-the-counter pain medication may be given to ease any discomfort. It is also recommended that you elevated your head when resting to prevent fluid accumulation in your head that could worsen the swelling. If the incisions were made inside the mouth, your doctor would ask you to stick to a liquid diet for a week to avoid chewing, which can cause pain. 

Cheek Augmentation Before and After 

Once your cheeks have been enhanced, you will only be able to see partial results because of the presence of swelling. Once the cheeks have fully healed, the outcome will be visible. Scarring is not at all visible after the surgery since the incisions are made inside the mouth or at the back of the lower eyelid, where it is completely hidden. Just like in the before and after picture below, you can see that the results are promising and guaranteed. The surgery has made the patient’s cheeks more lifted and fuller, making her face appear youthful without a trace of scarring from the procedure. 

Cheek augmentation, which can be considered as a cosmetic facial contouring and anti-aging procedure, is responsible for bringing back volume to the mid-face with the use of synthetic facial implants like silicone and polythene. There are three types of cheek implant shapes, namely the malar, submalar, and combined that can address cheek projection, fullness, or both, respectively. For the procedure, it takes 45 minutes to an hour to enhance the cheek. The incisions are either done at the back of the lower eyelid or inside the mouth. When it comes to the recovery, you will experience the usual swelling and soreness, which will gradually subside in a couple of weeks. Since the incisions are well-hidden, scarring is not visible at all. 

If you are someone who is having problems with cheeks that lack volume and are sagging, a cheek augmentation would be the best option. Not only will it improve your appearance, but it can also boost your confidence. To add to the procedure’s safety record, it is most recommended that you have it performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. For the best plastic surgeons in Korea, you may contact Seoul Guide Medical through their website and be ready to have your youthfulness restored.