Cheek Augmentation to emphasize your facial contours
Prominent cheekbones add beauty and natural contours to the face. Unfortunately, attractive cheekbones do not come naturally for everyone, and the aging process can change the appearance of formerly high, full cheekbones. Board-certified plastic surgeon Gabriel E. Salloum, M.D., F.A.C.S., specializes in cheek augmentation, a surgical procedure that adds volume to the cheeks, lifts aging skin, and creates beautiful facial contours at the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery in Miami Beach, FL.
What is Cheek Augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to emphasize the cheekbones and bring out the beauty in the patient’s eyes and face. Dr. Salloum customizes cheek augmentation based on his patients’ facial structure, skin elasticity, and goals. Cheek augmentation adds balance to the face, strengthens shallow or hollow cheeks, and lifts sagging skin.
Dr. Salloum offers several cheek enhancement options, including implants, dermal fillers, and facial fat transfer. Cheek augmentation is often performed along with a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other complimentary facial procedure.
Silicone Implants
Implants provide permanent cheek augmentation for improved facial contours. While there are many sizes, shapes, and types of implants available, Dr. Salloum typically recommends silicone implants because silicone is safe, biocompatible, and offers permanent improvements ranging from subtle to dramatic.
Injectable Filler treatments
Injectable fillers offer a non-surgical alternative to implants with little to no downtime. Facial fillers like Radiesse ®, Juvederm, and Restylane® provide augmentation in the mid-face for enhanced facial aesthetics. Fillers can lift and contour the cheek area, creating a more youthful appearance. Regularly scheduled treatments will allow patients to maintain their injection results and enjoy long-lasting improvements.
Dr. Salloum may recommend a liquid facelift, which temporarily improves multiple areas of the face and treats fine lines and wrinkles, adds volume to the temples, fills the hollow area under the eyes, boosts flat cheeks, lifts the brows, and more. Fillers last 6 months to 2 years, depending on the product used and the treatment area.
Fat Transfer
Facial fat naturally decreases with age, creating wrinkles, sagging skin, bony contours around the temples and eyes, and deflation in the cheeks. Dr. Salloum may recommend a minimally-invasive facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, which restores subtle, long-lasting volume to the cheeks.
To perform this procedure, the doctor removes fat from one area of the body (such as the stomach or hips) using liposuction and injects the cleansed fat back into the body to add volume to the cheeks or other areas of the face.
There is little risk of infection or rejection of the fat because the body recognizes it as its own tissue. Dr. Salloum performs fat grafting to enhance facial volume and improve various areas of the body, including the breasts and buttocks.
Cheek Augmentation benefits
The incredible benefits of cheek augmentation make it a top choice for patients who are looking to improve their facial balance and overall facial aesthetics. Dr. Salloum recommends cheek augmentation for the following reasons:
- Permanently add natural fat to the cheeks with fat transfer
- Temporarily add volume to the cheeks with facial fillers
- Choose mild to dramatic improvements with fat grafts, injectables, and implants
- Low post-treatment and post-surgical risks associated with cheek enhancement
- Combine cheek enhancement or implants with a facelift or other procedure
- Tighten mildly loose skin and reduce other signs of aging
- Lift the cheekbones, enhance the eyes, and improve other facial features
- Correct trauma, congenital abnormalities, and facial asymmetries with cheek implants
Cheek Augmentation candidates
Dr. Salloum examines prospective patients for candidacy during a private cheek augmentation consultation in Miami Beach. Ideal cheek enhancement candidates are in good physical health, are not allergic to the augmentation material, and are motivated to improve their appearance by adding definition to their cheekbones. Qualified candidates will be able to clearly understand their chosen procedure and have realistic expectations, acknowledging the limitations and benefits of the procedure.
The Cheek Augmentation consultation
Dr. Gabriel Salloum provides private cheek augmentation consultations at the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery. The luxurious spa-like facility offers complimentary valet service and pampers each patient with attentive care.
During the private meeting, the doctor shares before and after photos of prior patients who received cheek implants, fat grafting, or cheek injectables. Dr. Salloum reviews the prospective patient’s health history and performs a physical examination to assess the elasticity of the skin and the underlying bone structure before recommending a cheek enhancement treatment.
Dr. Salloum then explains the customized treatment details, along with the benefits, risks, and financial investment. He will also invite the patient to ask questions.
The Cheek Augmentation procedure
Dr. Gabriel Salloum performs cheek augmentation surgery in Miami Beach, FL, at a local accredited surgical center. The augmentation is customized to match the patient’s goals, so the location of the incisions and the use of local, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia will vary based on the technique.
Cheek augmentation is often performed alongside other cosmetic procedures, so additional steps may be required. Dr. Salloum will explain the surgical details during the consultation.
Fat Grafting for Cheek Augmentation
Fat grafting is typically completed as an outpatient procedure using local or general anesthesia. Dr. Salloum creates a small incision in the donor area and inserts a tiny cannula to extract fat from the abdomen, hips, or thighs.
The doctor cleans the fat before injecting the healthy, undamaged fat cells into the cheeks. The fat is grafted as living tissue with very little risk of rejection. Mild bruising and swelling typically fade within two weeks. The fat grafting procedure typically takes one hour but is often combined with a facelift.
Cheek Augmentation with Implants
General anesthesia is typically used during outpatient cheek implant surgery. Dr. Salloum adapts the implant to match the patient’s facial structure and inserts it through a small incision inside the mouth. A suture may be used to secure each implant, and the tissue conforms to the silicone implants in approximately three days.
Improvements to the cheeks appear immediately, and the final results emerge in approximately three weeks after the bruising and swelling subside. Cheek implant surgery typically takes about 30 minutes but is often combined with a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Cheek Augmentation with Dermal Fillers
Dr. Salloum numbs the face with a topical anesthetic before injecting cheek fillers like Radiesse®, Juvederm, or Restylane®. He injects the gel-like substance under the skin above the cheekbone to add volume and to create enhanced facial contours.
Once he has completed the cheek augmentation treatment plan, Dr. Salloum may inject filler in other areas to reduce lines, smooth wrinkles, and fill depressed areas. The doctor gently massages the cheek area and other injection sites to disperse the gel and provide smooth, natural results. The treatment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes but is often performed along with a liquid facelift, eyelid surgery, or brow lift.
Recovery
Dr. Salloum will explain surgical aftercare instructions during the consultation. Follow the doctor’s recovery instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications and encourage the best results. Recovery expectations vary widely depending on which procedures were performed.
Special dressings may be placed over the area to minimize swelling and to support the cheeks as they heal following implant or fat grafting surgery. The doctor may recommend a liquid diet and a special mouth rinse if the cheek implant procedure involves an incision inside the mouth.
Why should I choose Dr. Gabriel Salloum?
Dr. Gabriel E. Salloum M.D., F.A.C.S is a highly-experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami Beach who provides men and women a full range of cosmetic surgical procedures, including facial surgery, body contouring, liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, and breast reconstruction. Dr. Salloum has more than 13 years of experience performing plastic surgery. Dr. Salloum also has the following qualifications:
- Double board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Board of Surgery
- Specializes in reconstructive surgery and facial implants to improve congenital deformities or trauma
- Highly trained Botox, Juvederm, and Restylane injector recognized for outstanding artistry and natural-looking results
- Passionate about helping individuals achieve their cosmetic goals, improve their self-image, and increase their confidence levels
- Specializes in natural results
- 4.5 and five-star reviews on Yelp, Vitals, Realself, and Google
- Gets to know each patient and answers their questions before creating a customized surgical plan to achieve the results they desire
- Offers men and women a full range of cosmetic surgical procedures, including facial surgery, body contouring, liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, and breast reconstruction
- Recognized as a New York Times Best Plastic Surgeon
FAQs about Cheek Augmentation
Cheek augmentation complications are rare, but there are risks with every procedure. Fat grafting, implants, and filler injection risks include infection, bleeding, and movement of the implant. During the consultation, Dr. Salloum will review your health history and current medications before explaining the benefits and possible risks.
Dr. Salloum will give you pre-surgical instructions during the consultation, which will include avoiding aspirin, Aleve, and certain natural supplements that increase the risk of bleeding and bruising for at least two weeks before the treatment. Stop smoking a minimum of two to four weeks before the procedure to ensure proper healing. The doctor may also request lab testing or a medical evaluation before the procedure.
Arrange for someone to transport you to and from the surgery center and to stay with you during the first night after cheek implants or fat grafting. Dermal filler patients typically require no assistance and very little downtime.
Cheek augmentation in Miami Beach may be performed using general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or local anesthesia. Each procedure is personalized to match the needs of the patient and may be combined with a facelift, eyelid lift, or other plastic surgery. Dr. Salloum will explain the surgical details during the consultation.
Immediate results are typical after cheek implants, and you can expect to see the complete results after the swelling and bruising fade in two to three weeks. The initial fat transfer results are obscured by swelling, but the fat naturally establishes itself within the cheeks and reveals significant results in approximately three weeks. Facial filler results are instant, and the mild swelling and bruising dissipate gradually within two to three days.
Your recovery and return to work will depend on the details of your procedure.
Silicone Implants: Most patients return to work within one week after implant surgery, but may need up to six weeks to get back to all their normal activities and see their final results.
Fat Transfer: Most patients return to work within 7 to 10 days after the typically mild fat transfer recovery. But, patients must limit exercise and vigorous activities for several weeks after a cheek fat transfer.
Cheek Fillers: The recovery time after Restylane, Juvederm, and other cheek enhancement fillers is typically one day, and some people return to work immediately. Excessive manipulation of the treated area should be avoided. The mild irritation and tenderness from the injections should improve within 7 to 18 days.
If you are a nonsmoker, are in good health, and would like to enhance your cheekbones and improve the overall appearance of your facial features, cheek implants may be right for you. A consultation with Dr. Salloum is the best way to find out if cheek augmentation is the best option for you.
Schedule a Cheek Augmentation consultation
Dr. Gabriel E. Salloum, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial plastic surgery. Call 305-405-6910 or visit the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery website to request a complimentary cheek augmentation consultation with Dr. Salloum in Miami, Florida.
