Cheek Implant (Cheek Augmentation)
Cheek Implant (Cheek Augmentation)
NYC Cheek Implants & Cheek Augmentation
Natural fat makes our faces look fresh and young. In particular, high, full cheeks help to define youthful facial contours. But as we age, fat is depleted and fat pads can descend from their natural position. As a result, cheeks can begin to look hollowed and gaunt, giving us a tired and aged appearance. Cheek implant (cheek augmentation) is a fast, simple, and safe procedure that can help to replenish lost volume and bring back the rosy, full glow of youth. There are a variety of ways to augment the cheeks, including temporary dermal fillers, collagen replacements, and autologous fat grafting. Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss the techniques that will work best for your specific needs.
| WHAT CAN CHEEK AUGMENTATION DO FOR ME?* |
| Restore cheeks to high, full, and youthful looking position |
| Replace lost soft tissue volume in the cheek bone area |
| Reduce the appearance of cheek “jowls” |
| Improve overall facial contours and balance |
Who is a good candidate for cheek augmentation?
People with a loss of fullness in the cheek area, as well as a tired or aged appearance may be good candidates for this procedure. Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss whether you are a good candidate for cheek augmentation.
| CHEEK AUGMENTATION AT A GLANCE | ||
| Procedure* | Recovery* | Post-Op Care* |
| Performed in our accredited in-office surgical facility | Go home same day |
No sutures |
| Procedure time varies, depending on the type of procedure. Dermal filler injections take 10-20 minutes; fat grafting takes 1-2 hours. | Back to work immediately for dermal fillers; in 3-5 days for fat grafting | No special post-op care is needed |
| Local or twilight anesthesia | Light exercise immediately for dermal fillers; less than a week for fat grafting | |
| More strenuous exercise in 1-2 days for dermal fillers; 1 week for fat grafting | ||
Can cheek augmentation be combined with other procedures?
Cheek augmentation is often combined with a cheek lift in order to achieve transformative results. Cheek augmentation may also be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, and browlift. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedure or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs.
How is cheek augmentation performed?
The goal of cheek augmentation is to replace lost volume in the cheeks. This can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including temporary injectables, such as dermal fillers (Restylane®, RADIESSE®, Juvéderm®) or collagen replacers (Sculptra®). Another excellent option is fat grafting (autologous fat transfer), which provides long-lasting, natural-looking results.* Cheek augmentation with implants is not Dr. Levine’s preferred method.
Treatment with dermal fillers is fast and easy, usually lasting 10-20 minutes, depending on the amount of correction needed. The chosen filler is strategically injected into areas of lost volume using an ultrafine needle. The fat grafting procedure is also simple and safe, and usually lasts about 1-2 hours.* During the procedure, excess fat is gently removed from targeted areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, using a very small tube, called a cannula. The fat is then prepared and carefully re-injected into areas that will benefit from increased volume. Care is taken in order to maximize fat graft survival and effect the most natural-looking distribution. Dr. Levine will discuss with you which techniques for cheek augmentation will best suit your specific needs.
How can I prepare for cheek augmentation?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your facial structure to evaluate the bony and soft tissue architecture, as well as your overall facial balance. He will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery. He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have.
What type of anesthesia will be used?
We recommend local or twilight anesthesia for cheek augmentation. You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs.
What should I expect during cheek augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The length of your procedure will depend on many factors, but on average, the procedure usually takes 1-2 hours.* After your procedure, you will be taken to our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery. You will be able to go home the same day with a friend or family member.
What can I expect after cheek augmentation surgery?
Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs. In general, you may expect to have mild to moderate swelling in the days after your procedure. Most patients report minimal to no discomfort after the procedure.* At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home. We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery. Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being.
Is there anything I can do before and after my procedure to maximize results?
One of the many wonderful qualities that sets us apart at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC is our ability to use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results. With expertise in both plastic surgery and dermatology, Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine work together to help prepare, protect, and treat the skin before, during, and after your procedure. As one of New York’s leading dermatologists, Dr. Jody Levine will customize a skincare regimen that includes pre-surgical measures to optimize your skin, as well as post-surgical skincare that can help prevent irritation, alleviate bruising and inflammation, and promote faster healing. Unlike other practices, we include these unique pre- and post-surgery skincare packages as part of your surgical plan. Our pre-surgery facials and microdermabrasion treatments help prepare your skin for surgery and ensure the best recuperation. Post-operative packages include lymphatic massage with our skilled medical aesthetician in order to enhance circulation, support healing and improved immunity function, and leave the skin looking radiant and healthy.* With our extensive array of lasers, we are able to provide post-surgical laser treatments to best accelerate your healing. The Drs. Levine will be happy to discuss with you the best skincare approach for your specific needs.
