The cheek augmentation procedure involves adding volume to the cheeks through implants or injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or fat grafting. Conversely, cheek reduction surgery is intended to diminish cheek size by removing excess fat or tissue, or by reducing the cheekbones. Additionally, some patients may opt to combine the procedure with buccal fat removal, a technique that involves removing a small pocket of fat (the buccal fat pad) from the cheeks, resulting in a slimmer and more defined appearance.
Whether you have prominent, puffy, or hollow, sunken cheeks, a facial feature that is out of balance with the rest of your face can detract from your overall appearance. Achieving ideal facial proportions is the objective of cheek surgery—whether it’s restoring lost volume through cheek augmentation or removing excess fat for a more chiseled appearance with cheek reduction surgery, achieving that ideal facial harmony is within reach.
What Are the Benefits of Cheek Augmentation/Cheek ReductionSurgery?
Through either cheek augmentation or cheek reduction, cheek surgery can help patients reach their specific facial aesthetic. The benefits of cheek surgery include:
Cheek Augmentation
- Restores lost volume due to aging.
- Improves facial balance.
- Creates a more assertive profile, improving the appearance of the nose, jaw, and chin.
Cheek Reduction
- Reduces puffy or “chubby” looking cheeks.
- Reshapes a fuller cheek for a more defined look.
- Improves the appearance of the cheekbones for a more chiseled appearance.
Buccal Fat Removal
- Removes the fat pads in the lower cheeks, resulting in a more defined and contoured appearance.
How Is Cheek Surgery Performed?
Cheek Augmentation
To delicately accentuate the contour of your cheeks and cheekbones, consider incorporating a small facial implant into a discreet pocket within the oral cavity. Dr. Lee will skillfully create a subtle incision inside the mouth, ensuring no visible scarring. The implant will be carefully positioned within the incision, yielding a nuanced yet well-defined enhancement.
Cheek Reduction
To achieve a more defined contour for individuals with plump or rounded cheeks, various techniques can be employed:
- Buccal Fat Removal: Dr. Lee initiates this procedure by making a discreet incision inside the mouth. Through this incision, he skillfully extracts the buccal fat pad, effectively reducing excess fat and contributing to a more refined facial appearance.
- Cheekbone Realignment: In the context of cheekbone reduction, Dr. Lee employs a meticulous approach to readjust the position of the cheekbone or zygomatic arch. This method subtly diminishes the overall shape, projection, size, and width of the cheeks or face, resulting in a more contoured and sculpted aesthetic.
How Long Is Cheek Surgery Recovery?
The length of recovery will vary from patient to patient, depending on the nature of the procedure, the techniques used, and if you have combined your procedure with any other surgeries.
Patients can expect swelling and bruising in the treatment area for most cheek surgeries, which should subside within 2-3 weeks.
Dr. Lee will provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your specific procedure’s needs. It is essential to follow these instructions closely, as it will lead to a safe and effective recovery.
When Will I See My Cheek Surgery Results?
In most cases, full results will be visible after several months to a year. Once your cheeks have healed fully, you can enjoy your new, defined cheekbones and enhanced facial symmetry.
Cheek Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have scars after my cheek surgery?
In most cases, the incisions from your cheek surgery (augmentation and reduction) are located inside the mouth, so there will be no visible scarring.
Will my cheek augmentation/cheek reduction be permanent?
The results of your cheek augmentation or cheek reduction are intended to be long-lasting and, in some cases, permanent.
The fat and bone will not grow back if you receive buccal fat pad removal or cheekbone realignment. Therefore, the results will be permanent.
Similarly, your cheek augmentation with implants is intended to be long-lasting, as implants used in this procedure are made of a stronger material than other types of implants.
Will cheek surgery improve the look of my jaw?
The goal of facial procedures is to not only enhance the treatment area but also to support a balanced, complementary facial proportion. For example, cheek augmentation may improve facial harmony if you have a more prominent jaw or lower face that appears disproportionate.
Dr. Harrison Lee also offers jaw surgery for patients who want to enhance the jawline or reduce the jaw’s projection, width, or shape. This procedure is a fantastic addition to your cheek surgery, as Dr. Lee can customize each procedure to highlight and enhance the entire face.
What are the risks of cheek surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, cheek surgery carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, and difficulty healing.
Dr. Lee strives to provide the highest quality results with strict safety standards as a number one priority. You will be fully informed of any risks, possible complications, and health concerns during your consultation, before your operation, and during your recovery.
If you would like to schedule a consultation please feel free to contact us.
