Cheek Augmentation in Long Beach & Los Alamitos, CA

Sunken or hollow cheeks may make you seem a lot older than you are, and no one wishes to look older. Changes in body weight, as well as aging, contribute to volume loss in the face, giving a sunken and hollow appearance. This is usually most noticed in the mid-face or cheeks. A key factor of facial aging is the shrinking of the malar fat pads, leading to volume loss in this area. At Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, board-certified plastic surgeon William P. Aiello performs surgical and nonsurgical cheek augmentation to create full contour and lift. Mid-face augmentation can be performed using either minimally invasive injectable fillers or surgically placed silicone cheek implants. In your initial consult, Dr. Aiello can talk about both choices and decide which will be the best match for your concerns. Cheek augmentation is also commonly performed in conjunction with a facelift on men and women. Call our Los Alamitos, CA surgical center to schedule an appointment and find out how surgical or nonsurgical cheek augmentation may help you attain a fuller, younger-looking appearance.

The best patients for surgical and nonsurgical cheek enhancement are adults who:

• Would like better contours in their mid-face
• Have lost volume in their cheeks with age
• Have genetically hollow or flat cheeks
• Have lost a large amount of weight, leading to sagging cheeks
• Have an imbalance in their mid-face from a congenital defect, a physical condition, or an accident
• Have good general health

Cheek implants will address the entire mid-face, bringing definition and fullness with the most consistent outcome. Volume can also be restored to the cheeks with fat grafting and injectable fillers. However, for patients with low body fat seeking a more permanent solution, implants offer a longer-lasting and more predictable result. Since dermal filler injections create temporary results, they may also be used to get a clearer idea of how much lift and volume someone needs before switching to cheek implants. 

Before your cheek augmentation, Dr. Aiello will complete a thorough assessment to decide on a customized treatment plan that is best for your unique cosmetic goals. In your initial consultation, you can select your treatment method: cheek implants or dermal fillers. Both options are outpatient procedures performed at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center.

Injectable dermal filler procedures typically last 20 – 30 minutes. Before the treatment, the injection sites will be cleaned and marked along the mid-face. Next, the dermal filler will be carefully injected into the selected sites and massaged to fill the desired areas. You can leave immediately following the treatment and get back to your daily routine.

Cheek implant surgery typically lasts around an hour and usually requires sedation using general anesthesia. When you are ready, thin incisions are created in your gums, and a pocket will be made above the cheekbones. Next, the selected implants will be placed, and the incisions in the mouth will be closed. After your surgery, you will be allowed to go home with a family member or friend to start your recovery.

After surgical cheek augmentation, you will probably have bruising, tightness, and swelling for around 1 – 2 weeks. Strenuous activity that may put strain on your facial muscles (such as lifting weights) needs to be skipped for about 7 – 10 days. Total healing is generally achieved in about two months; however, the outcome lasts for many years.

Following dermal filler injections in the cheeks, the mid-face can be tender or sore with mild inflammation for around 3 – 5 days. Cold compresses and non-prescription pain medication may be used to lessen any discomfort. Final results are typically visible in 1 – 2 weeks. Continuous maintenance sessions will be required since dermal fillers are a short-term option.

How much does cheek augmentation cost?
Depending on the augmentation type you choose, the costs of your procedure can vary. After your consultation and treatment planning session with Dr. Aiello, a member of our team will go over the fees with you. Finding the right doctor for your procedure is much more important than finding the cheapest route. Dr. Aiello's experience, education, and adeptness at placing implants are all well worth the investment you will make.

What type of injectables do you use?
Ocean Plastic Surgery Center has used the Juvéderm product line of dermal fillers, particularly Voluma for the cheeks, for many years due to its consistently reliable results. Voluma, a formulation of hyaluronic acid, fills in the hollow, sunken areas beneath your skin to enhance your cheeks. While the results of Voluma are temporary, it does improve the look of volume loss and create the appearance of higher or more contoured cheekbones. 

My face isn't symmetrical. Can implants help?
Many people don't realize that almost everyone has a slightly asymmetrical face. If you feel that the uneven volume or height of your cheekbones is significantly affecting your overall facial appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Aiello. He will assess your concerns and help you determine whether implants or fillers are right for you.

Can fat grafting be used to fill in cheeks?
Yes. Actually, the cheeks are one of the most common areas for fat grafting. Dr. Aiello often uses fat grafting to restore volume in the face because it is longer lasting than temporary fillers and can be more natural feeling than an implant. Set up a consultation at our office in Los Alamitos, CA to determine if a fat grafting procedure is right for you.

Were you born with thin, hollow cheeks? Or maybe your mid-face has lost its youthful volume with age or after significant weight loss? Contact our Los Alamitos, CA office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Aiello to learn more about available options to enhance the shape of your cheeks. Whether you select a nonsurgical or surgical treatment, you can improve your overall appearance with cheek augmentation at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center.