Cheek Augmentation with Fillers

Full cheeks can be a sign of vitality and health, and many Washington DC patients visit a plastic surgeon to enhance their cheeks. Some may complain of flat cheeks or dark circles, while others may complain of sagging or droopy cheeks.

One of the early signs of facial aging is loss of volume, especially of the cheeks. With natural fat and bone loss, the “apple” cheeks of youth gradually flatten with age. Some patients, however, may have flat cheeks and dark circles from an early age. Facial volume loss can become apparent in the late 20s, but more noticeable in after age 40.

Cheek augmentation options

The cheek and midfacial areas have many potential treatment options. As a result, this large variety of options may bring confusion as to what is the best option for cheek rejuvenation.

Cheek enhancement procedures generally fall into broad categories: fillers, fat, implants, and lift. Fillers are the most common option, as it has relatively a lower short term cost, quicker recovery, and lower risk as compared to surgery. Additionally, many cosmetic specialists, including plastic surgeons and dermatologists perform filler treatments, while surgery, such as cheek implant or a cheek lift, is only performed by surgeons.

Liquid lift of the cheeks

A non-surgical lift, which may also be referred as a liquid lift, uses facial fillers to augment and “lift” the cheeks. A large variety of fillers are available, with the hyaluronic acid fillers being the most common, such as Restylane®, Juvederm®, and Belotero®. Other fillers used to enhance the cheeks, including Radiesse® and Sculptra®, are made of different materials, and new fillers continue to be developed. Each of these cosmetic filler treatments has its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, every plastic surgeon and dermatologist will have his/her own preference for the cheeks. Some may prefer one filler for a certain area, while another filler for another facial area.

Office cheek injections take a few minutes to perform and require a short downtime. After numbing medication, the fillers are injected beneath the skin in the targeted areas. The filler plumps up the skin from beneath, filling wrinkles or augmenting facial features. Mild swelling and soreness in the area may occur afterwards, which typically resolves within for first day or so. Patients may combine facial fillers with other liquid lift treatments, such as Botox®, for more complete facial enhancement.

Facial Filler vs. Implant for Cheek Augmentation

Nonsurgical cheek augmentation generally has less downtime and initial cost as compared to cheek implants. While there is still a chance for some minor bruising or swelling with nonsurgical treatments, many patients return to work the same day after facial filler injections.

However, some patients want a permanent change to the cheeks. Cheek implants are a great option to enhance the cheeks. Many cheek implant patients have tried fillers in the past and are looking for a more permanent solution. Patients may no longer need cheek injections after receiving an implant. Cheek implants are made of silicone and provide better 3D structure to the midfacial area as compared to soft-tissue fillers.

Read more about cheek filler vs. implant.

Which cheek enhancement is best?

Each patient is unique. The best plastic surgeons will perform a variety of aesthetic procedures. They will customize the treatment based on several factors including the patient’s cheek anatomy, degree of facial aging, and personal preference. After a comprehensive evaluation, a plastic surgeon can help you choose the best option appropriate for you.

Be to sure to review the top 5 things to know before cheek augmentation with fillers.

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