Cheek Augmentation FAQ

Generally, a minimum of 2 weeks are allowed from the consultation to prepare for surgery. Select procedures may be performed earlier. Nonsurgical procedures may be performed at the same time as the initial consultation.

Yes, it’s generally preferred to combine procedures. First, by combining surgery, insurance may cover a portion of the procedure, and you may save money on fees. Secondly, tissue modified from one area may be used for another surgical area, such as fat transfer and face lifting. Lastly, the recovery process following surgery would only be once, and you minimize downtime by avoiding two separate procedures. Commonly combined procedures with cheek augmentation surgery include the following:

• Eyelid Surgery
• Facelift
• Fat Transfer

Strenuous activities or exercise after plastic surgery will increase the risk of bleeding, swelling, and bruising, until an appropriate healing time has been allowed. This restriction during the recovery period varies based on the operation performed and patient’s medical condition. Light activities, such as slow walking, may be performed soon after anesthesia. Heavy activity, such as aerobics, yoga, cycling, running, heavy lifting, or similar vigorous activities are allowed 2 weeks after the procedure. Contact sports are generally allowed 6 weeks after surgery.

Most patients should plan at least a few days to a whole week off from work. A longer period of recovery may be necessary for combined procedures.

Cheek augmentation is a relatively quick surgical procedure. The length of surgery may range from 1 hour or longer, if combined with other cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Chaboki performs a complete history and physical on all patients prior to undergoing cosmetic treatments. Cheek augmentation is usually safe for patients with chronic, stable medical conditions. However, cheek augmentation may be delayed or cancelled as needed for patient safety. Dr. Chaboki will work with his cosmetic patients to help find a safe, appropriate plastic surgery option for them.

Smoking adversely affects your recovery. One may develop pneumonia, and treated areas don’t heal as well or may become infected. The blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissues shrink up and prevent the necessary healing of the area. Patients must stop smoking for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to surgery to decrease the risk of these complications, and continue smoking cessation after the procedure.

Downtime after cosmetic procedures may be a few hours to several days, depending on the specific procedure and areas treated. Office procedures are performed under local anesthesia, if any anesthesia is required. Surgical procedures are performed with either IV (twilight) sedation or general anesthesia and require a longer recovery period. Anesthesia normally wears off within the first 24 hours after surgery.

Dr. Chaboki practices facial plastic surgery at several DC area surgical facilities to accommodate his patients. Minor procedures with local anesthesia are performed in the DC office (including a nonsurgical facelift with injectable fillers). Surgical cheek augmentation procedures with IV (twilight) sedation or general anesthesia, such as a cheek lift or cheek implants, are performed for Washington, DC and Maryland area patients at accredited facilities with a board-certified anesthesiologist.

• Georgetown University Medical Center
• MedStar Surgery Center

Dr. Chaboki provides the finest in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery at affordable prices, and participates with most insurance plans. Plastic surgery covers a broad area of medicine, which includes both reconstructive procedures and cosmetic procedures. If your procedure is medically indicated, some portion of the cost may be covered. Our office accepts insurance in applicable cases and will, if you wish, contact your insurance company to find out if your procedure will be covered. Insurance coverage varies greatly for patients; however, cheek augmentation is generally not covered.

The cost of cheek augmentation is determined by many factors and depends on the significance of your surgery. In general, the cost of cheek augmentation ranges from $5,000 to $7,500. *