As we get older, our cheeks can lose their fullness and shape. Over time, the body’s natural stores of facial fat will break down as skin elasticity declines. Even in our late 20s, our production of collagen will begin to slow, contributing to sagging skin and less prominent features. This loss of volume results in poorly defined cheekbones and fine facial lines. Not only do these changes look unflattering, but they may also leave you looking older and unhealthy.
To combat the early signs of aging, Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery offers an innovative, nonsurgical cheek augmentation procedure, dramatically correcting deflated cheeks while providing symmetry and balance to the features. Using small dermal filler injections, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the cheek augmentation technique will add definition, contour, and volume to the cheekbones while lifting the skin and restoring a youthful appearance. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Paul Vitenas is an expert injector. His nonsurgical cheek augmentation is a safe and effective way to achieve fuller, younger-looking cheeks without the time, discomfort, and serious risks associated with silicone cheek implants.
The most commonly used fillers for cheek augmentation:
- Juvederm Ultra Plus XC
- Juvederm Voluma
- Restylane Lyft
Are dermal fillers better than cheek implants?
For years, the only way to add contour and definition to the cheekbones was through the placement of a silicone implant. Although the results may look good at first, the technique cannot provide the long-term benefits most people are hoping for. As with any surgical procedure, the placement of cheek implants holds a small risk for scarring, infection, asymmetry, and nerve damage. For this reason, Dr. Vitenas no longer offers cheek implants, choosing to do his cheek augmentation procedures with the newest generation of dermal fillers.
With the ability to create custom-tailored results, Dr. Vitenas will adjust the amount of filler needed to create the desired shape, prominence, and symmetry. For this reason, fillers offer more precise results than surgical placement of a pre-set size implant. Keep in mind, as you age, your face will continue to change. The cheek implants that once looked good may no longer be right for your face shape, negatively impacting your overall appearance. The results from fillers are temporary, so each maintenance treatment can be adjusted to meet your changing needs. Plus, if you are not thrilled with your new look, the results will completely wear off in a few months.
Are you a candidate for cheek augmentation?
Almost anyone who is unhappy with the shape or prominence of their cheeks may be a potential candidate for cheek augmentation. These patients commonly desire more fullness in their cheek region and improved definition for their features. The best candidate will be in generally good health, understand the cheek augmentation treatment process, and hold realistic expectations for their results. During your consultation appointment, Dr. Vitenas will examine your facial tissues and discuss your desired results to determine if a cheek augmentation is right for you.
While the nonsurgical treatment can provide significant aesthetic benefits for most people, the procedure is not for everyone. Anyone who is not willing to maintain their results with routine filler injections may not be a good candidate for noninvasive cheek augmentation.
The Cheek Augmentation Procedure
All cheek augmentation procedures are performed in a private treatment room in the Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery office. The length of each procedure depends on the individual patient and the desired results. Most patients are out of the office in about an hour.
Once positioned in a quiet treatment room, a topical or local anesthetic can be administered for optimal comfort. Next, Dr. Vitenas will place small injections of the dermal filler along the cheek, adding more or less to each side for symmetry and contour. Once the injections are finished, patients can go back to their normal routine.
Recovery from cheek augmentation is minimal. Although many patients take the afternoon off to rest, most individuals are feeling good enough to return to work the following day. While you may experience bruising and mild swelling, these are easily hidden under makeup. Temporary numbness and tingling along the injection site is also common but will resolve over the next week. To ensure safe and satisfying results, exercise, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be postponed for 24 hours.
The results from cheek augmentation will last from nine to twenty-four months. While the procedure can provide excellent results when performed alone, the technique can also be paired with other surgical procedures for more dramatic results. For example, the blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) or the Browlift (forehead lift) can be added to help brighten and refresh the appearance.
Cheek augmentation is also part of a liquid facelift, using only injectables to improve lax skin while adding lift and volume to the features. A liquid facelift will address cheek contour, wrinkles, lax skin, and volume loss using a variety of products including Juvederm, Radiesse, and Botox Cosmetic. Each filler has its own unique quality making it useful in treating specific concerns. The addition of Botox Cosmetic will smooth dynamic wrinkles like Crow’s Feet and frown lines. A liquid facelift is less expensive than a surgical procedure and has little chance for serious complications.
Schedule your cheek augmentation consultation
An in-person consultation is the best way to find out if cheek augmentation is right for you. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Vitenas has more than three decades of experience with cosmetic and noninvasive aesthetic procedures. He is an expert injector and industry leader with Botox Cosmetic, fillers, and nonsurgical facelifts. The only way to ensure a safe cheek augmentation procedure, with little chance for complications, is to trust an experienced surgeon like Dr. Vitenas.
If you have questions about the cheek augmentation procedure, reach out to Houston’s Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery at 281.484.0088 or fill out our online Contact Us form. We will get you the answers you need and assist in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Vitenas.
*Client testimonials are based on personal experience. Individual results may vary.
Cheek Augmentation FAQ:
Q. What is a cheek augmentation procedure?
Cheek augmentation is a non-surgical technique using filler to add prominence to the cheekbones and create better facial balance.
Q. Who will make an ideal patient for the cheek augmentation technique?
Those without serious medical conditions who are not taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, may make a good candidate for the cheek augmentation procedure. Patients should have realistic expectations for their non-surgical results.
Q. Can my cheek augmentation be combined with other procedures?
Cheek augmentation provides exceptional results on its own. When this technique is combined with a blepharoplasty, nonsurgical rhinoplasty, or browlift, patients can see optimal facial rejuvenation. Cheek augmentation can also be part of a liquid facelift, using fillers to lift and plump the features, creating a more youthful appearance.
Q. What happens during the cheek augmentation consultation appointment?
At this initial appointment, Dr. Vitenas will perform a physical evaluation of the facial structures and review all medical history. He will discuss your aesthetic goals and answer any questions regarding the procedure. After the cheek augmentation is described in full, and before/after photographs of previous patients have been reviewed, it will be determined if the cheek augmentation is right for you. If so, a detailed non-surgical plan will be created, and the exact cost will be explained.
Q. How much will a cheek augmentation procedure cost?
Cheek Augmentation ranges in price according to the particular correction desired. On average the price of cheek augmentation ranges from $1,500.00 to $4,500.00. Cheek augmentation is performed using fillers, such as Radiesse and Juvederm. To determine if a cheek augmentation is right for your needs, and to determine the exact price, potential patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas or fill out our online Contact Us form.
Q. How long is a cheek augmentation procedure?
Most cheek augmentation procedures will last less than 1 hour.
Q. Where are the injections made to place the cheek filler?
Dr. Vitenas will insert the cheek filler through small injections under the lower eyelid.
Q. Is the cheek augmentation uncomfortable?
Some patients may note discomfort over the first few days following a cheek augmentation, as well as difficulty moving the jaw or talking. Tylenol may be taken after injections to alleviate discomfort.
Q. What is expected during my cheek augmentation recovery?
Most patients are fully recovered from their cheek augmentation in five to seven days. Moving the lips and mouth may be difficult for the first few days after the procedure and dietary restrictions may be necessary
Q. How soon can I return to work after receiving cheek filler?
Generally, patients are comfortable returning to work the following day after their cheek augmentation.
Q. How can I pay for my cheek augmentation procedure?
Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery gives patients several payment options including cash, all major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit. See our financing options page or contact our office to find out more.
