Cheek Augmentation with Implants and Fillers

September 29, 2013

As we age, our skin loses collagen, a protein that is essentially the “glue” that holds together the human body. The result is that the skin looks less full. This can be particularly evident around the cheeks. Gaunt or hollowed cheeks make a person look old and tired. However, there are techniques that can fill out the cheeks, restoring a more youthful look to the face. Today’s options for cheek augmentation are much more varied than they were just a few years ago. Patients can now choose between permanent cheek implants or dermal fillers in order to fill out the face and bring back a more youthful look.

Cheek Implants

Cheek implants are made of either solid silicone or other non-reactive materials. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Depending on what type of augmentation is required, Dr. Marcus Crawford or Dr. Steven Bailey will either make small incisions inside the mouth at the gum line or go through the lower eyelid in order to insert the implants. They are then placed inside a pocket of tissue or attached directly to either the bone or the tissue. The surgery generally takes anywhere from one to two hours, depending on how much augmentation is needed. A cheek implant procedure can be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift, browlift, or eyelid lift.

Advantages of cheek implants: Cheek implants are a permanent change to the shape of the face, as opposed to dermal fillers. There are also a variety of options not only in how to perform the procedure, but also in the shape and size of the implants, to create a variety of possible looks for the face.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers provide an option for those patients who either cannot or will not undergo surgery to fill out the cheeks. Dermal fillers are designed to plump up the skin to replace the collagen the human body loses over time. It can be injected into a variety of locations on the face to fill it out, including lips, forehead, and cheeks. The procedure involves a series of injections into the targeted areas of the cheeks. The procedure itself takes very little time, as short as 15 minutes, and patients can generally return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Advantages of dermal fillers: Because dermal filler injections are not as invasive as implant surgery, it is a very good option for patients who either cannot undergo surgery due to other health concerns, or are unwilling to do so. Because dermal fillers are only temporary, generally lasting anywhere from 12 to 18 months, it provides patients the option to not undergo a second procedure if they are not happy with the outcome. Recovery time for dermal fillers is considerably less than for implants, and there is far less risk of infection, bruising, or swelling.

Both cheek implants and dermal fillers can help patients turn back the clock and restore a fuller, more youthful look to their face. Dr. Crawford and Dr. Bailey are happy to help patients select the best option to meet their needs. Contact Crawford Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.

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