SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Cheek Augmentation

Create the appearance of full, strong cheeks and a strong, mid-face region.

For many men and women, the region around and above the cheek (the malar area) may become increasingly hollow or gaunt with time. This is due to changes in the muscle, tissues and skeletal features under the skin. These changes may be caused from age, environmental effects, injury, disease or previous surgical procedures. Restoring lift and fullness to the cheek is called "cheek augmentation" or malar augmentation. Repairing the malar region helps balance the appearance of facial features and provides a more attractive, youthful look. Cheek augmentation can also provide strong cheeks to those who've never had them. Cheek implants also radially expand the mid-face region and provide fullness, indirectly offer a lifting effect to face as a whole.

What is a Cheek Augmentation?

Cheek implants, or malar augmentation, is a type of cosmetic surgery that uses silicone or other types of non-reactive materials, such as MEDPOR®, to lift and improve the shape of the cheeks. During the procedure, Dr. Stover will make a small incision inside the upper lip or along the lower eyelid, if the procedure will include work to the lower eye area. After the incision is made, Dr. Stover will insert a small implant and secure it within a well-fitting pocket or by affixing it to soft tissue or bone. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to one hour. It can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the techniques required and the preferences of the patient. Recovery takes about two weeks and patients should expect limited mouth movement during that time.

For patients not sure about permanent cheek augmentation, temporary augmentation can easily be performed by injecting a filler such as Radiesse to mimic the result of a permanent cheek implant with no recovery and no down time.