Introduction

To achieve smoothly contoured cheeks that enhance and compliment the cheek bones a the desire of every person wanting a chiseled look. But not all of us are gifted with high cheekbones or well-defined contours. On the other hand, some may end up damaging their cheeks due to accidents and injuries.
 
Cheek augmentation surgery can rectify all these conditions by adding volume to the face. Some combine this surgery with other plastic surgeries to enhance facial appearance. Cheek augmentation procedure is performed in either of the two ways – cheek implants or fat transfer.
 

How Can You Prepare for Cheek Augmentation?

Before scheduling the cheek augmentation surgery, the surgeon will analyze if you are the right candidate and if cheek augmentation can bring in the results you want.

The surgeon will want to know about:
• Your medical history
• Your current medications
• Your current treatments
• Any operations in the past
• Your expectations
 
He will also require you to go for some lab tests and depending on all the reports, will devise a plan to help achieve your goals. Make sure to be vocal about what you expect from this surgery and why you wish to opt for this surgery in the first place.

The surgeon may modify your current medications and advise you not to smoke for at least a month before the surgery. Based on your convenience and your expectations, the surgeon may either suggest fat transfer or cheek implants.
 

 

How Is Cheek Augmentation Performed?

The surgeon performs the cheek augmentation procedure in an outpatient facility or at an accredited hospital. At the start of the surgery, the surgeon will administer general anesthesia, which will keep you unconscious throughout the entire procedure. The surgeon then proceeds with the surgery as planned – fat transfer or cheek implants.
 

Fat Transfer
Only your fat cells can be used. The surgeon will perform minor liposuction, which involves collecting the fat and processing it for injection. The surgeon will make a small incision near the cheeks through which he or she will transfer the processed fat inside and close the incisions.
 
Cheek Implants
If you are opting for cheek implants, then the surgeon will discuss the size and shape of the implants during the consultation. You can see the actual implants placed in your cheeks. Nowadays, silicone implants are the most preferred ones.
 
The incision for cheek implants is longer than the incisions made for fat transfer. The surgeon places the implants high up inside the cheeks and makes sure that they are symmetrical, before closing the incisions.
 

 

What is the Recovery Process Like?

After the completion of the surgery, the surgeon will place bandages on your cheeks. Sometimes, you will also have a compression garment placed on the operated area to minimize the swelling. Make sure to keep ice packs on the cheeks to also help with the swelling and pain.
 
Diet
It is essential to opt for a liquid diet for the first two to three days. You can go for a soft diet that does not include anything hard or crunchy for the next two months. If you move your jaw too much after the surgery, it may disturb your stitches. You can use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth and will drink your fluids through a straw.
 
Medicine
The surgeon will prescribe medicines to reduce the pain and to prevent infections. Make sure to take it religiously. He may ask you to take these medicines daily for two to three weeks after which the dosage could be reduced depending on your progress.
 
Returning to Normal Life
It would be best not to attempt any heavy physical activity for a minimum of four weeks. You can return to your normal life with caution after four to five weeks after the approval of the surgeon. You may still have some swelling and signs of bruising, which will reduce entirely in three months.
 
Even as you return to your normal schedule, make sure not to rub your face too much or go for special facial treatments for a minimum of six months for best results. Approaching an expert surgeon will help you with a successful cheek augmentation surgery with long lasting results.