When people talk about fashion models or other people who are considered very attractive, one of the features they often mention is that person’s high cheekbones. Just like the size of the nose and the size of the chin, the size and definition of your cheekbones can add or take away from facial harmony. Well-defined cheekbones can make you look more youthful, can balance your nose and chin, and can highlight your eyes.

A loss of volume in the cheek area is a common part of getting older. Some people might not have much definition in that area to begin with. Several options are available to people who want to add volume to the cheeks, including implants or a filler such as Juvederm Voluma. Each option offers a number of benefits, but each also have some drawbacks. If you want fuller cheeks, there are a few things to think about when deciding which option is right for you.

Process

The process of adding volume to the cheeks is very different depending on whether a patient decides to have Juvederm Voluma or implants. Voluma is an injection while augmenting the cheeks with implants is a surgical procedure.

The process of administering Voluma typically takes about 15 minutes, though the duration of the procedure can vary based on how much augmentation you want. Pain and discomfort during the injection is usually minimal, and is made even less noticeable thanks to the addition of lidocaine to the substance. The surgeon performing the injection can also apply a numbing ointment to the area to be treated to further reduce discomfort.

A patient will usually need to prepare a bit more for cheek augmentation with implants, since the process is a surgical procedure. Certain habits will need to be given up, such as smoking, a few weeks before surgery. There is some downtime required after the surgery, too. Usually, a patient will want to take about a week off from work.

During the procedure, a patient can receive either general anesthesia or IV sedation, so he or she won’t feel anything or be particularly aware of what’s going on. The surgeon will usually make an incision inside the mouth, then create a pocket into which the implant can be placed. After the implant is in position, the incision is stitched up.

Handling Results

Cheek implants provide permanent results while the results from a treatment with Voluma can last for up to two years. At first glance, it might seem that cheek implants are the way to go, instead of Juvederm Voluma. After all, the results are designed to last and you won’t have to repeat the process after a few years.

But, in some cases, Voluma might be the better option for patients, instead of permanent implants. The face changes not only with age, but also if a person loses or gains weight. If you get implants, then lose a considerable amount of weight, your cheeks can look too pronounced and your results can end up looking unnatural.

Facial changes that are part of the natural aging process can also affect whether or not your implants work for you several years down the road. For example, if you lose a lot of volume from your face, the implants might not contribute to facial balance any longer, but make things look unbalanced.

Since Voluma wears off with time, your surgeon can make adjustments to the amount he or she injects or to the location of the injection, as needed. It might be that you need a more extensive treatment after the first two years or that you need less of the product, if you’ve gained weight in the face. Implants might be permanent, Voluma is able adapt with you as your face changes.

Everyone’s facial shape is different and every face ages in a different way. While implants might be the best solution for one person, Voluma might be more appropriate for someone else. The best way to figure out which one is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a surgeon who offers both options.

In the Virginia Beach area, Dr. Kyle Choe offers Juvederm Voluma and performs cheek augmentation. He’s available to assess your facial structure and your needs and to recommend the option that’s best for you. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Choe, call 757.389.5850 today.