Cheek Augmentation in Virginia Beach

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Cheek augmentation has become a popular facial plastic surgery procedure in Virginia Beach, and it is commonly used to improve the appearance of cheekbones that appear flat or underdeveloped. Inserting cheek implants in the cheek area can enhance the appearance of the bone structure, making the cheekbones look higher and fuller. Prominent cheek bones are desirable because they greatly improve the appearance of the entire face and promote a more youthful look.

Cheek Augmentation | Virginia Beach, VA

Many people have well-formed cheekbones in their youth, but as they get older the cheekbones often lose definition. Most cheek implants are made from solid materials and, once applied to the face, the implants are meant to be permanent. Cheek augmentation is often performed on its own but can be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift.

Cheek implants come in many shapes, including submalar, malar and combined shapes. Each shape is meant to perform a specific task, such as making the cheeks look fuller or rounding a gaunt appearance. Since cheek implants have been around since 1956, they have a great safety record.

Why Have A Cheek Augmentation?

Most would agree that high cheek bones are a sign of beauty, and preferable to their sunken counterparts. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with beautiful, high cheek bones. Even for those born with high cheek bones, the process of aging can greatly diminish their appearance.

By adding volume to the cheeks, Dr. Choe is able to help patients obtain an ideal facial contour. If you haven’t already considered the procedure, you’ll find there are several benefits to doing so. When used for the right patients, cheek implants offer several important benefits. Cheeks that are higher and fuller can significantly improve your appearance while balancing the other features on your face. They can even make you look younger. Cheek implants also have the potential to correct facial asymmetries. And, as with many cosmetic procedures, you may find a boost in your self-confidence along with your appearance.

In some cases, cheek implants can even be used to correct trauma or facial scarring. After a successful procedure, cheek implants can deliver permanent results. The implants are made from biocompatible, safe materials, and the risks associated with the surgery are minimal. Cheek augmentation can even serve as an add-on procedure for facelift and similar surgeries.

Another benefit is the fact that cheek implants offer very controllable results. Depending on what is desired by the patient, the implants can be used to deliver minor or dramatic results. Overall, the benefits of this procedure almost always outweigh the risks, and a large percentage of patients are satisfied with the results.

Cheek implants are perfect for improving facial contour. Today, patients can choose from a wide range of implants because there are many different shapes and sizes. There are excellent implants for every common facial structure. Depending on the needs of the patient, the either semi-solid or solid material implants may be used.

Cheek Augmentation Procedure

Cheek augmentation is a common procedure and has a proven track record. If you’re considering cheek augmentation, it’s important to understand how the procedure works.

During the procedure, an implant is placed over the top portion of your cheek bones. In most cases, implants are inserted through incisions that are made in your mouth. This is the area where the cheek meets the upper gum. When this surgical technique is used, you don’t have to worry about any visible scarring. Another option is to have the implant inserted through an incision made within the lower eyelid. The implant could be made from silicone, or it could be made from other materials that are proven to be tolerated well by the body.

The procedure might also involve the use of a bone graph, which is extracted from the hip. Unfortunately, if a bone graft is needed, there will be minor scarring in the area where the graft is extracted from. Dr. Choe will discuss this with you before you undergo surgery.

Cheek augmentation can be performed while the patient is under anesthesia, which means the patient is asleep. To keep the area numb, a local anesthetic will be applied. In most cases, patients are able to go home the same day they had the surgery. However, patients will need to take time off of work for recovery. Since this is a surgical procedure, it’s important to understand that there are risks involved. Fortunately, these risks can be minimized by making sure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

Are You A Candidate?

Good candidates for this surgical procedure generally have inadequate cheek volume. For example, maybe you were born with small or flat cheeks, so your cheeks lack the proper volume and shape needed for ideal proportions. Candidates might also have decreased cheek volume due to aging. The cheeks usually retain a full appearance until your late 20s. Over time, the aging process pulls fatty tissue away from the face and moves it towards the mouth. The end result is decreased cheek volume, which can cause your face to look aged and elongated. Aging will also cause your cheeks to look more masculine and, while this isn’t a problem for men, it can be a serious problem for women.

If you’re a good candidate for cheek augmentation, then you might be concerned with:

Hollowing cheeks
Cheeks that don’t have enough definition
A flattened appearance of your mid face

Ideal candidates should have a positive attitude and hold realistic expectations for what the procedure can do for them. Good health is also requisite.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheek Implants

Fortunately, most patients are given anesthesia, so they’re asleep for the procedure. There is minimal discomfort associated with the procedure, and it can take about 15 minutes for each side of the face. In total, the procedure might take 45 minutes to an hour, so it’s a relatively short procedure.

Any dressing applied after surgery will remain in place for up to three days afterward. Some patients prefer to continue wearing the facial compression garment for up to a week. Most patients start looking much better after one week. Depending on the person, bruising and swelling can vary. Mild discomfort might be experienced during the first night, but it should not last longer than a day.

Although cheek augmentation is considered to be a very safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. There is always the risk of infection. There is also the rare chance that one of the implants may move out of position and, if this happens, a procedure is needed the correct the issue.

In the days following the procedure, the cheeks might feel swollen and tight. It can take up to 10 days for the sutures to dissolve completely. Depending on the specifics of the procedure, you might have to wait 10 days before you can return to work, and when you do return, you’ll want to make sure you’re placed on light duty.

Related procedures: Blepharoplasty, Otoplasty.