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What is cheek augmentation?

Cheek augmentation enhances, lifts, and defines the cheekbones to achieve beautiful facial structure. With cheek augmentation, the cheeks appear more youthfully full, and the cheekbones are more prominent, giving shape and structure to the cheeks instead of a flat or concave appearance.

This result can be achieved surgically with implants or fat grafting, or non-surgically with dermal fillers. However it is performed, cheek augmentation in Houston can provide a more contoured, healthy, and youthful structure.

What happens during a cheek augmentation procedure?

Your procedure will vary based on the type of cheek augmentation you choose to have, either by dermal fillers, fat grafting, or cheek implants.

Fat grafting

During a fat grafting procedure, excess fat is gently extracted with liposuction from another area of the body, such as the thighs, hips, or abdomen. The fat is then purified and injected into the cheeks to achieve beautiful definition and structure. Some of the fat cells will not survive, but this is a natural and expected part of the procedure. After six months, the fat that remains is relatively permanent, producing very long-lasting results.

Recovery time after a fat grafting cheek augmentation procedure will vary, but most people take about 7-10 days off from work and other activities. 

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are artfully injected into the cheekbones, achieving a lifted, more prominent appearance. Done skillfully, the results are very natural-looking. This treatment takes only about half an hour and requires no downtime. Results last anywhere from 6-18 months. 

Cheek implants

A cheek implant is made of silicon, providing a significant enhancement. Implants are chosen that are the right size and shape for your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. This procedure includes incisions inside the lower eyelid or inside the mouth that result in no visible incisions. Once the incision is made, the cheek implant is inserted and moved into place.

After cheek implant surgery, there will be swelling and bruising. The swelling will reduce over a period of about six weeks, but most patients are able to resume normal activities after about ten days. During this time, you should not sleep on your face. Results after a cheek implant are considered permanent. 

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What are the benefits of cheek augmentation?

Cheek augmentation is a popular procedure because the results are quite outstanding, providing a reshaped and elegantly defined facial appearance. Benefits of a cheek augmentation in Houston include the following:

  • A more contoured, youthful fullness
  • Resolves a sunken, hollow appearance
  • Reverses the signs of age
  • Achieves youthful definition of the mid and lower face
  • Customizable to suit your unique needs and goals
  • Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your goals
  • Improves self-confidence
  • No scarring
  • Natural-looking results
  • For dermal fillers: short recovery time

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Who is a candidate for cheek augmentation?

Good candidates for cheek augmentation would like to enhance their facial features and improve their midface and cheekbone structure. Candidates for cheek augmentation in Houston should meet the following requirements:

  • Are in good physical health
  • Face and skull are fully mature
  • Do not smoke
  • Have realistic expectations about what cheek augmentation can achieve
  • For fat grafting: have enough excess fat to harvest for transfer
  • For dermal fillers: have no skin infections in the treatment area
  • For cheek implants: have no serious medical conditions such as a bleeding disorder

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Absolutely Amazing!! Dr. Arroyo and his staff made me feel super comfortable throughout the entire process.  They are the most professional and friendliest people I've met - the best you could ask for.  Dr. Arroyo does amazing work and truly cares for his patients.  His attention to detail is incredible and he is a true artist of his craft.  I Highly recommend Dr. Arroyo to everyone!!!

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Recovery

The recovery period after cheek augmentation varies depending on which type of cheek augmentation you choose to have. Dermal fillers have the shortest recovery time, while fat grafting and cheek implants take longer.

Recovery after cheek implants

There will be some bruising and discomfort for several days after your surgery. During this time, you will follow a liquid-only diet. You will need 1 to 2 weeks of downtime before you return to work or your usual activities. While swelling will slowly subside over a six-week period, most patients will need 1 to 2 weeks before they can return to normal activities. It will take between 6-8 weeks before exercise can be resumed. 

Recovery after cheek augmentation with fat grafting

There will be swelling and bruising and a tight feeling in your face for 1-2 weeks after your surgery. It will take about a week before most people feel comfortable returning to work. Wait for three weeks to exercise or exert yourself again. It will take a few weeks for swelling to reduce as the healing process continues. 

Recovery after cheek augmentation with dermal fillers

Dermal fillers require no downtime, and the recovery period is minimal. There may be some minimal swelling, bruising or redness at the injection sites, which will fade in a couple of days or a week. Do not expose yourself to intense heat, exercise, drink alcohol, or direct sun during this time.  

Is there visible scarring after cheek augmentation?

There is no scarring after cheek augmentation by dermal fillers. For fat transfer, the area where the fat was liposuctioned with have very small scars in a circular shape. This scar usually fades well and quickly, ultimately becoming invisible or hardly noticeable. 

If your cheek augmentation is done with cheek implants, scarring is not visible because the incisions are not made on the outer skin. Incisions are very small, typically inside the mouth, near the gum line, or inside the lower eyelid.

Why choose Dr. Arroyo for cheek augmentation?

Dr. Christian Arroyo combines advanced training, artistic precision, and a deep understanding of facial anatomy to create beautifully balanced and natural-looking results for cheek augmentation patients. Recognized as Houston’s Best Plastic Surgeon in 2022 by the Houston Chronicle, Dr. Arroyo is celebrated for his expertise and patient-centered care. Dr. Arroyo’s multicultural background and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish allow him to connect with a wide range of patients, ensuring each individual's unique goals and needs are met.

His educational journey includes graduating from the University of Puerto Rico Medical School and completing rigorous general surgery training at the University of Connecticut and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He further honed his skills during a plastic surgery residency at Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Arroyo prioritizes safety and comfort, often utilizing Total Intravenous Sedation (TIVA) instead of general anesthesia for procedures. When you choose Dr. Arroyo for cheek augmentation, you entrust your care to a highly skilled and compassionate surgeon committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Cheek Augmentation FAQ

Can your body reject a cheek implant?

How long does a cheek augmentation with implants last?

Should I choose cheek implants over fillers?

Can cheek augmentation be combined with another procedure to enhance results?

How much does cheek augmentation cost?

Can your body reject a cheek implant?

When you are having cheek implants, the chance of implant rejection is extremely rare.

How long does a cheek augmentation with implants last?

Most facial implants are considered permanent as they last for a lifetime.

Should I choose cheek implants over fillers?

The decision about which type of cheek augmentation you should have is a personal one. If you want a more long-term solution for cheek enhancement, fillers are not likely your best choice.

Can cheek augmentation be combined with another procedure to enhance results?

Cheek augmentation is commonly combined with other procedures, such as a facelift, rhinoplasty, or brow lift. Together, these procedures can help create a more balanced, harmonious facial structure.

How much does cheek augmentation cost?

Cheek augmentation costs depend on the type of cheek augmentation you choose and the extent of treatment or procedure that is required. During your consultation with Dr. Arroyo, you will be able to discuss your needs and goals and decide on the best cheek augmentation to achieve the desired result. The cost will be determined at that time.

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