Over the years, Dr. Matt Hlavacek has helped numerous Kansas City cheek augmentation patients achieve beautiful facial contours. Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic procedure performed to enhance the cheeks using injectable fillers or surgical cheek implants. Filling out the cheeks may reverse hollow or sunken cheeks that can develop over time as a result of aging, disease or hereditary traits.

Who can benefit from cheek augmentation?

Cheek augmentation may be used to rejuvenate hollow or sunken cheeks, or restore facial balance. Candidates should be healthy and possess realistic expectations.

Some of the benefits of cheek augmentation include:

• Improved cheek volume
• Balanced facial features
• Firmer, tighter skin
• More prominent cheeks

During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan. After undergoing cheek augmentation, your face should have a more youthful, more properly balanced appearance.

What to expect during your cheek augmentation

Cheek injections are made using dermal fillers, which have varying results and benefits. Multiple injection sites for each treatment area are determined and clearly marked. The area is cleaned with antiseptic, the proper amount of filler determined for each site, and the filler injected beneath the skin. Local anesthetic may be used, but is also frequently contained within the injections themselves.The injections take between 15-45 minutes.

Cheek implant surgery is typically performed under general or twilight anesthesia. Incisions are made within the mouth along the gum line, or within the lower eyelid. A pocket is formed on each cheek bone and a biocompatible implant is secured in place within it. Incisions are then closed using dissolvable sutures. The implant procedure takes 30-45 minutes.

After your cheek augmentation treatment or surgery

For injectable fillers, there is little to no recovery period, and you may often resume normal activities immediately. For recovery from the implant procedure, it will be helpful to keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. It may be necessary to eat soft foods for the first few days. The sutures must be washed after every meal, and will dissolve on their own in a week or two. There may be some swelling, bruising and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medications for the first few days.

Light activity is often encouraged following the procedure. More strenuous activity is possible after several weeks, though the implant area should be protected. As each recovery is unique, your specific recovery period will be discussed. Incision lines should be hardly noticeable inside the mouth or within the eyelid, and should fade within 12-18 months of surgery.

Understanding the risks of cheek augmentation

Cheek augmentation injections are less invasive than cheek implants. As a result, they have a much lower risk of side effects. Some possible complications include asymmetric appearance, infection, irregular skin appearance and changes in sensitivity. These complications will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation, as will any steps you can take to help minimize the risk of complications.

If you’re ready to take the next step

If you feel you may be a cheek augmentation candidate, contact us to schedule a consultation in Kansas City. During your consultation, you may bring up any questions or concerns you have, look through our photo archive, and discuss details such as your goals, expected recovery and payment options.