Cheek augmentation
Table of contents:
What is cheek augmentation?
High cheekbones are seen as a sign of beauty for women. Just look at women like Angelina Jolie and Kate Moss. As women tend to have fuller cheeks than men, they are seen as a sign of femininity. They radiate health and youth.
Some people don’t have high cheekbones, and others may have had high cheekbones in the past but they have become flatter over the years. Whatever the issue, we have a solution: cheek augmentation with lipofilling or implants. We enlarge your cheeks to make you look youthful and healthy again.
Medpor implants or fat grafting?
There are two ways to perform cheek augmentation: fat grafting (where fat is taken from another part of your body, usually the abdomen, thighs or hips) or implants (if you don’t have enough fat).
1 Medpor implants
At the o2 Clinic we use Medpor implants. Dr Bart van Nimmen has performed facial feminization surgery on many transgender women. He prefers to use these implants because they provide the best long-term results, because Medpor implants are designed to fit the patient’s needs. They are custom made by Avinent, following a CBCT scan. So they always fit perfectly and stay in the right place, and there is no risk of infection.
2 Fat grafting or lipofilling
If you naturally have enough fat, you can opt for cheek augmentation using fat grafting or lipofilling.
The benefits
- A natural result;
- No scar;
- Performed under local anesthesia.
Procedure
1Cheek augmentation surgery using implants
Cheek augmentation surgery takes 30 minutes to an hour and takes place under general anesthesia. If you choose this procedure, you don’t have to worry about scars.
- Incision—The incision is made either in your mouth in the gum above your upper teeth (paranasal implants) or just under the eyelashes (cheek implants).
- The Medpor implants are shaped according to your preference with the help of a CT-scan that needs to be made several weeks before surgery. They are fastened using small screws so that they remain firmly in place.
2 Cheek augmentation surgery using fat grafting or lipofilling
Lipofilling can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is only used when small volumes of fat are required. If this procedure is combined with other procedures, it will mostly be done under general anesthesia. The donor site is always infiltrated with a mixture of local anesthesia and adrenaline to reduce postoperative discomfort and bruising.
Recovery
The incision in your mouth is closed after surgery using dissolvable stitches – so they will disappear on their own. We recommend that you rinse your mouth with mouthwash two to three times a day. You will be given this mouthwash after your surgery. It helps keep your mouth free of bacteria and heals the wound. The stitches will have completely dissolved after about two weeks.
You will also experience the usual side effects of an operation:
- Swelling (the first two weeks)—Immediately after the surgery, the injected area can be swollen and bruised. In the beginning, the correction may look rather exaggerated because of the over-correction. To reduce swelling, we recommend sleeping on three pillows so your face is positioned higher than the rest of your body.
- In about three weeks’ time approximately 80% of the bruising and swelling will have disappeared.
- Temporary numbness.
- Your cheeks may feel painful and stiff.
- After four months you get a good impression of what the final result after six months will be.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of facial surgery?
You can find estimated prices here, after your consultation you will be informed of the exact prices of your operation. Prices are average and may vary depending on: the exact treatment or surgery needed; the exact area you want to have treated; your bone structure; your expectations and wishes...
We have a specific procedure to get a quote from the doctor. To receive a personalized quote, please visit the following link to see your different options.
Is there a payment plan or financing option for a surgery?
No, payments have to be made following our payment policy. It is not possible to pay for a surgery via monthly/... payments.
What is the cost of a forehead lift?
You will find all the prices of our treatments and operations here.
How long will the results of a forehead lift last?
A forehead lift has a long-term result of 10 to 15 years. Of course you also have to take into account the natural ageing process of the skin as you get older.
What are the risks of a forehead lift?
Any disadvantages or possible complications can be found here.
Who is a suitable candidate for a forehead lift?
People who suffer from low-set eyebrows, deep frown lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows, drooping eyelids and tension headaches caused by frowning.
How to prepare for a forehead lift?
For this procedure, you do not need to make any specific preparations apart from the standard preoperative instructions. You will receive these by email.
What is the cost of a mid-facelift?
You will find all the prices of our treatments and operations here.
How long will the results of a mid-facelift last?
A mid-facelift is very effective in tightening the skin around the cheeks, and most people are satisfied with the results. The results usually last for about 10 years.
What are the risks of a mid-facelift?
Any disadvantages or possible complications can be found here.
Who is a suitable candidate for a mid-facelift?
A mid-facelift can be a good option for people who want a more youthful appearance, prominent cheekbones and a radiant look, but who do not require surgery to their jawline or forehead.
We are doing our very best to keep this information up-to-date. In case you see anything that no longer seems accurate, or in case you have a question, please fill out the form below.