Cheek Enhancement

Men will frequently recognize that they have very flat, elongated, and vague features of the face and cheeks, and they want more definition, fullness, or chiseled features. These are very good reasons to seek cheek enhancement.

I call this “enhancement” because the cheekbones—and other related areas, for that matter—can be enhanced by a number of very creative methods that I will explain to you. The anatomy of the cheek area is relatively straightforward. There is the underlying cheekbone that defines the foundation or anatomy of this area both in width and height. Then there is the overlying fat and then the skin. The features of your cheeks mostly consist of what you are born with, but can be affected by trauma or even by aging when some of the bone dissolves and the fat droops. This area may be related to other nearby features, so there are many different anatomic features that must be addressed prior to your surgery. I will coordinate the features of your anatomy with your expectations, formulate a plan with you, and guide you through this process. In my practice I offer several techniques to enlarge and shape the cheek area:

• Implants: These are “anatomic” in shape and fit over the bone as an exact replica of your existing anatomy. They come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and sizes to allow for tremendous customization.
• Fat grafting: This technique is tremendously successful and highly predictable, permanent, and safe. It is especially useful if you don’t need much enhancement and need to be artistic in the distribution.
• Injectables: Restylane, Perlane, and other products can be injected into this area and are very safe. You see your result immediately.
• Malarplasty: This means cutting the bone, repositioning it with screws, is usually done only for traumatic deformities, but is another option.

In the case of surgery with cheek implants, this involves a relatively short procedure under a light general anesthetic and is performed where I do surgery, which is in a hospital setting. The surgery is safe and predictable.

The implant surgery involves a small half-inch incision in the mouth, insertion of the implant, and dissolvable stitches. There is only mild to moderate swelling, and you appear presentable and may return to work in as little as two days.