Cheek Augmentation Procedures

Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that entails volumizing and contouring the midface and cheekbones, either surgically with cheek implants or non-surgically with cosmetic injectable fillers. The midface is often one of the first areas to be visibly affected by age-related volume loss, resulting in a sunken or hollow appearance. For patients looking to achieve a youthful, beautiful, natural-looking volume and contour but that want to avoid cosmetic surgery with a plastic surgeon, Dr. Green in NYC has an array of facial filler treatment options for you. In the past, the only way to achieve a midface lift in your cheeks was with cheek implants or a facial fat transfer. Thanks to advances in hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, invasive surgical procedures are no longer necessary. Non-invasive treatments with dermal fillers are at the forefront of cosmetic dermatological innovation, offering patients an easy, safe, and quick method to restore volume and reduce fine lines in the midface, jowls, lips, under eyes area, and jawline.

Dr. Green is a board-certified dermatologist and expert injector, with over 25 years of experience providing her patients from around the world with the best cosmetic treatments available, including facial filler treatment for cheek augmentation. Volume loss in the midface is typically one of the first signs of premature aging. As a part of the natural aging process, skin breaks down collagen and elastin. Both of these components of the skin provide structural support and contribute to a supple, youthful appearance. This collagen loss in the cheek area can exaggerate the wrinkles and hollows in the under-eye area as well, making us appear much older than we feel.

If you’ve noticed that you have lost volume in your cheeks, due to aging or genetics, or if you have ever felt self-conscious about a flat or “tired” appearance, cheek augmentation with dermal fillers may be the best treatment for you. Cheek augmentation is designed to enhance your natural face shape with an increase in volume, restoring the natural beauty of your cheekbones. Dr. Green will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that rejuvenates and enhances the beauty of your natural facial features while catering to your specific skin concerns and delivering phenomenal, long-lasting results.

What is cheek augmentation?

Cheek augmentation is a type of cosmetic procedure that is designed to enhance the appearance of the cheeks by providing volume or creating contour. Cheek augmentation may be surgical or non-surgical and is achievable with either cheek implants or facial fillers. Cheek augmentation should always be performed in a medical setting with either a board-certified plastic surgeon or a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City. Whether you are suffering from age-related volume loss in the cheeks or have a naturally more hollow appearance in the mid-face, it is entirely possible to achieve high cheekbones and an elegant, contoured appearance with cheek augmentation.

Dr. Green is a world-renowned cosmetic dermatologist, consistently voted a “top physician” in New York City by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, and New York Magazine. She has over 25 years of experience providing the best cosmetic injectables for facial rejuvenation including lip augmentation, chin augmentation, and cheek augmentation. During a consultation with Dr. Green in her discreet NYC office, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the process and possibilities for cheek augmentation.

Are cheek implants worth it?

Before the advent of cosmetic dermal fillers and other non-invasive techniques, cheek implants (and other facial implants, like lip or chin implants) were more commonly taken advantage of to create facial contour and provide a more youthful, long-lasting appearance. Surgical cheek augmentation is an invasive procedure that usually requires the use of local anesthesia and sedatives. Cheek implants themselves are available in an array of materials including solid silicone, porous polyethylene (Medpor), or hydroxyapatite (a combination of enamel and bone). The implants are usually inserted through incisions in the mouth or near the lower eyelid, depending on the style of the implant and accessibility. The implants may be sculpted to fit an asymmetry in the face or recommended in cases where reconstructive surgery may be needed.

Having cheek implant surgery typically requires a significant amount of planning, money, risk, and downtime when compared to having cheek augmentation with facial fillers. For many patients who are looking to simply add or restore facial volume, enhance facial contour, and appear more youthful and rejuvenated, cheek implants are not worth the hassle. If you are looking for a solution for replenishing facial volume and contour that doesn’t require any invasive plastic surgery or downtime, Dr. Green has a facial filler solution that will work for you.

Are cheek implants safe?

When your cheek augmentation procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or board-certified dermatologist in a medical setting, your treatment should be safe and effective. Cheek implants can be inserted through a small incision in the mouth or near the lower eyelid, and are often placed in a malar (outer upper cheek) or submalar (lower or mid-cheek) position. If the patient of a facial plastic surgeon is interested in combining this procedure with rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, or brow lift, fewer incisions may be needed. Typically, a general anesthetic will be used for the completion of the procedure. There is a greater risk associated with surgical cheek augmentation than there is with non-surgical cheek augmentation as the procedure is more invasive. In the case that a patient develops severe side effects or unwanted reactions, the cheek implants may need to be removed. Some of these undesirable results include cheek implant displacement, pulmonary complications, fat necrosis (where fatty tissue within the dermis dies), and deep vein thrombosis, among others. Due to these risks and the permanence of cheek implants, Dr. Green always recommends that patients consider non-invasive alternatives, such as cheek augmentation with dermal filler, prior to engaging with any permanent cosmetic surgeries.

Sculptra Before and after – 3 months

Are cheek implants permanent?

Cheek implants are meant to be a permanent option for cheek augmentation. One of the benefits, however, of choosing to have dermal fillers for cheek augmentation rather than to have cheek implant surgery is that as our faces continue to change naturally with age, we can adapt the dermal filler treatment plan to reflect evolving tastes and preferences. The permanence of cheek fillers makes it a hassle to adjust their size, placement, and appearance over time. The adaptability of dermal filler treatment is one of the reasons why non-invasive dermal filler techniques have become popular for cheek augmentation. Cheek implants are intended to be permanent, and the only way to remove the implants is through additional invasive cosmetic surgery procedures that require planning, money, risk, and downtime. For this reason, even patients who are interested in cheek implant surgery for permanent cheek implants often opt to try dermal filler cheek enhancement first, to confirm what type of facial contouring is right for them.

Why choose dermal fillers for cheek enhancement?

Cheek augmentation procedures have become increasingly popular in recent years because they offer an elegant, non-surgical way to restore lost volume to the face, treat sagging skin, and replace natural collagen loss that happens organically due to the aging process. Facial plastic surgery used to be the only method for bringing a fuller look to the cheeks. Long recovery times, bruising, sedation, sutures, and limited mobility after surgery have led dermatologists and patients alike to prefer non-invasive alternatives, such as cheek enhancement through hyaluronic acid fillers. Dermal fillers are injected into soft tissue and provide instantaneous results, offering a solution for those who are looking to achieve more prominent cheekbones or replenish lost volume in the midface, without the need for invasive cosmetic surgery and downtime.

As an added bonus, cheek augmentation with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers produces results that are semi-permanent and reversible. If a patient is unhappy with a treatment result from a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, synthetic hyaluronidase can be applied to the treatment area. Hyaluronidase is a naturally occurring substance in the body designed to break down hyaluronic acid and can be used to essentially “undo” the effects of hyaluronic acid fillers in as little as one treatment. There are, however, additional risks and side effects when undergoing cheek augmentation surgery with cheek implants, as well as when removing the implants should there be unsatisfactory results or unwanted effects. For those interested in a safe, fast, easy cheek augmentation process, that doesn’t require downtime, Dr. Green in NYC has a facial filler solution for you.

3 weeks Before and After – Juvederm Voluma 

Which cheek augmentation procedure is right for me?

To understand which cheek augmentation procedure is right for you, it is best to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable medical professional, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele green. Dr. Green has over two decades of experience treating facial volume loss, creating facial contour, and producing a natural-looking more youthful appearance. In order to achieve the most satisfactory results in a safe and effective manner, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green in New York City who can help you customize a treatment plan and develop a timeline for facial rejuvenation that caters to your skin concerns and cosmetic goals, without the need for invasive cosmetic surgery or downtime.

Who is a good candidate for cheek augmentation with dermal fillers?

A good candidate for non-invasive cheek augmentation is any patient over the age of 21 who is in overall good health, seeking improved volume or contour in the midface, and has realistic expectations for their cosmetic cheek augmentation. This includes patients who are simply looking to enhance their cheekbones so that they appear more prominent, as well as those who are seeking treatment for volume restoration in the mid-face- whether their volume loss is age-related or simply due to genetics. In general, dermal fillers are contraindicated for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who are allergic to lidocaine or any other ingredients listed in the dermal filler formulation. Additionally, patients who have severe acne or skin infections at or near the injection site will need to treat these skin conditions before engaging with non-surgical cheek enhancement. Lastly, patients who have active autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis should abstain from engaging with cheek augmentation. Dr. Green uses her 25+ years of expertise with cosmetic injectables to ensure thoughtful patient care and will be sure to discuss your medical history and goals to determine which treatment plan is right for you.

Which fillers are best for cheek enhancement?

When it comes to using dermal fillers, there is no singular “best” option on the market, as each individual will benefit from the varied formulations that brands like Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra have to offer. However, there are a few dermal fillers that are tailor-made to help enhance the look of the cheeks and midface. The following are among the most popular:

• Juvederm Voluma: This hyaluronic acid dermal filler engages the body’s natural collagen and elastin development to create a fuller, natural look, with results that last for up to two years.
• Restylane Lyft: This hyaluronic acid filler has a slightly shorter-term effect than Juvederm, lasting for up to one year with the longer-term enhancement of smooth, even skin tone.
• Restylane Contour:  This hyaluronic acid filler, also from the Restylane family of dermal fillers, is the newest FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler designed to create a natural-looking shape and contour to the midface, with results that last up to one year.
• Radiesse: This dermal filler is made of a substance called calcium hydroxylapatite, which engages collagen production in a similar manner to hyaluronic acid fillers, with lasting results up to a full year.
• Sculptra: This dermal filler has a foundation of poly-L-lactic acid, which can lead to increased collagen production and results that last for up to three years.

Non-surgical cheek augmentation with dermal fillers can also help the under-eye area appear less tired or sunken in, providing a wonderful alternative to a more involved facelift or eyelid surgery.

During your consultation with Dr. Green in her private NYC office, she will help you to determine which facial filler or combination of facial fillers would be best for your personal cheek augmentation. Every patient has a unique set of individual facial features, and the different qualities of the dermal fillers mentioned above may make one type of filler better-suited than another to an individual patient. For this reason, it is critical to have a cosmetic consultation with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green who understands the nature of each dermal filler and can create the best treatment plan for you based on your own needs and goals.

How should I prepare for having dermal filler injections?

Before any cosmetic injections take place, Dr green advises the discontinuation of any blood-thinning medications or vitamins including aspirin and fish oil. These medications can increase one’s likelihood of bruising as a side effect of injections. If you have a high propensity for bruising, there is an herbal oral supplement, Arnika forte, that can be taken for several days in advance of your treatment in order to help prevent any excess bruising or swelling. The procedure for having dermal filler injections for cheek augmentation is fairly comfortable, and the fillers used by Dr. Green are compounded with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to enhance patient comfort. However, for sensitive patients, a topical numbing cream can be sent as a prescription to any given pharmacy. One hour before your injections, the numbing cream should be applied to the entire treatment to clean skin. Once you arrive for treatment, your numbing cream will be cleaned off and skin sterilized. Dr. Green will then perform your cheek augmentation injections. The treatment area is iced immediately upon completion of the procedure to reduce any potential swelling that may occur. Dr. Green asks her patients to return two weeks after cheek augmentation treatment in order to evaluate cosmetic results and determine whether any touch-up is needed.

What is the process of cheek augmentation with dermal filler?

Prior to any cosmetic procedure that takes place, including cheek augmentation with dermal fillers, a consultation with Dr. Green is required. During a consultation, you will discuss with Dr. Green in-depth your medical history, your history with cosmetic procedures (including any previous cosmetic injections), and your desired results from treatment. Photos are always taken of the treatment area to enhance the discussion during the consultation with Dr. Green and are included in your medical chart to track your treatment progress. Together with Dr. Green, you will establish a treatment plan and a timeline that caters to your skin concerns and cosmetic goals. At this time, the total cost of your cheek augmentation treatment will be discussed. Once it has been determined which procedures will be performed to deliver your results, you may have treatment on the day of your consultation or schedule for a later date, depending on preference and time allowance.

On the day of your cosmetic injections for cheek augmentation, you will apply a topical numbing cream to the entire treatment area one hour in advance of your appointment. This step ensures that throughout the duration of the procedure that there is minimal discomfort experienced. Once you arrive at Dr. Green’s private office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of New York City, the numbing cream will be removed and skin sterilized before the injections take place. Dr. Green will then perform your cheek augmentation procedure using the dermal fillers selected during your consultation.

Immediately upon completion of the procedure, ice packs are applied to the treatment area in order to help minimize swelling at the injection sites. It is expected that there may be some mild swelling that resolves on its own within one to two weeks of treatment. Patients should refrain from exertional exercise for at least 48 hours following cheek filler treatment, as this could exacerbate any potential swelling effects. Some patients may experience mild bruising at or near the injection sites, too. For patients who are prone to bruising or who experience bruising after the treatment, an oral herbal supplement called Arnika Forte is available. Arnika Forte can also be taken for several days before to help prevent bruising.

Juvederm Voluma in the cheeks. Two syringes.

How long do cheek injections last?

On average, dermal filler injections in the cheeks last between 6 months to 2 years. The duration of your cheek filler treatment will ultimately be dependent on the type of dermal filler that was used to provide your cheek augmentation, as well as your individual metabolism. Hyaluronic acid cheek fillers usually need to be maintained twice a year for optimal cosmetic results, whereas the results from having cheek augmentation with Sculptra injections generally last for two years. Though results from dermal filler cheek augmentation can be fairly long-lasting, many patients elect to engage in “touch-up” treatments on an annual basis in order to maintain optimal cosmetic results.

Can you combine Botox injections with cheek fillers?

Of course! Patients of Dr. Green’s regularly choose to have their Botox injections and dermal filler treatments during the same appointment in order to conveniently achieve pan-facial rejuvenation. Botox, and other neuromodulators like Xeomin and Dysport, work by “freezing” the overworked muscles that are responsible for facial expression and create dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those that are caused by repetitive movement/ overuse of particular muscle groups- typically most apparent on the forehead, the glabella, and the crow’s feet. The combination of Botox injections with dermal filler treatment is often referred to as a “liquid facelift”. By utilizing a variety of cosmetic injectables within the same treatment session, Dr. Green is able to target dynamic wrinkles, fine lines and static wrinkles, and age-related volume loss. Cheek augmentation procedures in particular are often combined with Restylane or Juvederm injections along the nasolabial folds, chin, temples, and jowls. These areas of the face are also subject to collagen loss as we age, thus appearing more “sunken”, and tend to benefit greatly with dermal filler treatment to replenish facial contour, reduce hollows, and produce a rejuvenated, refreshed look.

Restylane Contour for cheek augmentation

Restylane Contour is the newest FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler on the market designed specifically for contouring the cheeks and replenishing volume in the mid face. Restylane Contour is a hyaluronic acid filler manufactured by Galderma, a trusted leader in skincare, and utilizes Xpreshan technology to improve midface contour deficiencies and volume loss. The benefit of the Xpreshan technology is that it enhances skin elasticity, provides contour, and restores facial volume while still allowing for natural, beautiful, and fully dynamic facial expression. Restylane’s XpresHAn technology was previously reserved for development of fillers designed for lip enhancement and fine lines around the mouth. XpresHAn technology uses a fine particle size to carefully integrate hyaluronic acid with the skin cells at or near the injection site, in turn creating a smooth result that doesn’t inhibit natural facial expressions and motion. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience providing her patients with the best cosmetic injections for cheek augmentation and loves the results that can be produced with Restylane Contour. During your consultation with Dr. Green, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Restylane Contour and the Restylane family of dermal filler products, and discuss which fillers are best-suited to your personal cheek augmentation treatment.

Cheek augmentation with Juvederm Voluma

One of the benefits of using hyaluronic acid injectable fillers, such as Juvederm Voluma XC, for cheek augmentation is that you can create results that are as subtle as you want. Dr. Green’s aesthetic approach to facial fillers is to produce a natural-looking result that is never “overdone” and, since the results are immediate, you can decide with Dr. Green at the time of the injections how much filler you would like. Dr. Green is well-known for embracing a “less is more” philosophy that always results in patient satisfaction being extremely high, especially when it comes to the cheek augmentation procedure. Juvederm Voluma dermal filler treatment results generally last for one year, although results may vary in terms of longevity depending on how much of the filler was injected, as well as how quickly the patient metabolizes the Hyaluronic Acid. Dr. Green will help you to determine a timeline for your cheek filler treatments that works for you and helps maintain ideal cosmetic results.

Can cheek fillers go wrong?

For most patients, the side effects associated with having dermal filler cheek augmentation are incredibly mild. Some potential side effects may include minor swelling, redness, or bruising at or near the injection site, all of which should resolve on their own fairly quickly post-treatment. In very rare instances, severe side effects, such as an infection or injection of filler directly into a blood vessel, can occur. However, these severe side effects are far more likely to occur with an inexperienced injector, such as those who offer treatment at medical spas or aesthetic centers. For this reason, Dr. Green always recommends that you schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for any cosmetic injectable treatment. Only an expert injector and medical professional will be able to offer you facial contouring benefits that are both safe and effective. Dr. Green is a renowned expert when it comes to cosmetic injectables, and the safety and satisfaction of her patients is her top priority.

Usually, when patients think about dermal filler procedures “going wrong”, they are referring to an outcome that does not meet their aesthetic desires. Though this can potentially occur with dermal fillers, it’s highly unlikely to be the result when collaborating with an experienced and artful injector, like Dr. Green, who customizes your cosmetic treatment plan to complement your existing facial features to produce beautiful, yet natural-looking results.

What is facial fat transfer?

A facial fat transfer (fat grafting) is a surgical procedure that entails taking fat stores from an area of the body and placing the fat into an area of the face that lacks volume. This process is a semi-permanent solution for volume restoration in the face and results can last for several years, though, over time, some of the injected fat is naturally depleted. To correct the appearance of volume loss from the natural aging process, this kind of procedure relies on surgical fat removal from a place where stubborn fat can occur such as the stomach, thighs, or buttocks. The fat cells are then purified and injected into areas of the face such as the cheeks, under-eye hollows, and lips. This cosmetic surgery typically takes about two to three hours to complete, and patients typically undergo general anesthesia for the procedure. There is ample recovery time required following this procedure due to the incisions made on the body. If you are considering a facial fat transfer for cheek augmentation, consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green who can help you determine which solution will provide you with the best long-lasting cosmetic results.

Voluma – Two weeks before and after

How much does cheek augmentation cost?

Cheek augmentation with dermal filler can range in price greatly depending on a number of contributing factors. The price of your non-invasive cheek augmentation will be influenced by the amount of dermal filler product needed to augment the area, as well as the type of filler (hyaluronic acid or alternative formulation) selected for your treatment. Other factors that influence the total cost include the geographic location of the medical office in which you are treated and the experience level of your injector. In general, cheek augmentation with dermal fillers is more affordable than surgical cheek augmentation options. Most patients prefer facial rejuvenation treatment with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers since they can be as effective as cheek augmentation surgery as well as save time and money and eliminate risk and recovery time. During your consultation with Dr. Green, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals and determine the type and number of dermal filler syringes needed to achieve your optimal results. At this time, the total cost of your cheek augmentation treatment will be discussed.

Can dermal fillers get rid of jowls?

Many patients tend to assume that by injecting the cheeks and providing a lifting effect, this may be sufficient for minimizing the appearance of the jowls, too. It is important, however, to be realistic about the anticipated results from your cheek filler treatment. Injecting filler into the cheek and midface can provide a lifting effect for the jawline and jowl area, though the results may not be dramatic. For moderate to severe skin laxity at the jowls, a skin-tightening procedure may be more appropriate for treatment and produce better results. Dr. Green often recommends to her patients a skin-tightening procedure called Thermage. Thermage is an RF technology that works by heating the skin to induce collagen production in the dermal layers of the skin. Through this method, patients can observe dramatic skin tightening effects without the need for any downtime whatsoever. If you are concerned about a sunken or hollow appearance at the midface as well as skin laxity at the jowls, Dr. Green can help you to construct a customized treatment approach that caters to your concerns and produces ideal cosmetic results that are natural-looking and long-lasting.

Before/After photo: Juvederm Voluma for cheeks and Restylane under eyes – 2 months

How do I get started with cheek augmentation in NYC today?

If you struggle with the appearance of a sunken midface, hollow cheeks, or simply lack the kind of facial contour that you’d like- cheek augmentation may be the solution for you. Whether you have lost facial volume due to age-related collagen breakdown or naturally lack facial contour at the cheekbones and midface due to genetics, Dr. Green in NYC can provide an artful solution. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in non-invasive cosmetic dermatology procedures, including the best Botox injections and dermal filler treatments in New York City.

Dr. Green has over two decades of experience in cosmetic dermatology and is recognized around the world for her “less is more” philosophy and aesthetic artistry. When you choose to work with Dr. Green, she will guide you to achieving a rejuvenated and natural-looking appearance so that you look and feel like the very best version of yourself. Dr. Green provides her patients from around the globe with the best cosmetic injections for lip augmentation, chin augmentation, cheek augmentation, or pan-facial rejuvenation. Dr. Green is consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in New York by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and the New York Times. Please call the office at 212 535 3088 or contact us online to learn more about cosmetic injectables, dermal fillers, and cheek augmentation today.