Cheek enhancement surgery has become an increasingly popular procedure to combat the signs of aging, give the face a more youthful contour, and improve overall facial proportions. Cheek enhancement by means of permanent implants, also referred to as cheek augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds volume to your cheeks. Injected fillers, such as Juvéderm or Restylane, can temporarily enhance your facial contours.
If you have been considering cheek enhancement in Richmond, you may be wondering if you are a good candidate and which option is best for you. Dr. Steven Montante can help you understand your surgical and non-surgical choices for rejuvenating your facial appearance during an initial consultation at our office.
The Difference Between Fillers and Surgery
As you age, collagen production naturally slows, and your face loses some of its volume and elasticity. Fillers can serve as a temporary solution to give your face added fullness and a more youthful appearance, and depending on your choice of product, fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years. Eventually, the filler will dissolve, and you will need another treatment, so fillers are a great option if you are apprehensive about surgery, or you want to do a “test drive” before committing to a surgical procedure.
Cheek enhancement is a surgical solution for adding volume to the middle facial area. Rather than using injections to improve your facial contours, Dr. Montante will put implants in place through an incision in your mouth, leaving no exterior scarring from incisions. Fat grafting can also be a great option for adding volume to your face and refreshing your appearance.
Recovery time for non-surgical fillers and cheek enhancement surgery is relatively short. With fillers, depending on your individual treatment plan, you can resume most activities immediately. With cheek enhancement surgery, you may be able to return to work within a few days, but Dr. Montante may suggest that you avoid injury to the area for several weeks so that the implant is not disturbed.
Are You a Good Candidate for Cheek Enhancement?
If you are a nonsmoker, physically active, and in overall good health, you could be a good candidate for cheek enhancement surgery. You should maintain a stable weight over an extended period. It is also important that you ask us any questions that you may have before committing to the procedure so that you have a realistic idea of what to expect.
The following are some issues you may have that indicate that you could be a great candidate for cheek enhancement surgery:
- You are concerned about the appearance of your cheeks or the contour of your face
- You have sunken cheeks or hollows beneath your eyes
- You want your face to have more contours
- You wish to remove sagging facial skin
If you are concerned about any of these issues, reach out to our Richmond office to discuss the possibility of a cheek enhancement procedure.
What to Expect from Cheek Enhancement Surgery
Though each case is different, a cheek enhancement procedure is relatively simple. Dr. Montante will discuss the procedure with you in detail prior to the surgery to prepare you for the procedure and the results.
Before Surgery
We will give you a list of medications that you should not take, such as blood-thinning aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, fish oil, and vitamin C. If you smoke, your surgeon may ask you to quit smoking for some time before and after the procedure. If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with Dr. Montante before surgery.
The Surgery
General anesthesia, a sedative, or local anesthesia inside the mouth will be used during cheek surgery for your comfort and safety. Dr. Montante will make small incisions inside your mouth so that there is no visible scarring and will make a tissue pocket to hold the implant. Once your implant is placed correctly, it will be sutured in place. These sutures will dissolve on their own after a few weeks.
Recovery
After surgery, you may notice some mild swelling and odd sensations near the implant. We will give you instructions regarding care of the surgical site, tell you when you can resume normal activities, and address any specific concerns that you may have.
Once the swelling has subsided, you should be able to resume normal activities. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have when you return for a follow-up appointment.
Schedule a Cheek Enhancement Consultation at Our Richmond Office
You may have become unhappy with your appearance due to sagging facial skin, sunken cheeks, or hollows beneath your eyes. If one or more of these issues has been bothering you, consider cheek enhancement in Richmond. This procedure could help you become most comfortable in your skin and provide a more balanced facial appearance. Schedule a consultation with Montante Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics today to learn more.