Cheek Augmentation: Implants vs Fat Grafting Explained

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons. Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence: Level V: How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery. The blogs/posts are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.

Cheek structure plays a vital role in the overall balance of the face and the youthful appearance presented to the world. The natural contouring of the mid-face can be affected by volume loss over time, which can be caused by genetics, significant weight loss and the natural ageing process.

Cheek augmentation can be an excellent way to restore the original lift in your cheeks, bringing youthful projection and definition back to your face. Primarily there are two routes to cheek augmentation: cheek implants and fat grafting.

Read on to find out about Artiste’s approach to facial enhancement through cheek implants and fat grafting. At the heart of what we do is our philosophy of individuality and natural beauty.

Understanding Cheek Implants

Cheek implants are medical-grade implants made of silicone or saline pouches, which are shaped to enhance the natural projection of the cheeks. They are designed with the individual in mind, mimicking the natural bone structure to enhance the natural appearance of the face with a dramatic and immediate increase in cheek volume through just one surgery.

Implants are inserted by making incisions inside the mouth or under the eye – your surgeon will discuss which option is safest and most suitable for you, and advise you on the likely scarring. The implants will be positioned and secured against your cheekbones to ensure their stability and a stable external contour. The ideal candidate for this procedure will be someone with a flatter mid-face area with weak definition in their cheekbones. They will be seeking a more sculpted look with permanent volume rather than a procedure which can offer subtle enhancement.

Typically, cheek implants are put in under general anaesthetic, and you can expect moderate swelling for up to two weeks post-surgery. Over a period of months, the implant will settle into its position for the long-term, giving you permanent results.

Understanding Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is an interesting anatomic procedure, involving the harvesting of a patient’s own body fat (typically from the stomach or thighs) and purifying it for injection into specific areas of the cheeks. It gives a soft result, restoring volume naturally to cheeks that have hollowed or deflated over time. The procedure brings a subtle improvement to cheek definition, enhancing the quality of the skin on the surface due to the presence of stem cells in the injected fat. Multiple areas can be contoured in a single procedure, making it an attractive surgery for many patients.

The ideal candidate will be seeking a gentle enhancement to the volume of their cheeks to combat age-related loss or hollowing. As a non-implant cosmetic procedure, it can be less intimidating for some patients.

The procedure involves gentle liposuction to extract fat for grafting, before it is injected into the cheeks with micro-cannulas. Swelling and bruising can persist for a week or two, and it is important to know that some of the fat will be reabsorbed by the body in the early months following grafting. Once the fat has stabilised, however, the results will be long-lasting, dependent on metabolic factors and weight changes on the part of the patient.

Can Cheek Implants and Fat Grafting be Combined?

For some patients, the ideal aesthetic solution is to combine cheek implants with fat grafting. This approach brings structural improvement from the implants and an increase in soft volume from grafting fat into the cheek areas. It can be useful if patients wish to combat a lack of cheek projection as well as volume loss due to ageing.

Fat grafting can soften the drama of cheek implants, offering a more natural-looking result that blends better into your existing features. The mid-face area is enhanced and filled out while cheek contours are strengthened. Where patients are looking to rejuvenate their appearance, or require facial reconstruction, a combination of the two procedures can produce the ideal outcome.

Which Procedure is Right for You?

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your cheeks through cosmetic surgery, it is important to discuss the potential procedures with an experienced and expert surgeon. You should consider how much projection and fullness you desire, alongside your existing anatomy and cheek shape. Your long-term aesthetic goals are important as well as your preference for artificial or natural material to be used in your procedure.

At Artiste, we are passionate about results that enhance facial harmony: this means making cosmetic changes that are balanced with the rest of your face and maintain your natural beauty. Surgical expertise helps us to decide on the best course of treatment for you, to suit and accentuate your unique facial features.

Conclusion – Consultation With Your Surgeon

A personalised assessment with an experienced surgeon is the best way to determine which surgical pathway is the best way to your desired aesthetic result. Dr Jack Zoumaras is knowledgeable in facial analysis that helps patients to achieve an elegant and balanced augmentation of the cheeks.

He is skilled in-patient consultations that assess expectations and goals before choosing the most appropriate surgical techniques to achieve those. The emphasis at Artiste is to achieve naturally beautiful results that fit with your existing facial identity.

We invite you to book a consultation with us at Artiste to explore your options and see if we can help you to enhance your inner beauty.