Cheek Augmentation

“Lifting” the Cheek for a Lighter, More Youthful Look

We often describe people, or even architecture, as having “good bones” as a way of expressing a sense of a beautiful, solid structure underlying even the most weathered, lackluster surface. Inversely, no matter how attractive the surface features may be, a structure lacking so-called “good bones” may not be considered as resonantly fine.

At New Look New Life, we do not believe in upholding any one standard of beauty—and certainly, all healthy bones are “good bones.” People who have sustained cranio-facial injuries may need reconstructive surgery. Other patients look to cheek augmentation for esthetic reasons. At the heart of cosmetic surgery is the tenant “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and we believe that the beholder is, fundamentally, the patient. Some patients may feel that a particularly narrow cheek structure gives their faces a drawn, gaunt appearance; others may feel that their cheek structure draws attention to heaviness in the lower parts of their faces. Cheek augmentation can help in all these cases.

Typically, Dr. Karlinsky makes incisions inside the upper mouth area at the gum line. She can then slide the implants, made of hardened silicone or polyethylene, into the correct position. These are normally fashioned to fit right on top of the current bone, so Dr. Karlinsky does not need to attach the implants via sutures or staples. Alternatively, the incision can be made underneath the eye, which happens to have a reduced chance of infection. Most patients opt for the intraoral approach, however, because it leaves no visible scar.

Another option for cheek augmentation is injectables. These are much less invasive, but not permanent solutions. Either self-donated body fat or a hyaluronic acid (the material in facial fillers such as Restylane) is injected by the doctor in a method that allows it to sit on top of the bone, enhancing its prominence. While fillers are eventually reabsorbed into the body over time, the special fat grafting that Dr. Karlinsky is now offering may last several years.

Although all surgery carries certain risks, there are very few complications associated with cheek augmentation. These are limited to adverse reactions to anesthesia, infection, and misplacement of the implant or injection.

Click here if you would like more information on Cheek Augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Karlinsky.