cheek augmentation

At Cocoona, cheek augmentation can be performed either surgically or non-surgically, depending on the individual requirement of the patient and their personal preference. The two key options are as follows;

• Cheek Implant Surgery– a popular option for people who suffer from hollow cheeks, in this surgical procedure contoured facial implants are inserted beneath the skin in the cheek area. Different sizes and shapes of implant can be chosen for the most natural result that suits the individual patient’s facial features and complements the existing bone structure. Typically, implants are inserted through an incision made inside the mouth or below the lower eyelid. Cheek implants are often combined with other cosmetic procedures such as chin augmentation, neck and jaw line liposuction, and removal of the Buccal fat pad.

Dermal Fillers & Fat Grafting – a good option for those who prefer a non-invasive procedure that has minimal downtime and immediate results. Fat tissue is first extracted from a patient’s stomach, thighs or any other area with adequate fat supplied, before being injected directly into the cheek area. Injectable cheek augmentation can be enhanced by the simultaneous use of specialist injections in the crow’s feet and cheek areas. This combination of treatments to the middle part of the face helps restore natural volume, improved tautness and skin tone.

Surgical cheek implants can be performed under general anesthetic or twilight anesthesia. For dermal fillers, no anesthesia is necessary.

• Men and women in good health who are suffering from the visible signs of ageing and want to restore volume to their cheeks to regain a more youthful look.
• Younger men and women who naturally have ‘flat’ cheekbones and want to achieve a more defined and contoured look

Surgical cheek implants are permanent. Dermal fillers, while long lasting, are not permanent and may require repeat procedures every two to three years to maintain your new look.

The typical recovery period for surgical cheek implants is a couple of weeks, by which point any bruising and swelling should have diminished. Dermal fillers have minimal downtime and patients can resume normal activities almost immediately, although we recommend avoiding exercise for at least a few days following the procedure.

At Cocoona, we ask for you to conduct a self-evaluation to help you assess if you are one hundred per cent ready, both physically and mentally, for any surgery. You should ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve?
• Do I know how I want my face to look after surgery?
• Do I fully understand the surgical procedure, how long it will take and what I need to do after the surgery to promote healing and recovery?
• Am I prepared to follow a healthy lifestyle to help maintain the results?

Once you have clarity on the above, the next step is to find the right surgeon and clinic. These are of paramount importance.

You need a surgeon who is experienced in performing Cheek Augmentation, has a sound reputation and proven results. You should also look for a surgeon who will give you honest and realistic advice on what you can and can’t achieve with this procedure.

A good clinic is one that has an experienced and highly skilled surgical team, licensed aestheticist(s), well trained nursing staff, an excellent reputation, and a low complication rate. Of course, the clinic also needs to be licensed with the relevant authorities for the country or region it is situated in. At Cocoona, we tick all these boxes.

For an accurate cost assessment, you will need to book an initial consultation with our surgeon. As with almost any aesthetic procedure, the cost will depend on the following factors:

Treatment Area – The complexity of the surgery required.

Surgeon’s Expertise – The surgeon’s fee is based on their experience. Obviously, a reputable surgeon who is established and has a successful track record will charge higher fees.

Clinic/ Hospital – Fees also depend upon the quality of the facility chosen for the operation.

Geographic Area – Depending on the city/ area you decide to have the surgery in, the cost is likely be different: clinics in larger metropolitan cities tend to cost more. You should bear in mind that the expertise of your consultant and your comfort factor with him or her should be one the most important considerations, much more so than the cost of the procedure. A cheap procedure could turn out to be an expensive proposition in the long run.

Once you are clear about your reasons for surgery and have decided to proceed, call us to fix an appointment. On the appointed day, the expert surgeon who will perform the surgery will consult with you. During the consultation, you should expect the following:

• Discussion about why you have opted for Cheek Augmentation surgery and what your goals are in relation to the procedure
• Understanding your medical history
• Evaluating your health status
• The options available for your surgery
• An examination of the area to be treated, measurements (if relevant) and potentially, photography to record what the area looks like prior to the procedure being undertaken
• Explanation of the options, steps involved, future treatment, risks, and potential complications, if any

Feeling apprehensive before the surgery takes place is entirely normal. Be sure to discuss any fears or concerns you have with your surgeon and don’t hesitate to ask any questions related to the results you hope to achieve.

Being well informed is being well prepared. Apart from checking that your clinic and doctors have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience, here are some more areas that you should explore:

• How many years of experience do you have as a Plastic Surgeon?
• How many Cheek Augmentation surgeries have you done?
• Where will the surgery be conducted?
• Is the clinic prepared and certified to undertake Cheek Augmentation surgery?
• What are the most common complications experienced by your patients? And how were they handled?
• Do you have a “before” and “after” photo album of similar surgeries?
• Am I a good candidate for Cheek Augmentation?
• What can I expect after the surgery?
• What precautions would I need to take before and after the surgery?
• How many days will I take to recover fully?
• What should I do for a quick recovery?
• Will the shape and appearance of the area to be treated change over time? If yes, how?
• What are the risks involved in this surgery?
• What treatment option/ technique will be used for me?

Please feel free to add any more questions that you wish to this list before your consultation.

After your initial consultation, you will need to make the final decision regarding your surgeon. Never choose your surgeon simply based on how much the treatment will cost. Instead, focus on the following:

License & certification – is the surgeon licensed and certified to conduct Cheek Augmentation surgery by a reputable body?

Expertise & experience – the number of years of experience/ how many Cheek Augmentation surgeries the surgeon has performed previously

Before/ after pictures – evidencing their capability of past performance

Clarity on possible results – whether they are providing you with realistic expectations and honest feedback

Professionalism & comfort factor – if you feel comfortable with the professionalism and manners of a surgeon, and feel you can trust him/her with your face then that’s the surgeon you should consider

Safety philosophy – if the surgeon is ready to put you at risk by recommending or agreeing to perform multiple unrelated surgeries and/or procedures on the same day or within a short period of time, you should refuse to proceed and go elsewhere.

Patient testimonials & reviews – A good reputation and a large number of positive patient testimonials and reviews on independent forums should be an important consideration in your process of choosing the right surgeon

Keep in mind that there are hidden costs in the long term and greater risks (including threat to life), associated with a surgery where costs, safety and skills are compromised. Always be wary of a plastic surgeon or clinic that is offering very low costs and/ or miraculous results.

After your initial consultation with the surgeon, once you are satisfied with the outcome of the ensuing discussions and have confirmed that you will go ahead with your chosen consultant, a date will be fixed for the procedure.

Cheek Augmentation surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. However, if you are having a Cheek Augmentation in conjunction with other procedures then you may need to stay in for longer; your consultant will be able to advise in line with your specific case.

Here are some of the important steps that you must take before the procedure:

• Discuss all medication and vitamins that you regularly use with your consultant to see if you should stop taking them before surgery and, if so, for how long. For example, any medications and vitamins that interfere with your body’s blood clotting ability, such as Vitamin E, will need to be stopped completely prior to surgery.
• Smokers should quit at least two months prior to surgery; smoking interferes with the efficiency of blood flow to the skin which may have an impact on achieving optimal results and increase the risk of complications.
• You should be in the best possible health and at a stable weight; ensuring that you follow a healthy, balanced diet prior to surgery will help you to be in optimal physical condition to help promote the best outcome

Our surgeon and patient counselor will guide you thoroughly about what you need to do so that you are completely at ease and ready for surgery and beyond.

• Following the surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to the incision sites if they were made outside of the mouth. If the implants were placed via incisions made inside the mouth, you may be given special mouth rinses to aid healing.
• You should expect some discomfort and pain after the surgery. This will be controlled with a pain management plan, which will be explained to you by your surgeon, and you will be given a course of antibiotics to help avoid infection.
• Once discharged, you will need to have regular follow ups with your surgeon to check on your healing.
• It will usually take a few weeks for swelling and bruising in the cheek area to diminish.