The coveted heart shape is the ultimate representation of a youthful, proportionate facial contour. Unfortunately, this is also an aspect of the appearance that is likely to change over time. The middle of the face is particularly vulnerable to collagen depletion, a protein that is rich within the dermal structure during our younger years and decreases over time. Loss of collagen results in loss of volume in the midface, which leads to facial hollowing and loss of definition in the cheekbones. Dr. Barrett offers treatment to reverse those aging symptoms, restoring your youthful fullness and contour.
What is Cheek Augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is a nonsurgical treatment designed to rejuvenate the cheek area by adding definition and fullness where the aging process has already taken its toll. Dr. Barrett often uses injectable dermal fillers for this purpose, since they can add the volume his patients desire without incisions or post-operative scarring. While dermal fillers offer temporary results, many fillers used for this purpose provide improvement for up to two years.
Filler ingredients like calcium hydroxyapatite in Radiesse or hyaluronic acid in Juvederm Voluma can soften skin creases, revive shallow contours and stimulate collagen reproduction for enhancement that is natural, beautiful and long-lasting. With multiple formulations at his disposal, Dr. Barrett is equipped to customize your treatment to your precise needs and desired results.
Choosing Your Injector
While many physicians and other providers offer dermal filler treatments today, not all will produce the same natural results. Injectable treatments require a detailed understanding of facial anatomy as well as an artistic eye to create the most attractive facial profile. Dr. Barrett has extensive experience with fillers and knows how to administer treatment to minimize side effects like bruising and produce a stellar outcome. He also takes the time to understand your concerns and goals, so your treatment is tailored to you.
Is Cheek Augmentation Right for You?
Cheek augmentation utilizing dermal fillers might be the right choice for you if you have any of the following concerns:
- Sunken cheek feature
- Loss of definition along the cheekbone
- Asymmetry between the two sides of the face
- Deep facial lines and wrinkles
- Shallow scarring left behind from acne
The filler formulations often contain the numbing medication lidocaine, so you should not select these products if you have an allergy. In addition to creating fullness in the midface, your filler treatment can reverse other signs of aging like wrinkles and diminish shallow scarring that is a visible reminder of acne or chicken pox. Dr. Barrett will evaluate your concerns at your in-person consultation so he can make the best recommendation for a treatment plan for you.
Benefits of Cheek Augmentation
There are numerous benefits to selecting dermal fillers for your cheek augmentation treatment:
- No incisions mean no scarring after your procedure
- Anesthesia is not needed with this treatment
- You can return to your activities immediately
- Positive results will be seen soon after your session
- Effects will last anywhere from one to two years in most cases
Cheek Augmentation Overview
Cheek augmentation using injectable fillers takes anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour to complete. Dr. Barrett will select between Radiesse or Juvederm to augment the cheek area while diminishing the appearance of wrinkles if appropriate. Injections are meticulously placed in locations that will offer natural, even results. The number of injections will vary, based on how much augmentation is needed and other areas to be addressed during your treatment session.
Many patients find this procedure is much more comfortable than they expect. Dr. Barrett takes numerous precautions to make your experience as painless as possible, including numbing cream, ice packs and numbing medication administered by injection. Most patients claim a shot in the arm hurts worse than an injectable treatment performed by Dr. Barrett.
After Your Cheek Augmentation
After your cheek augmentation treatment, you may notice mild swelling in the cheek area. This side effect usually subsides within a week. Bruising can also occur and will also diminish in the days following your appointment. Since patients often confuse these side effects with an unfortunate result, we recommend you wait at least one week before evaluating your new look. If you experience excessive swelling, Dr. Barrett can dissolve Juvederm within minutes using a special dissolving agent designed for this purpose.
Within days, you will begin to see your cheek features settle into their new look. These enhancements will continue to improve over the next three to six months as collagen levels increase within the dermal structure. Your refreshed appearance may last up to two years, depending on the product used and how quickly your body breaks down the filler.
Sculpting a Youthful Midface
Don’t settle for an aged appearance due to loss of volume in the midface. With a quick, relatively comfortable injectable treatment, Dr. Barrett can help restore your youthful profile and refresh your look. Contact Barrett Plastic Surgery today at 310-598-2648 to find out if cheek augmentation is the right choice for you.
The information about cheek augmentation was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Barrett. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.