Cheek Augmentation
in Los Angeles
Restore Youthful Contours with Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley
Full, well-defined cheekbones create facial harmony and a youthful appearance. As we age, the natural fat pads in our cheeks diminish, leading to a sunken or flat facial appearance. Cheek augmentation adds volume to the malar (cheekbone) area, restoring balance to your facial features and creating a more youthful contour.
At Rawnsley Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley offers multiple options for cheek augmentation tailored to your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Options for Cheek Augmentation
Cheek Implants
Cheek implant surgery provides permanent enhancement to the cheekbone area. During this procedure:
- Silicone implants are placed over the natural cheekbone structure
- Implants come in various sizes and shapes to match your facial proportions
- The procedure creates a 3D contour that appears completely natural
Cheek implants are typically made from synthetic materials such as silicone that are biocompatible with human tissue. Dr. Rawnsley selects the ideal implant size and shape to complement your unique facial structure.
Dermal Fillers
For patients seeking a non-surgical approach to cheek enhancement, injectable dermal fillers offer:
- Immediate results with minimal downtime
- Temporary fullness that can last 9-24 months depending on the product
- A "preview" of what surgical augmentation might achieve
Cheek implants are typically made from synthetic materials such as silicone that are biocompatible with human tissue. Dr. Rawnsley selects the ideal implant size and shape to complement your unique facial structure.
Dr. Rawnsley offers several options for cheek filler injections:
- Hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Perlane)
- Calcium-based fillers (Radiesse)
- Poly-L-lactic acid fillers (Sculptra)
The Cheek Augmentation Procedure
Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where Dr. Rawnsley will:
- Evaluate your facial structure and proportions
- Discuss your aesthetic goals
- Recommend the most appropriate cheek enhancement approach
- Create a customized treatment plan
Cheek Implant Surgery
For patients choosing implants, the cheek augmentation surgery involves:
- Outpatient procedure typically lasting 1-2 hours
- General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation
- Incisions made either inside the mouth (intraoral approach) or through the lower eyelid (if combining with blepharoplasty)
- Precise placement of implants over the cheekbone structure
- Closure with fine sutures
Filler Injections
For non-surgical cheek augmentation:
- Treatment takes approximately 30-45 minutes
- Topical anesthetic may be applied for comfort
- Strategic injection of dermal fillers to achieve desired volume
- Immediate results with minimal bruising
Fat Grafting Procedure
The fat transfer process involves:
- Harvesting fat cells through liposuction from a donor site (typically abdomen, thighs, or flanks)
- Processing and purifying the harvested fat
- Precise injection into the cheek tissue
- Slightly overcorrecting to account for some fat reabsorption
Recovery and Results
Implant Recovery
After cheek implant surgery, patients can expect:
- Moderate pain and swelling for 5-7 days
- Temporary numbness in the cheek area
- Restricted to a soft diet if an incision in the mouth was used
- Return to work within 7-10 days
- Final results visible once swelling subsides (approximately 4-6 weeks)
Filler Recovery
After dermal filler treatment:
- Minimal downtime (often return to normal activities immediately)
- Possible slight bruising at injection sites
- Immediate visible results
- Temporary fullness lasting 9-24 months depending on the product used
Fat Grafting Recovery
After fat transfer:
- Moderate swelling for 7-14 days
- Some bruising at both donor and recipient sites
- Initial overcorrection that settles into natural results
- Final results visible after 3-4 months when fat cells have established blood supply
Combining Procedures
Face Lift
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Chin Augmentation
Benefits of Cheek Augmentation
- Creates more defined facial structure
- Restores volume lost with aging
- Improves facial proportion and symmetry
- Enhances the appearance of the eyes by providing support to the lower lids
- Creates a more youthful appearance
- Balances other facial features
Am I a Candidate for Cheek Augmentation?
You may be an ideal candidate for cheek augmentation if you:
- Have naturally flat or underdeveloped cheekbones
- Have experienced volume loss in the cheeks due to aging
- Desire more definition in your mid-face
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
Why Choose Dr. Rawnsley for Cheek Augmentation?
Specialized Expertise
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Rawnsley brings specialized knowledge of facial anatomy and proportion to every cheek augmentation procedure.
Customized Approach
Dr. Rawnsley recognizes that beautiful cheeks look different on every face. He tailors each procedure to complement your unique features.
Academic Leadership
As Co-Director of the Fellowship Program in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA, Dr. Rawnsley stays at the forefront of facial implant techniques and technology.
Natural-Looking Results
Dr. Rawnsley's approach emphasizes enhancement that appears completely natural while providing noticeable improvement.
Cheek Augmentation FAQ
Take the First Step Toward Enhanced Facial Harmony
If you're considering cheek augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley to discuss how this procedure can enhance your appearance. Dr. Rawnsley's expertise in facial plastic surgery makes him an ideal choice for patients seeking natural-looking cheek enhancement in Los Angeles.