What is cheek/midface augmentation and what are the benefits?
Cheeks are a very important feature of the mid-face, the younger we are the fuller and rounder our cheeks tend to be. As we age, the cheeks lose volume, flatten and droop, making one look aged and tired. In addition, the loss of volume in the midface leads to the formation of jowls (the sag around the chin area) and deepening of the nasolabial folds (the line from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth) in the lower face. In addition, as we age we also often develop eye circles know as tear trough under our eyes which can make you look sad and tired – this again can be partly attributed to the loss in volume in the midface/cheeks.All these changes contribute to an ageing look Cheek augmentation involves the use of dermal fillers to add volume to the cheeks and midface. Adding filler to this area lifts the skin and restores the shape while adding height to the cheekbones. In general, high cheekbones and beauty often go hand in hand. Adding volume to the cheeks also helps alleviate the sagging in the lower face, thereby softening the nasolabial folds and marrionettes/ jowels and also reducing tear troughs/ eye circles under the eyes.
What is involved in the procedure and will it hurt?
If required topical anaesthesia can be used to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for the patient. Once anaesthesia is achieved, the area to be treated will be cleaned with antiseptic. The fillers will then be injected into the cheeks using a cannula method or needle method. The amount of filler required will vary from person to person, depending on the amount of volume loss to begin with, and the degree of enhancement desired. The whole procedure takes around 30 -45 minutes.
What should I expect after the procedure?
The result of cheek enhancement is immediately visible. However, it can take up to 4 weeks for the full effects to be seen and for the filler to fully integrate and settle. Therefore you will be asked to come back for a review between 2-4 weeks time after your initial appointment Sometimes, there may be a slight redness or swelling of the skin. This usually disappears after a day or two. Bruises may also sometimes occur but again these should settle after a few days. How long will the filler last? This will depend on the individual client and their habits and the type and amount of dermal filler used. In general cheek, enhancement lasts between 12-24 months. The photograph shows a before and after picture of a patient who has undergone cheek and midface augmentation. (In addition, she has also had lip filler and chin augmentation)
