What is cheekbone enhancement and reduction?

Every individual looks out for having a beautiful and well-contoured face. Cheeks enhance the facial aesthetics and high cheekbones are considered to be the beauty traits. It is found that the people with high cheekbones are physically more desirable, a trait being observed from our ancestors. Cheek enhancement is indicated in individuals with low cheekbones. But, if the cheekbone is too big and protruding, it does pose a problem. Cheek reduction surgery is indicated to the individual who has a cheekbone that protrudes out and makes the face look bigger and rough.

• Cheekbone enhancement is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is intended to heighten the cheeks in the individuals who are not happy with the sunken cheekbones.
• Cheekbone reduction is a surgical procedure that involves reducing higher cheekbones by shaving off the protruded bone mass.

What are the types of surgeries?

• Cheekbone augmentation: Cheek enhancement can be performed by using implants, fillers or by fat deposition. The best way for the cheek augmentation is by the use of implants. The face implants are used in conjunction with a facelift, nose surgery, and a forehead lift.
• Cheekbone reduction: Two surgical procedures are followed for the cheekbone reduction:
  • Buccal fat reduction: It is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat from the cheeks.
  • Cheekbone reduction surgery: It is a surgical procedure in which the bone is trimmed or pushed inside the skin.

What are the types of surgeries?

• Cheekbone augmentation: Cheek enhancement can be performed by using implants, fillers or by fat deposition. The best way for the cheek augmentation is by the use of implants. The face implants are used in conjunction with a facelift, nose surgery, and a forehead lift.
• Cheekbone reduction: Two surgical procedures are followed for the cheekbone reduction:
  • Buccal fat reduction: It is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat from the cheeks.
  • Cheekbone reduction surgery: It is a surgical procedure in which the bone is trimmed or pushed inside the skin.

Who would be eligible for the surgery?

Cheek augmentation is suggested for the individuals with a narrow face and a wide cheek area, loss of cheek fat due to aging, flat or a wrinkled mid-face and soft-tissue degradation in the mid-face.

Cheek reduction is suggested for the individuals with a wide face which is prominently wide in the middle, a dented and shaded cheekbone, and in whom, a 45˚ angle view would show cheekbones more profoundly.

How should I prepare for the surgery?

The surgery may be performed on a day care setting. Your surgeon will brief you about the procedures that are suitable for you. The surgeon instructs you on what medications to take and to avoid before the surgery. This is the best time for you to clarify any final doubts regarding the surgery. You should stop smoking a week before and till 2 weeks after the surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

Cheek Augmentation: The surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision in the upper lip or below the lower eyelid. The implants which are made of solid silicone rubber material known as silastic are placed in the cheek area and then the skin is sutured.

Cheek Reduction:

• Buccal fat reduction: the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. You will be given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Then, the surgeon removes the fat pads that augment your cheeks.
• Cheekbone reduction surgery: Before the procedure, a general anesthesia will be administered. Then, the surgeon makes an incision inside the lip or behind the hair-line. Through this incision, the cheekbone is trimmed or pushed inside to reduce the size. It gives a permanent result with a natural look. In some cases, the bone is not resized; it is kept as such, but the 3-D position is changed to fit correctly into the area.

What is the aftercare of the surgery?

The results are immediate with some swelling. The swelling will recede after few days. The sutures will dissolve on their own after a few weeks. A tape placed over the cheek helps to protect from infection. You can go for a walk or do any non-physical activity immediately after the surgery. But, no vigorous activity should be performed for atleast 2 weeks after the surgery. If the incision is made on the lips, you may have to restrict your diet to soft food and fluids.

What are the postsurgical Considerations?

Swelling and bruising may be seen which fade in about 7 days and 3 weeks respectively. You may also feel numbness around the incision lines or on the central cheeks which usually subsides after a few weeks. Pain, discomfort, heaviness, and tightness are also common to be expected after the surgery. If bleeding is continuous and cannot be controlled even after ten minutes, report your surgeon immediately.