Cheek Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Improved facial fullness can be achieved by injecting purified fat into the cheeks. Liposuction will be performed to retrieve the natural filler, is then cleaned, and will be ready to be grafted to the cheeks for a more plump, youthful appearance. Fat as a filler has the advantage of not having the risk of the body rejecting the substance.

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The Skinny

avg. recovery: 6 days
permanence: Temporary
Type: Injected
surgical: Yes
cost: $350 - $6000

About the Procedure

Last Updated: 05.10.2021

Fat transfer is often considered a "natural" method of augmentation since the material used for achieving increased fullness is produced by the patient's own body. This also means that unlike cheek implants or dermal fillers, fat transfers will not be rejected by the body as a foreign substance. Although some injected material will be absorbed by the body, the effects of transferred fat typically lasts for longer periods of time than hyaluronic acid based injectables. In order to use the patient's own fat for transfer, a liposuction procedure must first be performed. Liposuction is commonly performed in the stomach or thigh region to retrieve the fat which will then be methodically cleansed and purified before injection. Once the liposuction procedure is complete, the face will be prepped for the fat grafting. Usually, 10-15 cc's of fat will be injected into each cheek however placement and amount will depend on the individual. Since it is common for some of the fat injected to be reabsorbed by the body, the doctor may overcompensate and initially inject more to account for the inevitable loss. Additional treatments may be necessary to achieve desired results.

The goal of cheek augmentation with a fat transfer is to increase volume in the cheeks and contour the face to create a younger, more rejuvenated appearance.

Concerns

Cheek Augmentation with Fat Transfer addresses concerns such as:

What to Expect

Fat grafting can be performed in the cheeks to enhance the fullness of the face with a lesser likelihood of rejection. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after cheek augmentation with fat transfer.

Before Treatment

Do not take any blood thinning medication
Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after treatment
No alcohol or diet medications 2 days before procedure

During Treatment

Liposuction procedure first performed
Fat is purified for injection
Fat injected into cheeks

Recovery Notes

Bruising and swelling is expected after a fat transfer to the cheeks which subsides in 5-10 days. Cool compresses may be used to help with the swelling. Patients are able to go back to work within 48 hrs and can resume full activities within a week. Additional recovery time may be necessary depending on the extent of the liposuction procedure to retrieve the fat.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for a cheek augmentation with fat transfer has poorly defined cheeks, which may appear hollow or sagging as a result of the loss of cheek tissue, usually due to heredity or aging. It is also an option for patients with loss of tissue in the cheekbone area due to trauma or congenital deformities.

Not Recommended For

Cheek augmentation with fat transfer is not recommended for candidates with coagulation or lipid metabolism disorders, severe chronic disease states, and acute infection. A very thin patient may not have a donor site from which to harvest fat.

Side Effects

Side effects from cheek augmentation with fat transfer may include infection, pain, bruising, asymmetry, prolonged edema, fat necrosis, and fat calcification.