Cheek augmentation is a popular facial cosmetic surgery that aims to improve facial depressions, dryness and other problems by injecting fillers, making the facial contour fuller and more three-dimensional. With age, genetic factors or weight changes, many people will gradually lose fat on their faces, causing the facial contour to appear thinner. Cheek augmentation surgery can effectively restore the fullness of the face and enhance the curves of the face by injecting autologous fat or filling materials such as hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid. This article will discuss in detail the effects of cheek augmentation, maintenance time and related influencing factors.
1. Principles of cheek augmentation surgery
The basic principle of cheek augmentation is to improve facial depression and sagging through fillers, making the face look fuller and more three-dimensional. There are two common cheek augmentation materials: one is autologous fat transplantation , and the other is synthetic filling material .
1. Autologous fat transplantation
Autologous fat transplantation is currently a common method for cheek augmentation. This method extracts excess fat from other parts of the body (such as the abdomen, thighs, etc.), processes it, and then injects it into the part of the face that needs filling. The advantage of autologous fat is that it is the patient's own body tissue, has good biocompatibility, and has a lower risk of allergies or rejection.
2. Synthetic filling materials
Synthetic filling materials refer to the use of non-autologous materials such as hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) for facial filling. Hyaluronic acid has good water absorption and elasticity, which can fill the facial skin and maintain a natural state; poly-L-lactic acid can stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, and the effect is more lasting.
2. The effect of cheek augmentation
1. Improvement of three-dimensionality and fullness
The most direct effect of cheek augmentation is to make the face look fuller and more three-dimensional . As we age, facial fat gradually decreases, especially in the cheek area on both sides, which can lead to changes in facial contours and a sunken feeling. Through cheek augmentation treatment, facial curves can be restored, making the face look more energetic and elastic, reducing signs of aging.
2. Non-surgical operation, quick recovery
Cheek augmentation surgery is usually performed through injections and does not require surgery, so it is a minimally invasive surgery with a short recovery period. Most patients can resume their daily activities in just a few days, so the recovery period is not long.
3. Natural effect
Especially when using autologous fat filling, since the fat comes from the patient himself, it appears more natural after filling and can avoid the foreign body sensation and lump sensation that may be caused by some prosthetic materials.
3. How long does the cheek augmentation effect last?
1. Autologous fat cheek augmentation
The effect of autologous fat cheek augmentation is relatively long-lasting, but not permanent. After fat transplantation, about 30%-70% of the fat will be absorbed by the body within a few months after the injection, and the remaining fat will become a part of the face, maintaining a long-term effect. Depending on factors such as personal physique, postoperative care and the amount of fat injected, the effect of autologous fat cheek augmentation can usually last for 1 to 3 years . However, it should be noted that with the passage of time, the facial aging process will continue and the face may become sunken again.
In order to make the effect more lasting, some patients may need two or more fat injections to ensure that the remaining fat is better survived and distributed. In addition, after autologous fat injection, proper diet and lifestyle habits can help prolong the effect and avoid drastic fluctuations in weight.
2. Cheek augmentation with synthetic fillers
Synthetic filling materials, such as hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid, usually have longer-lasting effects. However, compared with autologous fat, the effects of filling materials usually last from 6 months to 2 years . For example, the effects of hyaluronic acid filling can usually last for 6 to 12 months because it is absorbed by the body more quickly; while poly-L-lactic acid stimulates collagen production, and the effects can last for 1 to 2 years, or even longer.
Compared with autologous fat, the effects of synthetic filling materials last shorter and require regular replenishment. Regular injections help maintain the fullness and three-dimensionality of the face.
4. Factors that affect the duration of cheek augmentation effects
The duration of cheek augmentation is not only related to the filler material, but also closely related to the following factors:
1. Personal physique
Everyone's physique is different, and the survival rate of fat and the absorption speed of injected materials are also different. Some people have better physiques and fat can survive better after transplantation, while some people may absorb it faster, resulting in a shorter effect duration.
2. Postoperative Care
Postoperative care plays an important role in maintaining the cheek augmentation effect. After the operation, it is necessary to avoid strenuous exercise, avoid massaging the injection site, etc., to maintain the stability of the filled area, which can better promote the survival of fat or the stability of the filling material.
3. Type and quality of filling materials
Different types of filler materials have effects that last for different periods of time. Autologous fat has a more lasting effect , but it also varies from individual to individual. Synthetic fillers such as hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid have relatively short effects and therefore require regular replenishment.
4. Age and facial aging
As we age, the skin and fat on our faces gradually loosen. Even after cheek augmentation, the aging process of the face will continue . Therefore, the degree of facial aging will also affect how long the cheek augmentation effect can last.
5. Risks and precautions of cheek augmentation
Although cheek augmentation is a relatively safe cosmetic procedure, any medical procedure has its own risks, and cheek augmentation is no exception. Common risks and side effects include:
1. Uneven filling
The injection process may result in uneven filling, causing some parts of the face to be too full and other parts to be more sunken. Therefore, it is very important to choose a professional doctor for treatment to ensure the accuracy of the injection dose and injection location.
2. Allergic reaction
For certain synthetic filling materials, a small number of people may experience allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, etc., resulting in unsatisfactory treatment results or discomfort.
3. Infection and swelling
If the postoperative care is not proper, infection or swelling at the injection site may occur, and even complications such as inflammation may occur. Following the doctor's care advice and regular check-ups after surgery can reduce the occurrence of these risks.
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Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that uses filler materials or autologous fat injections to make the face look fuller and more three-dimensional. Depending on the filler material, the effect of cheek augmentation can usually last from six months to three years, and is affected by multiple factors such as individual constitution and postoperative care. When choosing cheek augmentation treatment, it is crucial to choose an experienced professional doctor and suitable filler materials . At the same time, proper care should be performed after surgery to ensure the durability of the effect.