Cheek Enhancement - the Lost Area of Facial Rejuvenation

When one thinks of facial aging, they inevitably lookdo this cheek volume addition. Fat injections would be
to the jowl and neck area.While this lower facial areathe simplest and the most versatile, but fat survival
is of big concern to many and is the foundation ofremains unpredictable particularly in the older patient. I
facial rejuvenation surgery (usually through acurrently add PRP (platelet-rich plasma extract from
facelift-type procedure), the underlooked area is thethe patient) to the injections and isolate the fat
midface or cheek. As one ages, the cheek area sinksthrough a unique centrifguation method. Early results
in and sags for many as it loses volume through fatare encouraging but only one year results count
atrophy. This is partly why a heavy person with a fullwhen it comes to fat grafting. Cheek implants are
face may still look somewhat youthful as they age.simple to do, remain stable in volume over time, and
(known as the Santa Claus effect) A gaunter, thinnercome in a few styles to add volume to some
face, while interesting when one is young, can reallydifferent areas around the cheek. Unfortunately, the
show age when one is older.more lateral cheek area, which is not over bone is
Adding volume to the cheek has been recentlynot affected by the introduction of an implant. And
shown to to help make a more youthful face. Basedthere is always the risk of infection or malpositioning.
on cadaver work by Dr.Joel Pessa at the UniversityInjectable fillers are as versatile as fat injections and
of Texas at Southwestern, a deep fat compartmentdon't involve an operating room experience. But their
was identified in the cheek. When this fateffects are only temporary and, when adding up the
compartment was enhanced through implants orcost per volume injected, can potentially rival surgery
fillers, there was an immediate improvement in thefees if a large cheek area needs to be treated.
hollowing of the face. Not only does restoring volumeNot every aging face patient needs cheek
to this cheek compartment make the cheek/midfaceenhancement nor is it the mainstay treatment of
area more youthful,it also helps improves the lookmost aging faces. But it can be a good complement
under the eyes as well as around the nose and upperto more conventional facelifting procedures and is a
lip area.'missing component' of some patient's treatment
The jury is still out, however, on the best method toplans whether they are young or old.