restoring sunken cheeks to a youthful position

Sunken cheeks are a telltale sign of aging. Fortunately, there are ways to restore cheeks so they appear more youthful. Dr. Erwin Bulan discusses treatments that plump up cheeks and restore volume.

SUNKEN CHEEKS

Over time, cheeks loose their youthful volume. Part of that is due to aging, as the body no longer produces as much collagen, hyaluronic acid and facial fat. These natural substances help keep skin firm and elastic. As their levels dwindle, so too do skin elasticity and cheek volume. The good news is that there are dermal fillers containing these substances that can relieve that sunken appearance and restore a youthful look with a series of small injections.

DERMAL FILLERS

In the body, hyaluronic acid’s primary function is keeping skin well-hydrated and plumped. In the skin, it retains moisture by binding to water. As hyaluronic acid levels fall with aging, the result is skin with less volume and more wrinkling.

When a dermal filler containing hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin, it boosts volume. Such fillers containing hyaluronic acid include the gel-based Juvederm, which now exists in three forms: Voluma, Vollure, and Volbella. Voluma and Merz’s Radiesse can be used in the deeper planes of the cheek; these products not only add volume but also give the area a more refined shape. After injection, the results are almost instantaneous, and last for up to one year before additional injections are needed to restore plumpness.

Juvederm and other filler injections may take only about 15 minutes, depending on how many areas of the face the patient wants treated. It is truly a “lunch break” procedure.

FAT TRANSPLANTATION

Another option for cheek restoration is fat transfer, which involves the use of the patient’s own fat in lieu of dermal fillers. The advantage of this procedure is its permanency. While dermal fillers are effective, they do require regular appointments to retain the look.

Most people tolerate dermal fillers, but an allergic reaction is always a possibility. But during fat transplantation the patient’s own fat is used, so there is no danger of allergic reaction. This is truly nature’s filler.

A small amount of fat is removed from the abdomen for this minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon then processes the fat for injection into the cheeks. Now purified, the fat is slowly injected into the cheeks. This slow, careful injection means the cheek restoration appears entirely natural.

Expect some swelling for a week or so post-injection. It may take several months before the final result is apparent, but within two weeks any bruising or swelling is gone, and there is no need to wear makeup to disguise the former.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT BULAN PLASTIC SURGERY

If you would like more information about restoring your cheeks to a more youthful position and the best method for your needs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bulan at his New Jersey practice. He will discuss your options and answer all of your questions.