Surgery Indications: Are You A Candidate?

It also may be that the face needs Mandibular (jaw) augmentation or Mentoplasty (chin augmentation) to balance out the features in addition to cheek augmentation.  It is common to have cheek augmentation in conjunction with a buccal fat removal procedure, as well.   A qualified plastic surgeon can help determine your needs by examining your facial structure and photographs.  Some surgeons even draw a graph on a photo of your face to measure the distances from each facial feature or utilize computer imagery to help portray the possibilities.  However, you mustn't rely on the accuracy of the surgical outcome when computer imaging is utilized.  The image is only an approximation although it can be used to help convey your desires to your surgeon.  Usually an oblique photo is used to best determine your idea, however it is still difficult to actually show an outcome of cheek augmentation without a 3-D model.

Are You A Candidate For Cheek Augmentation?
First and foremost, an individual must be in good health, not have any active diseases or pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of their surgery.   Communication is crucial in reaching one's goals.  You must be able to voice your desires to your surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired results are.   Discuss you goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an understanding with what can realistically be achieved.

You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure.  This is an operation which requires patience and stability in dealing with the healing period.   There is sometimes a lull or depression after surgery and if there is already a pre-existing emotional problem, this low period can develop into a more serious issue.  Please consider this before committing to a procedure.

You must have no bone disorders, are not or have not been on Accutane for the last 6 months or sometimes more (it causes excessive facial bone growth, called Hyperostosis, and increased, keloid-like scarring after skin trauma such as incisions).  Only a qualified plastic surgeon can determine this after speaking to you as well as going over your medical history, examining your facial structure and skin.  You must realize that no doctor can perform miracles but a highly skilled surgeon can transform what you do have into a more balanced look altogether.