Introduction
When it comes to enhancing the appearance of the cheeks and achieving that desirable apple - cheek look, New York City offers a plethora of options. Apple - cheek fat filling and related plastic procedures are becoming increasingly popular among those seeking to improve their facial aesthetics, regain a youthful appearance, or correct facial asymmetries. This guide will explore various plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures related to apple - cheek fat filling in New York City, including their processes, benefits, and considerations.
Understanding Apple Cheeks and Facial Fat
What are Apple Cheeks?
Apple cheeks are characterized by their rounded and plump appearance, similar to the shape of a ripe apple. They create a youthful and soft look by accentuating fullness and volume in the mid - face area. The prominence of apple cheeks can vary among individuals, and factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle can influence their appearance.
The Role of Facial Fat
Facial fat plays a crucial role in determining the shape and fullness of the cheeks. As we age, we naturally lose facial fat, which can result in a decrease in cheek size and shape, leading to sunken or flat cheeks and more prominent sagging skin. The distribution of facial fat also varies, and some people may have excess fat in certain areas, while others may have insufficient fat in the cheeks.
Types of Procedures for Apple - Cheek Fat Filling
Buccal Fat Removal
Procedure Details
The buccal fat pad is a deep fat pad located in the lower part of the cheeks on either side of the face. Buccal fat excision is a procedure that removes these fat pads for a more chiseled or slender appearance to the bottom third of the face. This procedure may be sought by individuals with very round or full cheeks, often referred to as “chipmunk cheeks.”
At Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City, Dr. Miller performs buccal fat excision on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. Local anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used. During the procedure, a small incision is made on the inside of the mouth. The fat pad is then removed, and the incision is closed.
Benefits
- Patients who feel like they’re viewed as “too young” or “unserious” because of their childlike large cheeks can enjoy the new contours of their face after the procedure.
- It creates more balance and harmony in the face, allowing people to notice other favorite features such as the eyes and lips instead of the overly large cheeks.
- Can help individuals escape the embarrassment of having their chubby cheeks pinched.
Candidates
Candidates for buccal fat excision usually have overly large cheeks or a heavy - looking lower face. They should be in good general health, be non - smokers (as smoking can irritate the oral tissues and affect the results), and have realistic expectations for improvement. Some may also choose to combine buccal fat excision with other procedures, such as cheek implants or a jaw or chin implant.
Recovery
Recovery following buccal fat excision takes just a few days. There is usually minimal swelling and no bruising. Some dietary restrictions may be necessary due to the intraoral incisions, and a soft - foods diet is recommended. Work and most other activities can usually be resumed after a few days.
Cheek Fillers
Types of Fillers
Cheek augmentation via dermal fillers is a popular non - surgical option for enhancing apple cheeks. Hyaluronic acid - based fillers are commonly used, such as Juvederm Voluma XC, Restylane Lyft, and Belotero Balance. Collagen - stimulating fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra are also available.
| Filler Name | Properties | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Juvederm Voluma XC | Designed to provide significant volume and lift. Its thicker consistency allows it to create a robust structure when injected into the cheeks. | Results last up to two years. |
| Restylane Lyft | Has a robust formula that provides substantial volume and lift to the cheeks. Can also be used for nasolabial folds and marionette line correction. | Provides long - lasting results. |
| Belotero Balance | Well - suited for precise and subtle adjustments. Can address minor asymmetries or add definition to the cheekbones without overfilling. | Results vary based on individual factors. |
| Radiesse | Has a unique composition of calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended in a gel. Offers a quick lift and volume to the cheeks and stimulates collagen production. | Results can last for a significant period as it promotes collagen growth. |
| Sculptra | Contains poly - l - lactic acid, which stimulates the natural collagen production in the skin. Leads to a subtle and natural - looking enhancement of the cheeks. | Collagen production stimulated can last up to two years. |
Procedure and Benefits
Dr. Zuckerman performs cheek filler injections using hyaluronic acid - based Voluma to achieve beautiful but subtle cheek augmentation. The treatment is visible immediately and finalizes within one week, lasting up to one year. Results will vary depending on how much product is injected and how quickly the patient metabolizes hyaluronic acid. Cheek fillers can add volume, reduce visible wrinkles and fine lines around the nose and cheeks, and restore facial symmetry.
Pre - treatment and Recovery
Before treatment, Dr. Zuckerman may issue guidelines to minimize the probability of mild bruising, such as avoiding ibuprofen or aspirin for one to two days before and after treatment, avoiding excessive alcohol one day before treatment, and avoiding intensive physical exercise the day of treatment. Some patients with sensitive skin may experience redness, mild bruising, or minimal bleeding at the injection sites, which will resolve within minutes to hours. Bruising may present for one to two days post - treatment.
Facial Fat Transfer
Procedure Details
Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting to the face, is an innovative procedure that uses the patient’s own fat to restore fullness to areas that have lost volume. At Dr. Cangello’s practice in New York City, the procedure generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer.
- Harvest: The doctor will identify donor sites, such as the hips, thighs, or flanks. The site is injected with an anesthetic, and a small incision is made to gently suction out the appropriate amount of fat using a specialized cannula.
- Process: The removed fat is processed using a centrifuge to separate it from fluids and oils, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells will be injected into the treatment areas.
- Transfer: A tiny incision is made in the recipient area, and the processed fat is injected using a cannula until the desired fullness is achieved.
Benefits
Since no synthetic materials are involved, there is no risk of rejection by the body. It can be used for facial rejuvenation, lip enhancement, facial sculpting, and improving surface depressions. The transferred fat cells that survive in the treatment area will generally stay there indefinitely and age naturally with the body.
Candidates and Recovery
Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer are men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in individual or multiple areas of the face or those who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. They should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas. Recovery usually involves looking puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks, with mild discomfort during the first week. The majority of swelling should disappear within a month, and bruising will subside in about 10 - 14 days.
Combined Procedures
Some patients may choose to combine different procedures for more comprehensive results. For example, buccal fat removal can be combined with cheek implants or a jaw or chin implant. Facial fat transfer can be combined with a facelift, necklift, or eyelid surgery for optimal rejuvenation. At Mount Sinai’s division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, cheek and chin implantation can be performed in conjunction with a face and neck lift, eye lift, or forehead and brow lift procedure to reduce recovery time and operating costs.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon in New York City
Credentials and Experience
When choosing a hospital or surgeon for apple - cheek fat filling procedures, it is crucial to consider their credentials and experience. Look for board - certified plastic surgeons who have extensive experience in performing the specific procedure you are interested in. For example, Dr. Andrew Jacono at New York Facial Plastic Surgery is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon with years of experience in various facial plastic surgery procedures, including facelifts, rhinoplasties, and cheek augmentations. Dr. Philip Miller at Gotham Plastic Surgery is also well - known for his expertise in buccal fat removal and other facial procedures.
Reputation and Patient Reviews
Check the reputation of the hospital and surgeon by reading patient reviews and testimonials. Online platforms and review sites can provide valuable insights into the experiences of previous patients. A hospital or surgeon with a high number of positive reviews and satisfied patients is more likely to provide high - quality care and results.
Facility Accreditation
Ensure that the surgical facility is accredited by a recognized organization, such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Accredited facilities meet strict standards for patient safety, quality of care, and surgical procedures. For example, Gotham Plastic Surgery has a JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility, which provides a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
Personal Consultation
Schedule a personal consultation with the surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and concerns. A good surgeon will listen to your needs, conduct a thorough evaluation of your facial structure, and recommend the most appropriate procedure for you. They will also provide detailed information about the procedure, including the risks, benefits, and recovery process.
Cost Considerations
The cost of apple - cheek fat filling procedures in New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of procedure, the complexity of the case, the surgeon’s fees, and the location of the facility. Generally, surgical procedures like buccal fat removal and facial fat transfer tend to be more expensive than non - surgical procedures like cheek fillers. Insurance usually does not cover surgery or treatment that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. It is important to discuss the cost and payment options with the hospital or surgeon during the consultation.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures for apple - cheek fat filling, each with its own benefits and considerations. Whether you are looking for a non - surgical option like cheek fillers or a more invasive procedure like facial fat transfer, it is important to do your research, choose a qualified surgeon, and have realistic expectations. These procedures can help you enhance your facial aesthetics, regain a youthful appearance, and boost your confidence.
If you are interested in exploring apple - cheek fat filling procedures further, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. They can provide you with personalized advice and guidance based on your specific needs and goals. Share this guide with your friends and family who may also be interested in facial plastic surgery, and don't hesitate to explore related topics on facial aesthetics and rejuvenation.
