Introduction

Having firm and well - contoured cheekbones is a desire for many, especially as we age and our skin loses its elasticity, leading to droopy cheekbones. New York City, being a hub of medical expertise, offers a plethora of options for those looking to improve their cheekbone appearance. In this article, we will explore various treatments available for droopy cheekbones, rank some of the top hospitals and doctors in the city, and provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision.

Treatments for Droopy Cheekbones

Non - Surgical Treatments

Ultherapy

As people age, the firmness and elasticity of the skin on the face, particularly on the upper cheeks and midface, can decline, resulting in a droopy appearance. Ultherapy is a popular non - surgical solution in this regard. It uses ultrasound energy to stimulate new collagen production in the skin. This treatment is FDA - approved, non - invasive, and highly effective for tightening skin and tissue on the face. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and results can be noticeable in about 2 - 3 months. The natural and discreet results are what patients love about ultherapy. At LM Medical NYC, they offer upper cheek/midface skin tightening through ultherapy at their clinics in Manhattan. If you are experiencing droopy cheeks, bags under the eyes, or a loss of firmness in the midface, this treatment may be right for you. You can contact them to schedule a skin consultation with their dermatologist to determine your suitability for ultherapy.

Cheekbone Contouring with Dermal Fillers

Cheekbone contouring with dermal fillers is another non - surgical option to enhance the appearance of droopy cheekbones. A board - certified plastic surgeon like Dr. David Cangello in New York City provides this popular procedure. Dermal fillers, specifically formulated with hyaluronic acid (HA), are used to add volume and restore lost volume to the cheek area. By strategically injecting these fillers into targeted areas, the surgeon can effectively contour and sculpt the cheekbones, creating a more defined and youthful facial structure. This FDA - approved treatment can address the loss of volume in the midface, create high cheekbones, smooth smile lines (nasolabial folds) and lines around the mouth, improve the jawline, and enhance the appearance of under - eye hollows.

There are several types of dermal fillers used for cheekbone contouring:

• Restylane® Lyft: A popular hyaluronic acid - based filler designed for adding volume and contour to the cheeks. It is FDA - approved and known for its long - lasting results, providing a smooth and natural - looking enhancement to the cheekbones.
• Juvéderm® Voluma: Another hyaluronic acid - based filler, FDA - approved for cheek augmentation. It addresses age - related volume loss in the midface, enhancing cheekbone projection and restoring youthful contours.
• Sculptra®: A unique dermal filler that contains poly - l - lactic acid. It stimulates collagen production in the skin, resulting in gradual and natural - looking volume restoration. Multiple sessions spaced over several months are typically required to achieve optimal results.

Ideal candidates for this treatment are those living in NYC (or willing to travel) with concerns about flat or asymmetrical cheekbones, age - related cheek volume loss, or those desiring a more youthful appearance or enhanced facial contour. Before the procedure, patients need to have an initial consultation where the surgeon assesses their facial structure, discusses their goals and medical history, and determines the most suitable approach. The actual procedure is quick and comfortable, and patients may notice an immediate improvement in the shape and volume of their cheeks, although some swelling or bruising may occur initially and subside within a few days.

Cheek Filler

Cheek fillers are a common method to augment the cheeks and address droopy cheekbones. Dr. Scott Blyer and his team at Cameo Surgery Center in Long Island and NYC offer various cheek filler options. Injecting dermal fillers just above the cheekbones is the most common approach. Fillers can naturally plump the cheeks, are malleable to fit the existing facial contours, and help patients address aging concerns. They also carry less of a commitment than surgical results because they are either reversible or will fade over time.

There are three primary types of fillers used:

• Hyaluronic acid: The most common and popular choice for cheek fillers. They are malleable, reversible, and provide natural - looking results. Recommended for patients new to filler injections.
• Poly - l - lactic acid: A longer - lasting, semi - permanent filler option that helps produce more collagen at the injection site. Particularly helpful for patients who experienced major fat loss due to a disease or trauma to the face.
• Calcium hydroxyapatite: Beneficial in certain situations. Once it settles, it mimics the look and feel of bone, making it advantageous for patients with small, undefined cheekbones or past trauma to or near the cheekbone.

Most healthy people are candidates for cheek filler injections, but they should be in good general health, not smoke, not be allergic to any components in the filler, fully understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of the treatment, and have realistic expectations. Cheek fillers can plump undefined or atrophied cheeks, treat fine lines and wrinkles, restore age - related volume loss, make patients look younger, and have minimal pain, a quick procedure, few risks, and nearly instant results.

Surgical Treatments

Cheekbone Reduction Surgery

Cheekbone reduction is a cosmetic surgery designed to reduce the cheekbone area. In some Asian individuals, the cheekbones can be high and wide, causing an unpleasing and disproportionate facial appearance. Cosmetic surgeons usually recommend this surgery to correct such facial issues. The surgery involves the reduction of the bone, referred to as the zygomatic or malar eminence.

Most cheekbone reduction surgeries are done on an outpatient basis in a plastic surgeon's office operating room, which are often certified surgery centers. The incisions are made inside the mouth and in the temporal area. Through these incisions, specialized surgical instruments are used to cut the cheekbone down. Although patients may experience some swelling after the surgery, the pain is very minimal. Patients may have difficulty chewing at first and are usually placed on a soft - food diet for about two weeks following the surgery. The surgery typically takes around one to two hours to complete and is a completely safe outpatient procedure, as most plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing these surgeries.

Surgeons perform the cheekbone reduction in different ways. Some prefer to file the bone down, while a majority literally and completely cut the bone and push it in. Many surgeons compare this to situations like a car accident or getting punched in the face, where the cheekbone breaks and gets pushed in, resulting in a flattened cheek area similar to the outcome of the surgery. By making two cuts on the cheekbone, the bone becomes movable, and the surgeon can then push it in to the required level to achieve the desired facial appearance.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a more comprehensive facial cosmetic surgery that can also help improve the appearance of droopy cheekbones. It has the most dramatic capacity to improve and rejuvenate the aging face. Patients concerned about the aged appearance of their cheeks, jowls, jawline, and neck are the best candidates for this surgery.

The operation involves four stages: the incision, the elevation of the skin, the repositioning of the facial muscles and fat, and closure. Incisions are made in a way that minimizes the movement of facial hair, especially in the temple region, and meticulous closure techniques ensure an imperceptible scar. The goal is to provide a long - lasting, natural - looking, and rejuvenated appearance. Adjunctive procedures such as brow lifting, mid - face lifting, and chin and cheek augmentation may be employed in addition to rhytidectomy to achieve an optimal outcome.

At Mount Sinai, face lift surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis at their private, ambulatory surgery center. It can be performed under general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Before surgery, patients are given instructions regarding medications and how to prepare for their recovery. After surgery, patients are typically given a short course of antibiotics and mild pain medication, and mild discomfort may persist for the first few days. Patients can expect to return to work or social activities within one to two weeks after surgery, but they should avoid strenuous activities for two weeks.

Ranking of Doctors and Hospitals in New York City for Cheekbone - Related Treatments

Top Doctors

Healthgrades has identified several doctors in New York who perform facelift and related procedures with significant experience. Here is a list of some of these doctors:

Doctors with higher ratings and a significant number of patient reviews are generally more reliable as they have a proven track record of patient satisfaction. For example, Dr. Renata Khelemsky, MD, with a 5.00 rating and 91 patient ratings, and Dr. Edmund Nahm, MD, with a 5.00 rating and 169 patient ratings, are likely to have extensive experience and provide high - quality services.

Top Hospitals

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai offers face lift surgery (rhytidectomy) on an outpatient basis at their private, ambulatory surgery center. Their experienced medical team can perform the surgery under different types of anesthesia and provides comprehensive pre - and post - operative care. They also offer adjunctive procedures to enhance the overall outcome of the facelift, which is beneficial for patients looking to address multiple facial aging concerns, including droopy cheekbones.

LM Medical NYC

LM Medical NYC is known for its non - surgical treatments, particularly ultherapy for upper cheek/midface skin tightening. Their clinics in Manhattan are staffed with dermatologists who can conduct skin consultations to determine if patients are suitable candidates for ultherapy. The natural and effective results of ultherapy make it a popular choice for those seeking non - invasive solutions for droopy cheekbones.

Cameo Surgery Center

Cameo Surgery Center, under the guidance of Dr. Scott Blyer, provides various cheek filler options. Their "bottle service" model prioritizes a luxurious and VIP experience for patients. Whether patients are new to filler or have prior experience, the center aims to provide the best cheek filler services in Long Island and NYC, catering to different patient needs and expectations.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Doctor

Experience and Expertise

It is crucial to choose a doctor with extensive experience in the specific treatment you are considering. Check their number of patient reviews and ratings, as well as their success rate. Doctors who have performed a large number of procedures are more likely to have encountered various cases and be better equipped to handle any complications that may arise. For example, in the case of cheekbone reduction surgery, a surgeon with experience in high - stress medical environments, such as shock trauma centers, may have an advantage as they can apply their experience to achieve better results.

Reputation

Research the reputation of the hospital and the doctor. Look for patient testimonials, online reviews, and any awards or recognition they have received. A good reputation is often an indicator of quality service and patient satisfaction. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or other medical professionals.

Cost

Cost is an important factor, especially considering that many of these treatments are not covered by insurance. Different hospitals and doctors may have different pricing structures. For example, the cost of cheekbone contouring with dermal fillers depends on the type and amount of filler used and the desired aesthetic outcome. It is essential to get a detailed breakdown of the costs during the consultation and compare prices among different providers. However, do not compromise on quality for the sake of a lower cost.

Location and Accessibility

Choose a hospital or doctor that is conveniently located for you. This is especially important for follow - up appointments and in case of any emergencies. If you need to travel a long distance for treatment, it may add to the overall cost and inconvenience.

Available Treatments

Ensure that the hospital or doctor offers the specific treatment you are interested in. Some hospitals may specialize in surgical treatments, while others may focus more on non - surgical options. If you are open to multiple treatment approaches, choose a provider that can offer a comprehensive range of services.

Conclusion

In New York City, there are numerous options available for those looking to improve droopy cheekbones. From non - surgical treatments like ultherapy and cheekbone contouring with dermal fillers to surgical options such as cheekbone reduction surgery and facelift, patients have a wide range of choices to suit their needs and preferences. When choosing a hospital or doctor, it is important to consider factors such as experience, reputation, cost, location, and available treatments. By making an informed decision, you can achieve the desired results and enhance your facial appearance.

If you are interested in learning more about these treatments or scheduling a consultation, we encourage you to reach out to the hospitals and doctors mentioned in this article. You can also do further research to find the best fit for you. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards improving your cheekbone appearance and boosting your confidence!