Introduction
Collagen cheek augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. With the city being a hub for beauty and aesthetics, numerous hospitals and clinics offer this service. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of collagen cheek augmentation in New York City, including the top hospitals, the procedure itself, what to expect, and much more. Whether you're a local resident or someone considering traveling to New York for this procedure, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Understanding Collagen Cheek Augmentation
What is Collagen Cheek Augmentation?
Collagen cheek augmentation is a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing the appearance of the cheeks. As we age, the natural collagen in our skin breaks down, leading to a loss of volume and firmness in the cheeks. This can result in a sunken or aged appearance. Collagen cheek augmentation helps to restore volume to the cheeks, giving them a fuller, more youthful look. There are different methods of collagen cheek augmentation, including the use of dermal fillers containing collagen or other substances that stimulate collagen production, as well as surgical procedures involving cheek implants.
Benefits of Collagen Cheek Augmentation
- Youthful Appearance: By adding volume to the cheeks, it can make the face look more youthful and vibrant. Cheeks appear plumper, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and cheeks.
- Improved Facial Symmetry: It can help correct asymmetries in the face, making the overall facial features more balanced.
- Quick Results: Non - surgical collagen cheek augmentation procedures, such as dermal filler injections, can provide immediate results with minimal downtime.
- Customizable: The amount of volume added can be tailored to the individual's needs and desired aesthetic outcome.
Top Hospitals and Clinics for Collagen Cheek Augmentation in New York City
1. New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery
Located in Manhattan, this center offers a range of facial plastic and laser surgery procedures, including cheek augmentation. It has a team of experienced surgeons who perform cheek augmentation procedures as part of its 39 available procedures across 4 different specialties. Although there is no pricing information readily available, prices are available on request. The lead specialist undertakes all procedures and treatments at the clinic. It is important to note that it is not accredited by any recognized accreditation institutes.
2. Leonard Grossman, M.D.
Based in Brooklyn, Leonard Grossman, M.D. provides patients with cheek augmentation procedures among its total of 36 available procedures across 3 different specialties. Similar to the New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery, there is no pricing information for cheek augmentation procedures available as all prices are on request only. All procedures are carried out by the lead specialist at the clinic, and it lacks accreditation from recognized accreditation institutes.
3. Mount Sinai - New York
At Mount Sinai's division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgeons use facial implants for cheek augmentation. The implants used are FDA - approved and typically made from materials such as silastic or polythene, and sometimes from the patient's own tissue. They have a highly skilled team that offers an individualized treatment approach. Facial implants at Mount Sinai can be done on an outpatient basis at their private, ambulatory surgery center. Cheek implantation can be performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. The hospital also provides alternative non - surgical options such as soft tissue filler injections for patients who prefer them.
4. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified plastic surgeon who performs cheekbone augmentation at his NYC and East Hampton locations. He offers multiple methods for cheek augmentation, including cheek - implant surgery, fat transfer (fat transplantation), and dermal - filler treatment. Cheek implants are placed over the cheekbones and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to match each patient's individual facial structure. Fat transfer involves collecting the patient's natural fat via liposuction from an area with excess fat cells and injecting it into the cheekbones. For patients who prefer a non - invasive option, he offers dermal - filler treatments using products like Restylane, Juvederm, Bellafill, Radiesse, Sculptra, and Voluma. Dr. Weintraub emphasizes safety in his procedures, using twilight sleep anesthesia and ensuring the highest standards of sterility in the operating room.
5. Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
At this clinic, Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine offer cheek augmentation services. There are various ways to augment the cheeks, including temporary dermal fillers, collagen replacements, and autologous fat grafting. The clinic has an accredited in - office surgical facility where the procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. For dermal filler injections, the procedure usually takes 10 - 20 minutes, while fat grafting takes about 1 - 2 hours. Patients can usually go home the same day, and the recovery time and post - op care vary depending on the type of procedure. The clinic also offers a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results, including pre - and post - surgery skin care packages.
Comparison of Key Hospitals and Clinics
Hospital/Clinic | Location | Services Offered | Accreditation | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|---|
New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery | Manhattan | Cheek augmentation, various facial plastic and laser surgeries | Not accredited | On request |
Leonard Grossman, M.D. | Brooklyn | Cheek augmentation, other procedures | Not accredited | On request |
Mount Sinai - New York | Not specified (associated with Mount Sinai facilities) | Facial implants (cheek, chin, jaw), soft tissue filler injections | Not clear from reference, likely has hospital - related accreditations | Expected costs provided prior to intervention |
Dr. Barry Weintraub | NYC and East Hampton | Cheek - implant surgery, fat transfer, dermal - filler treatment | Board - certified plastic surgeon, office has high - quality standards | Quote after consultation |
Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC | Not specified, but in NYC | Cheek augmentation via dermal fillers, collagen replacements, fat grafting | Accredited in - office surgical facility | Not detailed in reference |
Popular Doctors for Collagen Cheek Augmentation in New York
John Mesa, MD
He is a board - certified plastic surgeon with 14 years of experience. Patients have reported positive experiences, feeling safe and comfortable during the procedure. His office is located at 903 Park Ave., New York.
David Shafer, MD, FACS
With 17 years of experience, he is also a board - certified plastic surgeon. Some patients who had previously considered the procedure but faced barriers were able to have a successful experience with him. His office is at 535 Fifth Ave, New York.
Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS
A board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 37 years of experience. He has treated patients for cheek - related issues, including a 40 - year - old male who was satisfied with his services. His office is at 110 E. 60th st., New York.
Pre - Procedure Considerations
Consultation
A consultation is a crucial step before any collagen cheek augmentation procedure. During the consultation, the doctor will evaluate your facial structure, discuss your goals and expectations, and explain the available procedures. You should also ask questions about the procedure, potential risks, recovery time, and cost. For example, at Dr. Barry Weintraub's practice, the consultation helps the patient better understand their own issues, and the doctor listens to the patient's specific needs and desires. It is important to check for board certification of the doctor, ensure they have a good reputation among other medical professionals, and speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures.
Medical Clearance
If you are opting for a surgical cheek augmentation procedure, you will typically need to obtain medical clearance from your family physician. This helps ensure that you are in good enough health to undergo the surgery. Your doctor will assess your overall health, including any pre - existing medical conditions, and may order additional tests if necessary.
Preparation
Depending on the type of procedure, preparation may vary. For non - surgical dermal filler injections, you may be advised to avoid blood thinners like aspirin and alcohol a few days before the treatment to minimize the risk of bruising. If you have a pain - sensitive disposition, you may be recommended to take pain relievers like Tylenol before the procedure. In the case of surgical procedures, you may be given prescriptions to fill in advance, and instructions on things like fasting before the surgery. Garments may also be ordered for you if appropriate. Patients traveling from a distance may be advised to arrange for a post - operative stay at a hotel.
The Collagen Cheek Augmentation Procedure
Non - Surgical Procedures
Dermal Filler Injections
Dermal fillers are a popular non - surgical option for collagen cheek augmentation. These fillers are usually made of hyaluronic acid - based gels, collagen - stimulating substances, or other biocompatible materials. At Skinly Aesthetics, Dr. Schwarzburg injects a hyaluronic acid - based gel filler into targeted areas of the cheeks. The filler attracts water molecules, plumping and augmenting the cheekbones. The procedure begins with a personalized consultation, followed by cleansing the cheeks and applying a numbing cream. The filler is then carefully injected into the malar or zygomatic regions using advanced injection techniques. The treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of syringes used and the complexity of the anatomy. The results are usually instant with hyaluronic acid fillers, while collagen - stimulating fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse may take 4 - 8 weeks for full effects to become visible.
Sculptra Aesthetic
Sculptra Aesthetic is an injectable poly - L - lactic acid that helps gradually replace lost collagen. Dr. Zuckerman injects it into the deep dermis, and it is naturally absorbed into the body, stimulating the body's own growth of new collagen over time. It typically requires 3 treatments over a 3 - to 4 - month period. The effects can last up to two years, longer than some hyaluronic acid fillers. There is little to no downtime, and patients can often return to work immediately after treatment. However, some precautions should be taken before the injection, such as avoiding NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen a couple of days before and a day after, not drinking alcohol to excess a day before and a day after, and refraining from lying flat or working out within 2 hours after injection.
Surgical Procedures
Cheek Implants
Cheek implants are a more permanent solution for collagen cheek augmentation. The implants are usually made of flexible silicone or other synthetic materials. At Dr. Joel Kopelman's practice, the surgeon makes a small concealed incision inside the mouth. Through this incision, the cheek implant is slipped into position onto the cheek bone. The implant conforms to the underlying bone for a natural fit. The mouth incision is then sutured closed with absorbable suture. Patients are usually placed on oral antibiotics and mouthwash for five days. The face will remain swollen for approximately one week, and the mouth incision will be completely healed within 7 to 10 days. Residual swelling may last for three weeks, and temporary numbness of the cheek may last up to three months.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, or autologous fat grafting, involves collecting the patient's own fat from an area with excess fat, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, using a small tube called a cannula. The fat is then prepared and carefully re - injected into the cheeks to add volume. This procedure can provide long - lasting and natural - looking results. At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, the fat grafting procedure usually takes about 1 - 2 hours and is performed under local or twilight anesthesia. Patients can usually go home the same day, and can return to work in 3 - 5 days, with less than a week of light exercise restrictions and more strenuous exercise restrictions for about 1 week.
Post - Procedure Care and Recovery
Immediate Post - Procedure
After a non - surgical dermal filler injection, there may be some swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. Cold packs may be applied to the face for a short period to reduce swelling. You should avoid high - intensity activities and applying pressure to the treated area to prevent migration and displacement of the filler. For surgical procedures, you will be taken to a recovery suite where you will be monitored until you are stable. You may experience mild to moderate pain and swelling, and the doctor will prescribe pain medications as needed.
Recovery Timeline
- Non - Surgical Procedures: With dermal filler injections, there is minimal to no downtime, and you can usually resume normal activities almost immediately. In cases of moderate bruising, there may be 1 - 2 days of social downtime. The results of hyaluronic acid fillers are instant, while collagen - stimulating fillers may take a few weeks to show full effects. The results typically last for 9 - 18 months, depending on the type of filler used and individual metabolic rates.
- Surgical Procedures: For cheek implants, the mouth incision will heal within 7 to 10 days, but residual swelling may last for three weeks, and temporary numbness of the cheek may last up to three months. After fat transfer, patients can usually return to work in 3 - 5 days, with light exercise restrictions for less than a week and more strenuous exercise restrictions for about 1 week.
Long - Term Care
Following the initial recovery period, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions for long - term care. This may include regular follow - up appointments, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and protecting your skin from the sun. For patients who have had surgical procedures, you should avoid any activities that could potentially damage the implants or the newly augmented cheeks. If you have had dermal filler injections, you may need to have repeat treatments over time to maintain the results.
Risks and Complications
Non - Surgical Procedures
Although non - surgical collagen cheek augmentation procedures like dermal filler injections are generally safe, there are still some potential risks and complications. These can include swelling and redness, which usually resolve within 24 hours; bruising at the injection site, which fades within a few days; small lumps and bumps, which settle within 2 - 3 days; filler migration, which is rare and reversible with hyaluronidase; and allergic reactions, which are very rare. For Sculptra Aesthetic, side effects can include bruising, swelling, sensitivity, pain at the injection site, and temporary redness.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical collagen cheek augmentation procedures carry more risks. These can include infection of the wound, bleeding, numbness and swelling around the wound, damaged scar tissue, and implant - related issues such as implant displacement or capsular contracture. To reduce the likelihood of complications, it is essential to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, follow the pre - and post - operative instructions carefully, and have proper aftercare.
Cost of Collagen Cheek Augmentation in New York City
Non - Surgical Procedures
The cost of non - surgical collagen cheek augmentation procedures can vary widely depending on the type of filler used and the number of syringes required. At Skinly Aesthetics, the cost of cheek fillers in New York City typically ranges from $800 to $2,000 per syringe. New patients may be eligible for a 20% discount on their first cheek augmentation treatment. The cost of Sculptra Aesthetic treatment is not specifically detailed in the