Cheek Augmentation: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Cheek Augmentation?
A plastic surgeon, a surgeon who reshapes the face and body, does cheek augmentation. The surgery adds volume or lift to the cheeks. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
The goal of cheek augmentation is to add volume or lift to the cheeks. The surgical options are fat grafting or cheek implants. Fat grafting, also called fat transfer, uses fat that the surgeon harvests, or removes, from another area. Cheek implants are solid devices, and some surgeons place them through a cut inside the mouth or under the eyelid.
Why a doctor might recommend it
The result is fuller and possibly softer-looking cheeks, and some patients find that their cheeks look lifted. The choice is personal. Each person decides if the benefits meet their goals and the risks are acceptable.
How to prepare
Medicines are given for your comfort during the surgery. The choices include local anesthesia (numbing medicine), intravenous sedation (medicine through a vein that makes you drowsy), and general anesthesia (medicine that puts you to sleep). The doctor will recommend the best choice for you. You will be asked to sign consent forms so that you fully understand the procedure and its risks. The cited pages do not list steps such as medicine changes or fasting.
What happens during it
The cuts depend on the technique used.
- With fat transfer, you will likely have a small cut near the area where fat is harvested and small cuts near your cheeks.
- These cuts usually measure just several millimeters in length.
- With solid cheek implants, the cut depends on the surgeon's preferred approach.
- Stitches, skin glue, or tapes close the skin cuts.
- The results of solid cheek implants are permanent, and the results of fat transfer may last several years.
Recovery
Gauze dressings or bandages may be placed over the cuts, though you may not have any dressings. An elastic bandage or compression garment may reduce swelling and support the cheeks as they heal. If implants go in through a cut inside the mouth, you may be placed on a liquid diet or given special mouth rinses.
You will get instructions that may cover caring for the surgical site, medicines, what to watch for, and when to see your plastic surgeon again. Healing continues for several weeks as swelling goes down. Attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
Risks and side effects
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, a collection of blood called a hematoma, and a collection of fluid called a seroma.
Cheek implants can shift out of place. Thick scar tissue can also form around an implant, which is called capsular contracture. Other risks include uneven cheeks, numbness or other skin changes, lasting pain, poor healing of the cuts, bad scarring, and a poor look to the result. Blood clots in the deep veins and heart or lung problems are also listed as risks. Blindness is a rare complication of fat transfer. More surgery may sometimes be needed.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, bleeding that will not stop, or a sudden change in vision.
Who performs it
A plastic surgeon performs cheek augmentation. After surgery, you follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Common questions
What are the surgical options for cheek augmentation?
The surgical options are fat grafting, also called fat transfer, and solid cheek implants. The results of implants are permanent, while the results of fat transfer may last several years.
Where are the cuts made for cheek implants?
Some plastic surgeons insert cheek implants through a cut inside the mouth, and others use a cut under the eyelid. The choice is based on the surgeon's preferred approach.
How long does healing take after cheek augmentation?
Healing continues for several weeks as swelling goes down.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Before surgery, it helps to ask the plastic surgeon where you will be taken after surgery, what medicine you will be given, and when you return for follow-up care.
Sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Cheek Augmentation Procedure Steps
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Cheek Augmentation Recovery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Cheek Augmentation Risks and Safety
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
