Cheekbone augmentation

Before surgery

The malar bones are the two lateral protuberances in the midline of the face that we commonly call cheekbones. In men, this bone is sharper and larger, while in women it is usually higher and slightly more rounded.

Although there are techniques to modify and/or reduce how the malar bones protrude, it is most common to enhance its width, as women tend to have a wider malar area. To achieve this, two techniques are normally used: augmentation using implants or lipofilling.

The choice of one technique or another depends on several factors, such as your facial biometry. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on this following a prior study.

When we perform cheek augmentation using implants on a trans woman as an isolated operation, it is usually performed under local anaesthetic. However, if part of a combined procedure (e.g. blepharoplasty, forehead feminisation or a feminising facelift) your IM GENDER surgical team may opt for general anaesthesia.

Insertion of the prosthesis can be done in two ways: if it is performed in combination with a facelift or blepharoplasty, we can take advantage of these procedures to insert the prosthesis. Otherwise, it is inserted through a tiny vertical incision inside your mouth above your canines in the sulcus or furrow of your gums. It therefore leaves no visible scar.

This procedure attains a cheekbone volume that will be stable and long-lasting over the years, without the need for additional treatments or revolumisation.

This technique of cheek augmentation using the patient’s own fat is called malar lipofilling. To carry it out, minor liposuction is performed in areas where the woman has some fat deposits. This is done using a microcannula that will leave only a very tiny incision. The fat is then processed and relocated into the cheekbone area. As this step is carried out using injections, there is no scarring on the face.

In this type of operation, recovery is rapid and discomfort is rare, so the patient can usually return to daily life and work within a few days. However, for the first two weeks you should avoid bumps and pinches in this area. At first you will notice a feeling of tightness on your face which will soon disappear.

If implants have been used, be reassured that the stitches in the oral mucosa (inside the mouth) are resorbable. So they will fall out on their own after a short time.

You will see the aesthetic result almost immediately, although it will look even better as the days go by. Cheekbone augmentation is used to project the middle third of your face. It also gives volume to the upper part of your cheeks, thus attaining softened, sensual, highly feminine features. Furthermore, it imbues a trans woman’s gaze with special prominence.

If implants have been used, be reassured that the stitches in the oral mucosa (inside the mouth) are resorbable. So they will fall out on their own after a short time.