Cheek Augmentation Q&A
55%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
20 Reviews
Cheek Augmentationbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Cheek Augmentation Cost: $3,608

Learn about Cheek Augmentation

311 people and 285 doctors are talking about Cheek Augmentation

Get Free Email Updates

How Common Are Complications from Cheek Augmentation?

asked 3 years ago by Newbie28 in LA
Latest answer by Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Question viewed 875 times

I have had cheek augmentation done twice by two different doctors using the same technique (through the mouth) with Radiesse.

I did not realize until recently that there is a risk of nerve damage and worse, the possibility of blindness if injected into a nerve or vessel in the target area!

I am not sure if I want to resume with my treatments after the finding of this. How prevalent is this problem from cheek augmentation with fillers and is there any technique to minimize the risks?

4 answers to How Common Are Complications from Cheek Augmentation?

+1

Permanent cheek implants are a good alternative to repeated injections.

Cheek implantation is a safe and easy way to get permanent volume enhancement.  Injections are fine but they have to be repeated and are not risk free.  Cheek implants (I prefer Medpore) are place through the mouth so there are no external incisions.  General anesthesia is usually employed but in select patients, local with some sedation might suffice.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Complications after Radiesse Injections into the Cheeks

Nerve damage and blindness are possible after Radiesse injctions into the cheeks, but this is so unlikey I would personally have the procedure without concern. The best way to minimize the risk is to have an experienced MD do the injections. Permanent silicone cheek implants are also an alternative.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Cheek implants are a better solution

The best solution for cheek augmentation is to use cheek implants, and not Radiesse. Radiesse is only temporary to this area and will require a large volume to augment the cheeks properly. Silastic cheek implants come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes and can be customized to fit and form what the patient’s goals and desires are.
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+1

Real risks from cheek augmentation, but also rare

These risks are real but also very rare. To help avoiding this, it is better to use the retrograde injection technique to avoid injection into a vessel. Also, some blunt needle are available, which minimizes the chance of hitting a vessel or a nerve.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

www.drseify.com

Ask a question