Depression in the Cheeks?

Patients with focused volume loss such as the cheeks benefit significantly from volume restoration with either fat or fillers.  Fillers work very well with a short recovery, but as you have discovered require a significant volume for good correction and are costly.  Fat transfer is a safe, effective and viable alternative.  Your fat can be harvested and transferred for long lasting results. The only downside is that there is significant swelling postop, so your recovery will be longer.  Fat is definately a more cost effective solition.  All the best.

   If you are looking for more volume to the cheeks than fillers can reasonably provide, then fat grafting may be appropriate.  Fat grafting can be more economical in the long run.  Fat grafting survival on the face is probably around 60% to 90% depending upon the person reporting.  This change is a permanent fill.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Fat transfer is a good option to consider for cheek enhancement or augmentation. Fat is obtained from around the abdomen or hip area with gentle liposuction. Benefit of fat over fillers such as Radiesse, Juverm, or Restylane is that it has potential for much longer lasting or even permanent results. Fat injections, however, may need to be repeated, since some fat does not survive transfer. Recovery with swelling and bruising is also much longer with fat injection, as compared to office injections of Radiesse.

Another option to consider is a silicone cheek implant, which can provide permanent results. Only after a comprehensive evaluation with a plastic surgeon can he/she help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki