Cheek Augmentation: Stories

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In Love with Custom Goretex Implants - Carmel, IN

I asked for really big and still don't feel...

  • 30 Oct 2011

I asked for really big and still don't feel like they're big enough. Recovery was uncomfortable but by day ten, I felt back to my normal self. Swelling subsided relatively quickly. Second week made the biggest difference. Still wish my implants were bigger.

A year post op and the swelling is completely gone...

  • 2 Dec 2012
A year post op and the swelling is completely gone leaving me with a really disappointing final result. I don't know which factor (the surgeon, the placement, the implant type) is at fault but apparently, I liked the swelling and not the actual outcome. The volume has decreased so significantly that I feel I paid for a permanent filler that is half the amount I thought I was getting. 12+ months post op, it looks no different than half a syringe of filler on each side. Really disappointed.
Great review?
Catherine Winslow, MD

My Doctor: Catherine Winslow, MD

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Phone or Email Responsiveness
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process
Wait Times

Staff is incredible, Dr Winslow extremely skilled. I absolutely trust her for future surgeries and would recommend her to anyone looking for a truly excellent facial surgeon. I did feel a bit uncomfortable asking the doctor questions after surgery.

Comments (16)

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Excusemytootie 25 Mar 2013
Could you share photos?
Sharon at RealSelf (Community Manager) 4 Dec 2012

Oh no! I'm so sorry it didn't work out. How much difference can you still see?

Brooklyn2521 4 Dec 2012
I mean, they were the largest implants possible. I can see a difference but maybe...an inch of width on each side of the face. That's pretty dramatic swelling/deswelling. Like, I look like a different person than I did six months ago and not in a way that I like.
Brooklyn2521 2 Dec 2012
I don't think I would go to Dr Winslow for future surgeries but she is a very skilled surgeon and has a nice staff. I just don't see the point in being let down by the same person twice.
Excusemytootie 25 Mar 2013
If they were the largest implants available, what is your complaint with the doctor? I am honestly confused. Please share photos. Very hard to visualize.
Beauregard McMillan 16 Apr 2012
Was the entire procedure (doctors fee, anesthesa, hospital, ect.) $3,200, or was that just the price of the implants?
Brooklyn2521 17 Apr 2012
this was everything. no hospital. operating room on site. so the price was all inclusive, yes.
Man on Mars_74 8 Mar 2012
Thanks a lot Brooklyn for such a detailed answer.
I know it can make a big difference, but when it fits a face, there's nothing more beautiful.
I've always been in love with very "tonic" faces while mine lack structure. All the central part of my face has always been kind of slightly saggy and flat, from the lower eyelid (slight scleral show) to my lips that point downwards. I'll keep goretex implants in serious consideration.
Brooklyn2521 17 Apr 2012
yeah, the thing with cheek implants is that it isn't like boobs where you can know exactly what's going to change. the projections are difficult to do. i think that's why i haven't posted pictures. it's hard to show with a photograph if i'm not wearing makeup, which i think defeats the purpose.
again, i went as big as the skin in my face would allow and i would still go bigger. they're deep deep deep in my face. i can't explain it. i'm sorry i can't be of more help!
Brooklyn2521 12 Feb 2012
Augmenting the cheeks is the most dramatic change you can make to the face. I think a lot of surgeons avoid it because patients underestimate how drastically different they're going to look which results in high dissatisfaction rates and a lot of procedure reversals.
That said, I believe the implants can be switched out to a smaller size if age makes the implant appear too severe.
Feeling wise, I can wash my face comfortably, apply makeup fine. During
Brooklyn2521 12 Feb 2012
During menstrual cycles, I do lymph massage to help with the temporary water retention. Aside from that, the result is gorgeous. I think it is a great procedure and I look more beautiful than ever. But I do see why some surgeons are wary to perform it. It is a complete change in your facial structure. I am glad I didn't fat graft and am thrilled to be done with pricey fillers.
Man on Mars_74 12 Feb 2012
Hello, I would like to ask you something about that. Unfortunately, the surgeons I saw seem not to fancy any sort of cheek implants, they say it doesn't look natural. I wonder why. I guess that's because most surgeons use universal sizes that don't necessarily fit everybody's face. Does it look natural ? Is it very hard when you touch it ? No chipumunk effect ? Another question : have you ever keep into consideration the evolution of it in an ageing face, I mean, did you surgeon tell you if that's supposed to properly fit your face in, let's say, fifteen years ? I'm just asking cause it's quite attractive to me as an option, compared to fat grafting.
Stefan Barrie 18 Jan 2012
how were the implants customized? were they hand-carved?
Brooklyn2521 18 Jan 2012
the implants were hand-carved while i was under. i think you can get goretex in blocks and my surgeon carved them by hand, as opposed to the implants that come in universal sizes.
Brooklyn2521 1 Dec 2011
I will wait a year and see how I feel but for now, I am really happy. The result is gorgeous, just not as large as I thought it would be. I really cannot rave enough about Dr Winslow.
Sharon at RealSelf (Community Manager) 4 Nov 2011

Hi Brooklyn2521 -- Thanks for sharing your story. Do you think you'll try anything else to get the look you want, or are you done with surgery?

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