How common is fat transfer to the zygoma, to create enhanced lateral cheekbone flare? Is it a good option for me? (Photos)

Question

I was wondering how common it is to do fat transfer for enhancing cheekbones? I have done filler before to the cheekbone but dont like how fast it dissolved, and also dont want to repeat doing it. So I would like to replace it with fat transfer. I already have a moderate under eye hollow that I want fixed with a fat transfer but also am considering if I can use fat to give my lateral cheekbones a little extra flare. My cheekbones are already prominent forwardly but not super prominent laterally, so hoping the fat can give me a nice contour the same way filler did. I'm slightly concerned about the variability of fat surviving and if it will look too soft, puffy as compared to filler so wanted to gauge the sentiment on my plan. Adding photos of before (natural self) and after (AI generated, but ignore the other facial changes, mainly focusing on the cheekbones, under eyes)

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photos. The zygomatic arch is one of the most common areas treated with fat grafting. Building out the cheekbone in this area can look very natural.
The results are permanent. The fat is gently blended a bit into the temple and under the eye so the contour looks natural and the overall facial architecture is more harmonious.
Please reach out to the office if you’d like to discuss this further.

David Tauber, MD · Answer

Fat grafting can be used to enhance the lateral zygomatic or cheekbone region, and it can be combined with treatment of the tear trough or lid-cheek junction. The important point is that fat and filler do not behave identically. Fat generally produces softer, more diffuse volume, and the amount that survives is less predictable than the result from a precisely placed filler.

Because you already have good forward cheek projection and are looking for a controlled increase in lateral flare, the amount, location, and depth of placement would be especially important. Conservative treatment is preferable; additional fat can be added later, while removing excess surviving fat is much more difficult. An AI-generated image can help communicate your goal, but it should not be viewed as a reliable surgical simulation.

The under-eye hollow also needs to be evaluated separately for lower-eyelid fat, skin laxity, cheek support, and any residual filler. Fat grafting may be appropriate, but it is not automatically the best treatment for every tear trough. Your photos suggest a reasonable goal, but an in-person examination is necessary to determine whether fat alone can create the sharper lateral contour you want or whether another approach would be more predictable.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hello. It is very common. We do fat grafting to the mid face including zygoma with or without a surgical facial procedure. You are actually a very good candidate. We like to use the LipoCube for enhanced results and durability. 
You would be ideal for this. 
Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There two good options for cheek augmentation including augmentation of lateral aspects of cheek bones, fat grafting and cheek implants. What would be best solution in your case will depend of in person evaluation and your decision. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in facial rejuvenation is recommended. Good luck.

How common is fat transfer to the zygoma, to create enhanced lateral cheekbone flare? Is it a good option for me? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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