POSTED UNDER Cheek Augmentation REVIEWS
27 Y/o Finally Getting Cheeks and Filler in Recessed Chin with Dr. Niamtu in VA
ORIGINAL POST
I want to preface this review by saying I...
WORTH IT$5,850
I want to preface this review by saying I originally made a Pre-Op review in advance a few months ago when I scheduled the surgery. At that time I received so many negative and discouraging comments I asked the realself team to graciously rescind the post. If you're against plastic surgery or want to tell people to accept the way they look because you have a chip on your shoulder about a bad procedure you've had or something else, it's a pretty rotten idea to project that on people at this website who are looking for support. Many of us are already dealing with naysayers in our real life.
There are not enough cheek implant reviews on here or in general available on the internet, and a lot of misinformation about them. I intend to make this as detailed as my time and patience will allow, and I am more than happy to help anyone with ANY questions or clarification you may need.
Background
Despite having good malar prominence (lateral cheeks), I have had noticeably flat anterior cheek bones (submalar) along with hollowish tear troughs since I lost my initial baby-fat in childhood, which did not significantly change with any weight fluctuations. I also have a slightly recessed chin, and both of these issues were amplified by and amplifying to a very projected, "Mediterranean" nose (I am half Jewish and close to half Italian, so that may explain it!). When I underwent Rhinoplasty in 2011 I also had fat injections in my cheeks, and three succeeding injections spaced out months afterwards; and fat all quickly dissipated each time after the initial swelling went down. After the fat transfer I tried filler/restylane, which dissipated in what seemed like weeks. At that time I also had Radiesse injected into my chin but was not satisfied with the result, as I desired projection rather than lengthening and seemed to get the opposite of that. I am still on the fence about getting a chin implant so I decided this time I would have Dr. Niamtu (who is an expert with facial proportions) inject Voluma into my chin to help me make a long-term decision. The Radiesse too dissipated completely before two months was over. So I realized these method were not cost-efficient with how fast I metabolize them. Additionally, since my deficiency is in the bony areas it makes sense to use a bone-imitating material (silicone), rather than a filler which tends to be softer and better compensates for fat atrophy.
Why I chose Dr. Niamtu
See my surgeon review below.
Pre-Op Appointment
Yesterday my boyfriend/post-op caretaker and I went to meet Dr. Niamtu and Brooke (the surgical RN) to go over the details of surgery, take before pictures, and confirm what will be done. As he was at the consultation and in follow-ups, Dr. Niamtu was very thorough and patient. Brooke, the other nurses, and all of the patient coordinators (I have mostly spoken with Rachel) mirrored the same kindness as him. I cannot speak well enough of this surgeon and his staff!
Day 1- Today
*Dr. Niamtu had an observing medical resident during my procedure. I thought it was neat that I was able to be a part of someone's learning!
*Fasting- (no food or any liquids, including water) after midnight on was brutal. I made sure not to overeat last night and should have eaten and drunk more water before I went to sleep. I was so thirsty and starving in the morning. I recommend to everyone the day before general anesthesia try to eat a hearty, late-ish dinner and keep very well hydrated up until bedtime, limiting caffeine and salt.
*Schedule of events- I arrived at the office for my 8:45 appointment and left around 11:45. Another very sweet nurse (I forgot her name) did two quick x-rays around my head. Dr. Niamtu and Brooke met with me again to review everything. Then I met with the anesthesiologist, who was just as awesome as the surgeon! Every other anesthesiologist I've had to meet with has been notably unfriendly. I changed my clothes (swap all shirts/bra on top and replace it with hospital gown, as well as any bottoms with metal), and soon proceeded into the operating room to begin anesthesia. When it came to the actual IV, he put some type of numbing stuff on the hand he used which made it hurt much less, so I appreciated that. They put some kind of breathing tube down my throat to make sure I got oxygen during surgery, which did leave some scratchiness in my throat afterwards. I think I went into surgery around 9:45 and began waking up around 10:30, at which point I gradually regained my awareness. I remember saying something to Brooke about how she interrupted my "alternate reality" when she woke me up. lol
*Meds/Pain- Let me first say I have what I think is a low pain tolerance. I'm a baby. So with that said, I had a splitting headache upon waking (probably severe dehydration) and some pain/achiness in my face. I have a job where many of my clients are addicted to pain medications which I find terrifying, so I was very stubborn about taking them. I took two Tylenol about an hour after leaving the surgery center and was still in some dull pain throughout the following few hours, enough to stop me from being able to get much rest. I finally relented and took a Percocet around 5:15 tonight which helped a LOT with the pain. Lesson to be learned: Don't be a martyr. Being in pain is not conducive to recovery. I have a prescription for Vicodin for sleep and am still deciding whether or not to take it before bed.
*Bleeding- Not much bleeding. I had to gave gauze around the incisions (through the upper gums in my mouth) which were bloody for awhile. I changed them twice throughout the day (once after eating vegetarian chili, which may or may not have precipitated it but didn't last long) as there was still some blood, but the bleeding seems to have stopped as of late afternoon.
*Swelling- I am told swelling will be probably at its worst the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery. I do not have any bruising other than on my chin from the filler (which based on past experience will probably go away within the next few days). My swelling isn't nearly as bad as I expected but it's already increased since morning. My boyfriend just said he could tell my face is more swollen and that my face is "cute" because I look like a chipmunk or how I would if I gained 100 pounds. lol
*Eating/Drinking- At first my upper lip (both above and below the vermilion border) was almost entirely numb, along with the bottom part of my nose. I have to sip drinks, either from a bottle or a cup without major slurping. As I type now (8pm exactly) my upper lip is nearly entirely un-numbed. However, I have a sore jaw still and cannot open it very wide at all so my diet is going to be limited until that improves more. So far today I have very slowly eaten: vegetarian chili and vegetarian refried beans (with nutritional yeast added for flavor and extra macro- and micronutrients I'm probably missing the next few days), tomato soup (which I sipped like a drink), coconut milk yogurt, and my boyfriend just bought us both coconut milk strawberry ice cream to share after melting it in the microwave. Yum! So basically I can only eat things that I can get in my mouth a little bit at a time with a spoon pointing down, or by sipping. I am hoping to get some fruits and vegetables in my system tomorrow if I'm up to it. I bought a lot of leafy greens, roma tomatoes, low-fat salad dressing, blueberries, and some apple sauce! I am aiming on the side of higher protein during healing time.
*Teeth brushing- I bought a manual super-soft baby toothbrush. I have to be careful for awhile in lifting my upper lip to brush my teeth to avoid aggravating the incision sites. It's also just hard to raise my top lip in general right now.
*Comfort/Mobility accommodations- I was told to avoid any movements or lifting which will increase blood pressure. I am avoiding bending down as much as possible. I am a regular squatter so I'm squatting down instead when I do get something from below my waist, while keeping my head up and back straight. My boyfriend will be helping me to clean our cats' litter boxes and feeding them when I get home. I am using an awesome adjustable inflating neck pillow propped up by two pillows (this one: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0154GG7OC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00) to help keep my head up and not lean to the side on my cheeks upon sleeping and keeping a pillow under each arm. I also have two facial ice packs which I've only used a little so far. They can be heated too for later on in surgery, but unfortunately are a little big for my face (probably best for men's faces). Still useful and recommended. (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B015JCW6WI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00)
*Exercise- I was told I can resume light cardio exercise in 10 days and heavy weightlifting in 4 weeks. This is my least favorite part of the surgery (exercise does a lot for my overall happiness and well-being) but realize it's temporary and necessary, and I look forward to spending more time doing sedentary activities I enjoy in the meantime.
*Chin- Other than slight asymmetry at the bottom (which is clearing up and almost certainly initial swelling from the injections) I LOVE my chin. Dr. Niamtu put a few drops in the mentolabial fold and the lower part. It's such a perfectly subtle difference my boyfriend can't even tell and Dr. Niamtu put exactly as much in as I wanted. I'm hoping it doesn't go down too much from here. I will be seriously thinking about a future chin implant at this point if the same look is possible, and am somewhat regretting not doing it simultaneously with the cheek implants.
I am uploading before pictures along with a few I took today (sorry for poor photo quality-- hotel room is not well-lit). Will do another update when I get a chance!
There are not enough cheek implant reviews on here or in general available on the internet, and a lot of misinformation about them. I intend to make this as detailed as my time and patience will allow, and I am more than happy to help anyone with ANY questions or clarification you may need.
Background
Despite having good malar prominence (lateral cheeks), I have had noticeably flat anterior cheek bones (submalar) along with hollowish tear troughs since I lost my initial baby-fat in childhood, which did not significantly change with any weight fluctuations. I also have a slightly recessed chin, and both of these issues were amplified by and amplifying to a very projected, "Mediterranean" nose (I am half Jewish and close to half Italian, so that may explain it!). When I underwent Rhinoplasty in 2011 I also had fat injections in my cheeks, and three succeeding injections spaced out months afterwards; and fat all quickly dissipated each time after the initial swelling went down. After the fat transfer I tried filler/restylane, which dissipated in what seemed like weeks. At that time I also had Radiesse injected into my chin but was not satisfied with the result, as I desired projection rather than lengthening and seemed to get the opposite of that. I am still on the fence about getting a chin implant so I decided this time I would have Dr. Niamtu (who is an expert with facial proportions) inject Voluma into my chin to help me make a long-term decision. The Radiesse too dissipated completely before two months was over. So I realized these method were not cost-efficient with how fast I metabolize them. Additionally, since my deficiency is in the bony areas it makes sense to use a bone-imitating material (silicone), rather than a filler which tends to be softer and better compensates for fat atrophy.
Why I chose Dr. Niamtu
See my surgeon review below.
Pre-Op Appointment
Yesterday my boyfriend/post-op caretaker and I went to meet Dr. Niamtu and Brooke (the surgical RN) to go over the details of surgery, take before pictures, and confirm what will be done. As he was at the consultation and in follow-ups, Dr. Niamtu was very thorough and patient. Brooke, the other nurses, and all of the patient coordinators (I have mostly spoken with Rachel) mirrored the same kindness as him. I cannot speak well enough of this surgeon and his staff!
Day 1- Today
*Dr. Niamtu had an observing medical resident during my procedure. I thought it was neat that I was able to be a part of someone's learning!
*Fasting- (no food or any liquids, including water) after midnight on was brutal. I made sure not to overeat last night and should have eaten and drunk more water before I went to sleep. I was so thirsty and starving in the morning. I recommend to everyone the day before general anesthesia try to eat a hearty, late-ish dinner and keep very well hydrated up until bedtime, limiting caffeine and salt.
*Schedule of events- I arrived at the office for my 8:45 appointment and left around 11:45. Another very sweet nurse (I forgot her name) did two quick x-rays around my head. Dr. Niamtu and Brooke met with me again to review everything. Then I met with the anesthesiologist, who was just as awesome as the surgeon! Every other anesthesiologist I've had to meet with has been notably unfriendly. I changed my clothes (swap all shirts/bra on top and replace it with hospital gown, as well as any bottoms with metal), and soon proceeded into the operating room to begin anesthesia. When it came to the actual IV, he put some type of numbing stuff on the hand he used which made it hurt much less, so I appreciated that. They put some kind of breathing tube down my throat to make sure I got oxygen during surgery, which did leave some scratchiness in my throat afterwards. I think I went into surgery around 9:45 and began waking up around 10:30, at which point I gradually regained my awareness. I remember saying something to Brooke about how she interrupted my "alternate reality" when she woke me up. lol
*Meds/Pain- Let me first say I have what I think is a low pain tolerance. I'm a baby. So with that said, I had a splitting headache upon waking (probably severe dehydration) and some pain/achiness in my face. I have a job where many of my clients are addicted to pain medications which I find terrifying, so I was very stubborn about taking them. I took two Tylenol about an hour after leaving the surgery center and was still in some dull pain throughout the following few hours, enough to stop me from being able to get much rest. I finally relented and took a Percocet around 5:15 tonight which helped a LOT with the pain. Lesson to be learned: Don't be a martyr. Being in pain is not conducive to recovery. I have a prescription for Vicodin for sleep and am still deciding whether or not to take it before bed.
*Bleeding- Not much bleeding. I had to gave gauze around the incisions (through the upper gums in my mouth) which were bloody for awhile. I changed them twice throughout the day (once after eating vegetarian chili, which may or may not have precipitated it but didn't last long) as there was still some blood, but the bleeding seems to have stopped as of late afternoon.
*Swelling- I am told swelling will be probably at its worst the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery. I do not have any bruising other than on my chin from the filler (which based on past experience will probably go away within the next few days). My swelling isn't nearly as bad as I expected but it's already increased since morning. My boyfriend just said he could tell my face is more swollen and that my face is "cute" because I look like a chipmunk or how I would if I gained 100 pounds. lol
*Eating/Drinking- At first my upper lip (both above and below the vermilion border) was almost entirely numb, along with the bottom part of my nose. I have to sip drinks, either from a bottle or a cup without major slurping. As I type now (8pm exactly) my upper lip is nearly entirely un-numbed. However, I have a sore jaw still and cannot open it very wide at all so my diet is going to be limited until that improves more. So far today I have very slowly eaten: vegetarian chili and vegetarian refried beans (with nutritional yeast added for flavor and extra macro- and micronutrients I'm probably missing the next few days), tomato soup (which I sipped like a drink), coconut milk yogurt, and my boyfriend just bought us both coconut milk strawberry ice cream to share after melting it in the microwave. Yum! So basically I can only eat things that I can get in my mouth a little bit at a time with a spoon pointing down, or by sipping. I am hoping to get some fruits and vegetables in my system tomorrow if I'm up to it. I bought a lot of leafy greens, roma tomatoes, low-fat salad dressing, blueberries, and some apple sauce! I am aiming on the side of higher protein during healing time.
*Teeth brushing- I bought a manual super-soft baby toothbrush. I have to be careful for awhile in lifting my upper lip to brush my teeth to avoid aggravating the incision sites. It's also just hard to raise my top lip in general right now.
*Comfort/Mobility accommodations- I was told to avoid any movements or lifting which will increase blood pressure. I am avoiding bending down as much as possible. I am a regular squatter so I'm squatting down instead when I do get something from below my waist, while keeping my head up and back straight. My boyfriend will be helping me to clean our cats' litter boxes and feeding them when I get home. I am using an awesome adjustable inflating neck pillow propped up by two pillows (this one: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0154GG7OC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00) to help keep my head up and not lean to the side on my cheeks upon sleeping and keeping a pillow under each arm. I also have two facial ice packs which I've only used a little so far. They can be heated too for later on in surgery, but unfortunately are a little big for my face (probably best for men's faces). Still useful and recommended. (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B015JCW6WI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00)
*Exercise- I was told I can resume light cardio exercise in 10 days and heavy weightlifting in 4 weeks. This is my least favorite part of the surgery (exercise does a lot for my overall happiness and well-being) but realize it's temporary and necessary, and I look forward to spending more time doing sedentary activities I enjoy in the meantime.
*Chin- Other than slight asymmetry at the bottom (which is clearing up and almost certainly initial swelling from the injections) I LOVE my chin. Dr. Niamtu put a few drops in the mentolabial fold and the lower part. It's such a perfectly subtle difference my boyfriend can't even tell and Dr. Niamtu put exactly as much in as I wanted. I'm hoping it doesn't go down too much from here. I will be seriously thinking about a future chin implant at this point if the same look is possible, and am somewhat regretting not doing it simultaneously with the cheek implants.
I am uploading before pictures along with a few I took today (sorry for poor photo quality-- hotel room is not well-lit). Will do another update when I get a chance!
Indigo2788's provider
Replies (55)
March 14, 2016
Do the cheek implants cover the under eye hollows? I've read it can make them worse
March 14, 2016
They do not, but they are not far below that area in the cheeks. I actually asked Dr. Niamtu if he felt I would benefit from Restylane injections in my tear troughs in addition to the implants. He didn't think it was necessary and says there is often benefit by submalar implants alone. If worse comes to worse I will get them, but I think I am already seeing improvement under my eyes even with the swelling so we will see. Not expecting perfection as most (even attractive, young) people I know have at least SOME hollowness under their eyes.
March 14, 2016
Well done for providing so much info ...looking great!
April 13, 2016
I'm sorry but exactly what procedures did you get? Your heading says fillers but I think you got implants?
April 20, 2016
Thank you so much for the review! I'm looking to have my cheeks done as I'm almost literally skin and bones and have had people tell me they would make quite the improvement in my facial appearance.
April 20, 2016
Absolutely. If you want to talk farther about it please feel free to message me. Based on your profile picture I agree you would see improvement! Good luck to you. (:
UPDATED FROM Indigo2788
1 day post
Day 2!
Currently late afternoon.
*Had my post-op appointment at 8am and went home today. Dr. Niamtu said my tissues were easy to cut through where some people's are more laborious, which may account to what seems like a better healing so far than I anticipated. Discussed that I'm happy with my chin and whether I can get a similar result with an implant. He says it is possible with a small one as well as to get coverage in the mentolabial fold area with the right placement.
*Numbness: My top lip is 95% un-numbed and most of my left cheek other than the very top part. My right cheek and right-bottom side of my nose is slowly un-numbing too. Kind of weird that half of my face feels different than the other, but I'm sure it's very temporary!
*Swelling- A little bit more today as predicted. Some bruising is becoming evident but not major. I walked into several crowded stores on our way home and got some funny looks, but I still didn't mind too much being in public already. I'm hoping to shower tomorrow!
*The ride home (3.5 hours) wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. No pain meds (yet? hopefully not) for the day and only took tylenol when I woke up and at lunch time thus far.
Posting more pictures!
*Had my post-op appointment at 8am and went home today. Dr. Niamtu said my tissues were easy to cut through where some people's are more laborious, which may account to what seems like a better healing so far than I anticipated. Discussed that I'm happy with my chin and whether I can get a similar result with an implant. He says it is possible with a small one as well as to get coverage in the mentolabial fold area with the right placement.
*Numbness: My top lip is 95% un-numbed and most of my left cheek other than the very top part. My right cheek and right-bottom side of my nose is slowly un-numbing too. Kind of weird that half of my face feels different than the other, but I'm sure it's very temporary!
*Swelling- A little bit more today as predicted. Some bruising is becoming evident but not major. I walked into several crowded stores on our way home and got some funny looks, but I still didn't mind too much being in public already. I'm hoping to shower tomorrow!
*The ride home (3.5 hours) wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. No pain meds (yet? hopefully not) for the day and only took tylenol when I woke up and at lunch time thus far.
Posting more pictures!
Replies (8)
March 13, 2016
It's great that you haven't needed the pain meds. It's nice to have them on hand, but so awesome if you're not in enough discomfort to need them. I'm interested to follow this journey of yours, so please keep the updates coming! :D Thanks for being such a helpful member of the site.
April 15, 2016
Ooh so pretty! I want mine done like yours. Very beautiful
April 16, 2016
Aw thank you. Good luck with your surgery and feel free to message me if you would like to talk farther about it. (:
April 4, 2017
Hi i must say you look killer after the implants! What kind of implants were they? Like the size or projection or name?
April 4, 2017
Thank you! Size medium, submalar, silicone. I don't know the specific projection size but Dr. Niamtu has information on the ones he uses on his website (which I'm apparently not allowed to post on realself but you can easily find on an online search "Dr. Niamtu Plastic Surgeon Richland VA").
UPDATED FROM Indigo2788
2 days post
Day 3!
Quick update
*Bought Peridex when I came home yesterday, which is a prescription antibiotic mouth rinse Dr. Niamtu wrote for me. I'm using it twice daily until... I'm not sure when (the bottle is pretty big and will last for awhile). I'll have to check on that. Gives me peace of mind to help protect from infection.
*I'm more comfortable moving around but trying not to push myself.
*The initial facial pain is starting to give way to slight bruising and feelings of tingles around the implant areas where I'm numb (which is kind of an unusual feeling, but expected!). I woke up looking like a ridiculous pumpkin (picture will follow) and my face has taken on an unusual yellow tinge (I tend to have cool undertones so it's definitely from bruising). I think soon I'll be ready for warmed packs to my face but not sure if I'll bother. I really did not like the feeling of any pressure even from the cool packs earlier so I might just let nature take its course there. Or I might use a warm washcloth instead.
*Swelling- I have a strong feeling today is the climax of it and will slowly begin going down over the next few days.
*Food/Eating- I am able to eat slightly larger bites of food today. Ate vegan mac 'n cheese (mm) with no problem this morning (yes this morning. I was starving!). Probably will be a few more days until I can get into the crunchy stuff again.
**Constipation- Hard to talk about but was a bit constipated the first two days which is not a problem I've dealt with at all in the 4.5 years since I've followed a vegan diet, so I was a bit alarmed about that. However apparently it is very common though after anesthesia, especially if you take any pain meds. Metamucil is good stuff which seems like a better alternative to traditional laxatives. I recommend using the kind you dissolve in water. Feeling better now. :D
May put a shower off until tomorrow when hopefully my face is a little less sensitive.
*Bought Peridex when I came home yesterday, which is a prescription antibiotic mouth rinse Dr. Niamtu wrote for me. I'm using it twice daily until... I'm not sure when (the bottle is pretty big and will last for awhile). I'll have to check on that. Gives me peace of mind to help protect from infection.
*I'm more comfortable moving around but trying not to push myself.
*The initial facial pain is starting to give way to slight bruising and feelings of tingles around the implant areas where I'm numb (which is kind of an unusual feeling, but expected!). I woke up looking like a ridiculous pumpkin (picture will follow) and my face has taken on an unusual yellow tinge (I tend to have cool undertones so it's definitely from bruising). I think soon I'll be ready for warmed packs to my face but not sure if I'll bother. I really did not like the feeling of any pressure even from the cool packs earlier so I might just let nature take its course there. Or I might use a warm washcloth instead.
*Swelling- I have a strong feeling today is the climax of it and will slowly begin going down over the next few days.
*Food/Eating- I am able to eat slightly larger bites of food today. Ate vegan mac 'n cheese (mm) with no problem this morning (yes this morning. I was starving!). Probably will be a few more days until I can get into the crunchy stuff again.
**Constipation- Hard to talk about but was a bit constipated the first two days which is not a problem I've dealt with at all in the 4.5 years since I've followed a vegan diet, so I was a bit alarmed about that. However apparently it is very common though after anesthesia, especially if you take any pain meds. Metamucil is good stuff which seems like a better alternative to traditional laxatives. I recommend using the kind you dissolve in water. Feeling better now. :D
May put a shower off until tomorrow when hopefully my face is a little less sensitive.
Replies (3)
June 1, 2017
U good look ..could u tell me the experience with durgery
June 1, 2017
What information are you specifically looking for? I gave a ton of details in the review.
Thank you for your willingness to share and put your story out there. I know it will help lots of other people who are considering surgery. :)