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Cheek Augmentation in Irvine, CA

Expert Surgeons
4.9 Google Rating
Serving Orange County Since 2012

About Cheek Augmentation

Cheek augmentation adds fullness and definition to flat or hollow cheeks using dermal fillers, your own fat, or small implants. The procedure restores youthful contours, balances facial proportions, and creates the high, sculpted cheekbones many people desire. Whether volume has been lost with age or you have always wanted more prominent cheek structure, cheek augmentation offers a customized solution with natural-looking results.

Procedure Quick Facts

Duration of Procedure:
1–2 hours (15–30 minutes for injectable fillers)
Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on technique
Recovery:
Back to work in about 1 week; avoid strenuous exercise 5–6 weeks
Results Duration:
Long-lasting; implants are permanent, fat transfer is long-lasting, fillers last 1–2 years
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What is Cheek Augmentation

Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the shape, projection, and fullness of your cheeks. Our surgeons can achieve this by placing soft silicone implants, transferring your own purified fat, or injecting dermal fillers. Each option adds volume where it is lacking, creating a smooth transition from the lower eyelid to the mid-face and lifting the lower facial tissues for a refreshed look. Implant-based cheek augmentation involves inserting a precisely shaped implant through a small incision inside the mouth or along the lower eyelid. Fat transfer uses gentle liposuction from areas such as the abdomen or hips, which is then carefully purified and injected into the cheeks. Injectable fillers provide a non-surgical alternative for patients who want instant but temporary volume. Your surgeon will help you choose the method that best fits your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.

What Cheek Augmentation Can Do for You

If you're considering cheek augmentation, South Coast Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step. Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your aesthetic goals.
  • Restore Youthful Mid-Face Volume
    Age-related fat loss can leave cheeks flat or sunken. Cheek augmentation replenishes lost volume, smoothing the under-eye area and rejuvenating your overall appearance.
  • Enhance Facial Balance and Proportion
    Well-defined cheeks create harmony between the eyes, nose, and jawline, bringing your facial features into attractive balance.
  • Lift and Subtly Tighten the Lower Face
    By adding structure to the mid-face, cheek augmentation can create a gentle lifting effect that softens nasolabial folds and jowling.
  • Improve Self-Confidence in Photos and Social Settings
    Many patients feel more photogenic and self-assured once their cheeks match their desired aesthetic, leading to increased social confidence.
  • Minimal Scarring with Hidden Incisions
    Implant incisions are placed inside the mouth or lower eyelid, leaving no visible external scars, while fillers and fat transfer require only small injection points.
  • Long-Lasting, Customizable Results
    Choose between permanent implants, long-lasting fat transfer, or adjustable fillers, allowing you to select the longevity and maintenance level that suits you best.

Cheek Augmentation Videos

Watch our videos to see real patients results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.

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Key Benefits of Cheek Augmentation

Replenishes age-related mid-face volume loss for a refreshed appearance
Creates high, sculpted cheekbones that enhance overall facial harmony
Provides a subtle lifting effect that softens smile lines and early jowls
Offers multiple techniques so results can be temporary, long-lasting, or permanent based on patient preference
Why We're Different

Types of Cheek Augmentation

Several approaches are available to achieve beautifully contoured cheeks. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your anatomy, desired longevity, and downtime preferences.

Cheek Implants

Soft silicone implants are inserted through a hidden incision inside the mouth or lower eyelid. Available in malar, submalar, and combined shapes, implants offer permanent, predictable volume and definition. Ideal for patients seeking a dramatic yet natural-looking enhancement without ongoing maintenance.

Autologous Fat Transfer

Your own fat is gently harvested from areas such as the abdomen or flanks, purified, and meticulously injected into the cheeks. Fat transfer provides a natural feel and long-lasting results, while also contouring the donor area. Best for patients who prefer using their own tissue and want subtle, organic fullness.

Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid or calcium-based fillers are strategically injected to build cheek contour in minutes with minimal downtime. Results are immediate and last 12–24 months depending on the product. This option is perfect for those seeking a non-surgical trial or touch-up of cheek volume.

Not sure which option is right for you?

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Meet your Cheek Augmentation surgeons

Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein specialize in facial sculpting procedures, including cheek implants, fat transfer, and advanced filler techniques. Their combined surgical artistry and commitment to individualized care ensure your cheek augmentation results look harmonious, balanced, and unmistakably you.

Why Choose South Coast Plastic Surgery for Your Cheek Augmentation?

Beauty Inside-Out

We care for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every treatment is provided with warmth and exceptional care to help you feel confident and supported

Clear Expectations from the Start

Share your goals in detail before you even arrive using Adoreal's personalized assessment. Your specialist will understand exactly what you're hoping to achieve before your consultation begins, making your visit more focused and personal

Dedicated Follow-Up Support

Your care doesn't end when you leave our office. Our team provides personalized check-ins to monitor your results, answer any questions, and make sure you're completely satisfied with your outcome.

Precision & Artistry

Your treatment is performed by highly trained specialists
who understand facial anatomy at the deepest level. We combine technical precision with an artistic eye to enhance your natural beauty while keeping you looking like you

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A Customized Approach to Face Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch

Your cheeks frame your eyes and define your profile, so even small changes make a big difference. We listen closely to your goals, assess your facial structure, and design a plan that enhances—not overwhelms—your natural beauty.

Before your consultation, you can complete a brief personalized assessment from home, helping us understand your specific goals, concerns, and timeline. During your visit, we'll use advanced 3D imaging to show you a realistic preview of your potential results, giving you confidence and clarity in your decision. 

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State-of-the-Art Surgical Facility

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored to your unique goals from the moment you walk in.

Our surgeon will also assess individual factors such as facial bone structure, skin thickness, and existing volume deficiency, along with your personal preferences to determine the best approach for your goals.

Am I a good candidate for Cheek Augmentation?

Ideal candidates are healthy adults who desire fuller, more defined cheeks and have realistic expectations about results and recovery. Your consultation will confirm whether surgical or non-surgical augmentation best suits your needs.
In good overall physical and mental health
Non-smoker or willing to stop before and after surgery
Desire greater cheek volume or definition
Realistic expectations about achievable results
Willing to follow pre- and post-operative instructions
Stable weight with no active facial infection or skin condition
Understanding of maintenance required for filler options

Help us understand your unique goals & concerns.

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.

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Your Cheek Augmentation Journey and Recovery

From your first consultation to your final results, you’re guided through every stage of your journey with personalized support, automated instructions, and 24/7 access to your care team. This is your journey, we just make it easier. 

Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment

Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Song or Dr. Benyamein. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether cheek augmentation is the right solution for your concerns.

During your consultation, your surgeon will:

  • Review your medical history and current medications
  • Examine facial bone structure, skin quality, and existing volume
  • Discuss implants, fat transfer, and filler options in detail
  • Show you before-and-after images of similar patients
  • Outline expected recovery, risks, and results

Together, you'll create a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.

The Cheek Augmentation Procedure

Cheek augmentation is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, ensuring your comfort from start to finish.

During the procedure:

  • A discreet incision is made inside the mouth or along the lower eyelid
  • A precise pocket is created for implant placement or fat/filler injection
  • The implant is inserted, or purified fat/filler is layered for even contour
  • Symmetry is carefully checked before closure

Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, and a light dressing is applied. You will rest in recovery until you are cleared to go home the same day.

Cheek Augmentation Recovery Timeline

Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.

Immediately after surgery
Mild pressure dressing, swelling, and possible numbness around the cheeks are normal.

First few days

  • Swelling and bruising peak, then begin to subside
  • Prescription medication manages discomfort
  • Soft diet recommended to protect internal incisions

Weeks 1-2

  • Return to work or school, avoiding strenuous activity
  • Swelling and bruising continue to improve
  • Follow-up visit to remove any external dressings or check healing

Weeks 3-4

  • Most swelling resolves; cheeks look and feel more natural
  • Cleared for light exercise and increased social activities

You'll receive personalized post-operative instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Your Cheek Augmentation Results

Cheek augmentation results are visible right away, though your cheeks will continue to refine as swelling subsides and tissues settle.

Early results
Fuller cheeks and improved contour are noticeable despite initial swelling.

Following weeks
As swelling decreases, cheek shape refines and integrates naturally with surrounding features.

Final results
By 3–4 months, implants, fat, or filler have settled, revealing balanced, long-lasting cheek definition.

With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, cheek augmentation results can remain stable for years—especially with implants or successful fat grafting—helping you enjoy a youthful, harmonious profile.

  • Days 3 - 5
  • Week 1 - 2
  • Week 2 - 3
  • Week 4 - 6

  • Month 2 - 3
  • Month 4 - 6
  • Long time
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Malar Implants

Placed directly over the cheekbones to create high lateral projection, malar implants are ideal for patients seeking pronounced, sculpted cheekbones with permanent results.

Submalar Implants

Designed to add fullness to the front portion of the cheek, submalar implants soften a gaunt or sunken mid-face and restore youthful roundness.

Combined (Malar-Submalar) Implants

This hybrid shape augments both the bone and soft cheek area, balancing definition with gentle volume for comprehensive contour enhancement.

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Cheek Augmentation Results and Safety Considerations

Understanding how surgical technique, anatomy, and healing affect cheek augmentation results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.

Achieving Natural-Looking Results

Natural cheek augmentation results rely on precise implant sizing or carefully layered fat/filler placement that respects your existing bone structure. Our surgeons avoid over-augmentation by evaluating your facial proportions from multiple angles and ensuring symmetry before closing incisions. By tailoring the procedure to your unique anatomy and using conservative volumes when appropriate, we achieve results that look like an enhanced version of you—not surgery.

Where Are the Incisions?

  • Inside the upper gum line (intraoral)

Incisions are carefully planned to follow natural contours and are closed with precision to support proper healing and minimize long-term visibility.

Is Scarring a Concern?

Because most incisions are inside the mouth or concealed in the lower eyelid, visible scarring is minimal. Proper oral hygiene and incision care are essential for optimal healing.

Scar Healing Timeline

  • Weeks 1-2
    Incisions may feel tender and appear pink inside the mouth
  • Months 1-3
    Internal tissue strengthens; any eyelid incision begins to lighten
  • Around 6 months
    Incision lines flatten and become less noticeable
  • 1-2 years
    Scars continue to mature and are often nearly imperceptible

Following post-operative instructions and recommended scar care plays an important role in how scars mature.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Medical examination room with a treatment table covered in white sheets and various medical equipment against the walls.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Cheek augmentation is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks to be aware of.

Potential risks may include:

  • Bleeding or hematoma
  • Infection
  • Implant displacement or asymmetry
  • Temporary or permanent changes in sensation
  • Prolonged swelling or bruising
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia

Your surgeon will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful planning, surgical technique, and follow-up care.

Reducing Your Risk

Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe cheek augmentation experience include:

  • Thorough pre-operative evaluation
  • Precise surgical planning tailored to your anatomy
  • Surgery performed in a fully accredited facility
  • Detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care

By choosing an experienced surgical team and following recovery guidelines closely, most patients heal well and are satisfied with their cheek augmentation results.

How Much does Cheek Augmentation in Irvine, CA?

The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.

Financing options available through:
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Trusted by Our Community

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4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County

Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.

N. Snoozzz

Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !

Crystal Surmanian
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cheek Augmentation

Everything you need to know about Cheek Augmentation, explained by South Coast Plastic Surgery's experts

About the procedure

What does cheek augmentation involve?
Cheek augmentation adds volume with implants, fat transfer, or dermal fillers to enhance cheek contour and facial balance.
How long does the surgery take?
Implant or fat transfer surgery typically takes 1–2 hours, while filler injections can be completed in under 30 minutes.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Most implant or fat transfer procedures are performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation; fillers require only topical or local anesthetic.
How long is the recovery period?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within one week but should avoid strenuous exercise for about five to six weeks.

Recovery & Results

When will swelling go down?
Swelling peaks in the first 48–72 hours and gradually subsides over the next few weeks, with final refinement by three to four months.
How long do results last?
Implants are permanent, fat transfer is long-lasting when grafts take successfully, and fillers last 12–24 months depending on the product.
What are the risks of cheek implants?
Possible risks include infection, implant displacement, asymmetry, and anesthesia-related complications, though these are uncommon with proper surgical technique.
How do you minimize complications?
We perform surgery in an accredited facility, use meticulous sterile technique, provide detailed aftercare instructions, and schedule routine follow-ups to monitor healing.

Safety & Risks

Is cheek augmentation covered by insurance?
Cheek augmentation is considered elective cosmetic surgery and is not covered by insurance plans.
What financing options are available?

We partner with CareCredit and Cherry to offer convenient monthly payment plans for qualified applicants.

When can I exercise after the procedure?
Light walking is encouraged right away, but you should avoid vigorous exercise for about five to six weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.
Will I need future touch-ups?
Implants rarely need replacement unless complications occur. Fat transfer may require an additional session if some volume is lost, and fillers need maintenance injections to sustain results.

Cost & Insurance

Is cheek augmentation covered by insurance?
Cheek augmentation is considered elective cosmetic surgery and is not covered by insurance plans.
What financing options are available?

We partner with Cherry and CareCredit to offer convenient monthly payment plans for qualified applicants.

Lifestyle & Long-Term Care

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