At Tran Plastic Surgery, cheek recontouring is a highly specialized procedure designed to reshape and balance the midface, helping patients achieve harmony, youthfulness, and confidence in their facial appearance. Whether through cheek augmentation to restore volume and definition, or cheek reduction to soften prominence, this service is tailored to each individual’s anatomy and goals.
What Is Cheek Recontouring?
Cheek recontouring refers to a set of surgical and minimally invasive techniques that refine the shape, projection, and balance of the cheekbones. The procedure can take two primary forms:
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Malar Augmentation: Adding volume and projection to enhance cheek definition.
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Malar Reduction: Reducing cheekbone prominence or fullness for a softer, more balanced facial profile.
Both approaches may be used independently or combined to create natural, aesthetically pleasing results that align with the patient’s desired facial proportions.
Why Patients Choose Cheek Recontouring
Cheek recontouring is not just about aesthetics, it’s about restoring confidence and harmony to the face. Patients often seek this procedure for several reasons:
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Loss of Facial Volume with Age: As collagen declines, cheeks may appear sunken, causing a tired or aged look.
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Genetic or Ethnic Facial Structure: Some individuals naturally have wide or protruding cheekbones, while others have flatter midfaces that lack definition.
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Gender Affirmation Goals: Cheek recontouring plays a key role in gender confirmation surgery, where contour adjustments help align facial appearance with gender identity.
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Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS): Many trans women benefit from subtle cheek augmentation to create a softer, more rounded, and feminine appearance.
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Balance and Harmony: Enhancing or reducing cheek structure can bring the nose, jawline, and eyes into proportion, resulting in a naturally refined look.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a strong candidate for cheek recontouring if you are:
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A healthy adult seeking facial enhancement or rejuvenation.
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Concerned about flat or sunken cheeks, or overly wide/prominent cheekbones.
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Considering facial feminization surgery to create a softer and more traditionally feminine profile.
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Interested in restoring youthful fullness lost through aging or weight changes.
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Looking to balance the proportions of your face for a more harmonious appearance.
Every candidate will undergo a thorough consultation with Dr. Tuan Tran to determine the most effective approach based on anatomy, medical history, and personal goals.
Techniques for Cheek Augmentation
Patients seeking more volume, definition, or lift in the midface may benefit from augmentation procedures. Options include:
1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Dermal Fillers
A non-surgical option, dermal fillers like Juvederm® Voluma XC provide immediate enhancement with results lasting up to 24 months. This minimally invasive approach requires no downtime, making it ideal for those seeking quick improvements.
Fig. 1. Dermal filler injection to cheeks.
2. Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)
This technique uses the patient’s own fat, harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, purified, and carefully injected into the cheeks. Fat transfer offers natural, long-lasting results while simultaneously contouring donor areas of the body.
3. Silicone Implants
For patients desiring a more permanent and structured solution, silicone malar or submalar implants can be placed through small incisions inside the mouth. Implants restore volume, improve symmetry, and can be adjusted or removed if desired.
4. Zygomatic Sandwich Osteotomy (ZSO) for Augmentation
This advanced surgical technique allows for precise, permanent reshaping of the cheekbone. Spacer material is inserted between bone segments, secured with a miniplate system, creating long-term contour enhancement.
Techniques for Cheek Reduction
For patients with wide, protruding, or overly full cheeks, reduction procedures can soften the midface and create a more balanced appearance.
1. Zygomatic Sandwich Osteotomy (ZSO) for Reduction
Through carefully designed osteotomies (bone cuts), portions of the cheekbone can be repositioned or reduced. This results in a narrower, more delicate midface contour an especially valuable option for patients seeking feminization or refinement of prominent cheekbones.
2. Buccal Fat Removal
Excess fat in the lower cheeks can create a round, heavy appearance. Buccal fat pad reduction, performed through a small incision inside the mouth, slims the lower face and refines cheek contours without external scarring.
The Role of Cheek Recontouring in Gender Affirmation
At Tran Plastic Surgery, cheek recontouring is an integral component of gender-affirming care. For many patients undergoing gender confirmation surgery, midface refinement is essential to achieving facial harmony:
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For trans women: Cheek augmentation enhances roundness and volume, creating a more feminine profile.
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For trans men: Cheek reduction may be performed in conjunction with chest reconstruction or other masculinizing procedures for a stronger, angular look.
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For nonbinary patients: Custom approaches are designed to align facial features with individual identity and expression.
Cheek recontouring may also be combined with other services such as vaginoplasty or jawline contouring for a comprehensive transformation.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Every cheek recontouring journey at Tran Plastic Surgery begins with a personalized consultation. Here’s what patients can expect:
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Consultation & Imaging: Dr. Tran evaluates facial anatomy, discusses goals, and may use imaging software to preview potential outcomes.
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Customized Surgical Plan: Techniques are chosen based on whether augmentation, reduction, or both are needed.
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Procedure: Depending on the method, procedures may be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
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Combination Options: Cheek recontouring may be combined with other facial procedures for optimal balance and results.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies depending on the chosen technique, but general timelines include:
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Dermal Fillers: Resume normal activities immediately; results last up to 2 years.
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Buccal Fat Removal: Back to work in 1–2 weeks; final results visible after 4 months.
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Fat Transfer: Return to work in 2 weeks; results settle within 6 months.
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Silicone Implants: Light activity after 1 week; full healing within 3–4 months.
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ZSO Surgery (Augmentation or Reduction): Resume light activities within 1 week; final, permanent results visible after 6 months.
Why Choose Dr. Tuan Tran for Cheek Recontouring?
Dr. Tuan Tran is a double board-certified plastic surgeon known for precision, artistry, and compassionate patient care. His extensive expertise in facial reconstruction and gender-affirming surgery allows him to create natural results that honor each patient’s unique identity. Patients across Southern California choose Tran Plastic Surgery for:
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Customized Treatment Plans: Every surgery is tailored to individual goals and anatomy.
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Cutting-Edge Techniques: From fillers to advanced osteotomies, Dr. Tran uses the latest methods for safe, lasting results.
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Patient-Centered Care: The practice is built on trust, transparency, and education, ensuring patients feel confident in their choices.
Cost and Consultation
The cost of cheek recontouring varies depending on the technique, complexity, and whether other procedures are combined. During your consultation, you will receive a detailed estimate, financing options, and guidance on choosing the best plan for your needs.
Take the First Step Toward Facial Harmony
Your journey to a more balanced, youthful, or affirming facial profile begins with a conversation. At Tran Plastic Surgery, we’re here to guide you with expertise, compassion, and artistry.
📞 Call us today at 714-839-8000 or schedule your consultation online through our contact
References :
✍️ Bettens, R., Mommaerts, M., & Sykes, J. (2002). Aesthetic malar recontouring: the zygomatic sandwich osteotomy. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 10(2002), 265-277.
✍️ Facial implants facial balancing and enhancing. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facial-implants/procedure#:~:text=Cheek%20implants%20are%20most%20often,or%20one%20within%20the%20hairline.
✍️ Mommaerts, M.Y., Abeloos, J.V., De Clercq, C.A., Neyt, L.F. (1995, February 23). The ‘sandwich’ zygomatic osteotomy: technique, indications and clinical results. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. (1):12-9. doi: 10.1016/s1010-5182(05)80248-3. PMID: 7699077.