Cheek and Chin Enhancement

The approach to Chin and Cheek Enhancement has continued to evolve and change with the advent of longer lasting injectable fillers and improvements in the shape and feel of the surgically implants. It is now well recognized that much of facial aging is the result of loss of facial fat and soft tissues leading to deflation of the face. This is most evident in the lower eyelid and cheek but also visible along the jawline, the temples, and throughout the entire face.

Cheek Augmentation is most commonly performed with injectable fillers which are in office procedures with minimal downtime. Although most injectable fillers are temporary, the results can last several years in the lower eyelid and cheek. As a no downtime procedure with immediate results the injectable fillers have become very popular for filling in dark circles under the eyes and lifting the cheeks.

Modern Cheek Implants remain a popular choice for the permanent augmentation of the cheeks and midface. These implants are very soft and subtle and come in a variety of sizes and shapes for a natural augmentation of the cheeks and midface. The advantage of these implants is that they are permanent. The disadvantage is that they require surgery to place the implant in the tissue. These implants are placed through an incision inside the lower eyelid. A pocket is developed on the cheek bone beneath the cheek tissue. Once placed the implants gives a natural enhancement to the cheek bone and midface area depending on the desired effect. With the advent of longer lasting fillers these permanent cheek implants have become less popular in our practice over the last few years.

Chin Augmentation can also be achieved with either Injectable Fillers or Chin Implants. For subtle soft tissue loss that occurs with aging injectable fillers can offer a non-surgical augmentation to fill in frown lines, depressions along the jawline, and augment the chin area. For true chin recession (deficiency of the chin or weak chin position) the surgically placed Chin Implants offer a better and longer lasting solution in improving the chin position. These soft implant are made of solid silicone and are form fitted directly on the chin bone (anterior mandible). These can be placed through a small incision in the natural crease under the chin to build up a receding chin, to create balance in the facial features, offset a prominent nose, and strengthen the jawline. Chin Implants are often placed at the time of face and neck lift surgery and assist in creating a stronger jawline and a longer, leaner neck profile.

Dr. Flaharty specializes in Facial Cosmetic Surgery. He is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained in both Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Flaharty has been in private practice in southwest Florida for 20 years and has performed over 20,000 facial procedures. This extensive training and experience make him uniquely qualified in the area of facial rejuvenation surgery. Dr. Flaharty has offices located in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs.