When I was a Plastic Surgery resident in the mid 90’s we often used silicone cheek implants to restore mid facial volume (cheek area). These were relatively short and fairly easy operations and gave nice results. The problem is the implants could migrate causing facial asymmetry and the need for more surgery. They were also a bit firm. Plus, placement meant a trip to the operating room and anesthesia. In 2014 these implants have all but been replaced by injectable fillers. These fillers are usually composed of Hyaluronic Acid which is a protein that is already found in the skin and our joint surfaces. Think of the HA’s as the 2014 version of the old collagen injections but they last much, much longer. The treatments are done in the office with just topical anesthesia and other than the chance of a bruise and some mild swelling there really is no down time and the risk of complications is very, very low.

Lee Corbett, MD

Medical Director, Corbett Cosmetic Aesthetic Surgery and MediSpa