Cheekbone Reduction and Augmentation

This is a surprisingly important yet often overlooked question. The cheekbone structure plays a key role in how eyeglasses or sunglasses rest on your face. Augmentation may subtly lift the midface and improve how glasses sit, especially for those with flatter cheek areas. Conversely, cheekbone reduction may slightly lower or narrow the support point. Dr. Steinbacher considers these practical details during planning, especially if you wear eyewear regularly and want to maintain or improve comfort and fit post-surgery.

Cheekbone reduction and augmentation are generally performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and allow for precise surgical technique. In some cases, for minor enhancements or revisions, local anesthesia with sedation may be considered. As a dual board-certified facial surgeon, Dr. Steinbacher teams with experienced anesthesiologists to tailor anesthesia to your specific procedure and health profile, prioritizing safety and a seamless recovery experience.

Absolutely. Cheekbone augmentation, in particular, can restore youthful volume to a face that appears sunken or tired due to natural aging. Lifting and enhancing the midface structure can improve cheek projection, soften nasolabial folds, and slightly lift the lower eyelids. Dr. Steinbacher often integrates these aesthetic anti-aging benefits into surgical planning, creating a refreshed look without requiring more invasive procedures like a full facelift.

Cheekbone structure significantly influences how facial tissues settle over time. Augmentation may provide long-term support that helps preserve youthful contours, whereas cheekbone reduction could alter how soft tissue drapes as you age. Dr. Steinbacher considers your long-term facial aging patterns, ensuring that your results are attractive now and continue to age naturally and gracefully in the years ahead.

Both techniques are effective but serve different purposes. Implants offer precise, permanent volume and contour, making them ideal for those who want defined, long-lasting enhancement. Fat grafting, on the other hand, uses your tissue and offers a softer, more natural look—but some of the fat may be reabsorbed over time. Depending on your facial anatomy and goals, Dr. Steinbacher may recommend one over the other or even combine both to achieve optimal volume, shape, and feel.

Not at all. Many men seek cheek surgery to enhance masculine features or correct asymmetry. The approach differs based on gender aesthetics, whereas female patients often desire sculpted, high cheekbones, male patients typically benefit from stronger lateral projection and subtle width. Dr. Steinbacher customizes each procedure to match the patient’s desired outcome, ensuring results that look natural and suit your gender identity and facial structure.