Fuller, higher cheekbones are a hallmark of a feminine facial aesthetic, contributing to the soft, heart-shaped contour that draws the eye upward and creates a youthful appearance. Cheek augmentation adds volume and projection to the malar region, enhancing the midface in a way that complements other feminizing procedures and brings balance to the entire face. For those seeking masculinization, strategic cheek sculpting can create sharper, more angular midface definition.
What Is Cheek Augmentation?
Cheek augmentation enhances the malar (cheekbone) region to improve midface volume, projection, and definition. The midface plays a key role in gender perception: higher, more prominent cheekbones with softer contours are associated with a feminine face, while flatter cheeks with a sharper zygomatic arch are associated with a masculine one. Augmentation can be achieved using solid implants, fat grafting, or a combination of both.
For transfeminine patients, the goal is typically to add anterior and medial projection — building volume on the front and inner aspect of the cheekbone to create a fuller, rounder midface. For transmasculine patients, lateral and inferior augmentation along the zygomatic arch can sharpen the midface and complement jaw widening. Facial proportions are assessed in full during the consultation, and the recommended approach is tailored to integrate naturally with your other features.
Common Concerns Cheek Augmentation Can Address
- Flat or underdeveloped cheekbones that lack projection
- Midface hollowness or volume loss that creates a gaunt appearance
- Cheek contour that feels incongruent with feminized or masculinized upper and lower face
- Facial asymmetry in the midface region
Are You a Good Candidate?
- Trans or gender-diverse individuals seeking enhanced midface volume and definition
- In good general health with stable facial soft-tissue volume
- Non-smoker or willing to quit before surgery for optimal healing
Techniques & Options
Cheek augmentation can be achieved through several methods, each with distinct advantages. The choice depends on the degree of enhancement desired, your soft-tissue characteristics, and whether you are having concurrent procedures. During the consultation, your malar projection, soft-tissue thickness, and midface proportions are assessed to determine the approach that will produce the most harmonious result within the context of your overall facial goals.
The principal techniques include:
Silicone or Medpor Implants
Solid cheek implants are placed over the malar bone through small incisions inside the mouth (between the upper lip and gum) or through a lower eyelid approach. The implant is secured to the bone with a screw or suture to prevent migration. Silicone implants provide a smooth, natural feel, while Medpor implants allow tissue ingrowth for permanent fixation.
- Provides predictable, symmetrical augmentation with precise implant sizing
- Placed through concealed intraoral or lower eyelid incisions
- Results are permanent and do not resorb over time
- Available in a range of shapes to suit feminization or masculinization goals
Autologous Fat Transfer
Fat is harvested from the abdomen, thighs, or flanks via gentle liposuction, processed and purified, then injected into the malar region in small droplets. This technique adds soft, natural-feeling volume and improves skin quality through the regenerative properties of the transferred fat cells.
- Uses your own tissue with no risk of foreign body reaction
- Creates a soft, natural result that moves with facial expressions
- Improves skin texture and quality in the treated area
- Donor site liposuction provides an additional body contouring benefit
Custom 3D-Printed Implants
For patients who need precise, asymmetric, or complex augmentation, custom implants can be designed from 3D CT scan data and manufactured to fit the exact contours of the patient's cheekbone. This approach offers the highest level of individualisation and is particularly useful for correcting asymmetry.
- Designed from your own CT scan for a perfect anatomical fit
- Ideal for correcting asymmetry or achieving complex contour goals
- Provides highly predictable, patient-specific results
- Permanent and biocompatible
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Swelling and tightness in the midface are most pronounced during the first three days. You may notice puffiness extending to the lower eyelids and upper lip. Bruising is usually mild. Discomfort is manageable with prescribed medication. A soft diet is recommended if intraoral incisions were used. Your care coordinator will check in daily.
Days 4–7
Swelling begins to subside and the initial cheek enhancement becomes visible. If fat transfer was performed, some of the initial volume will diminish as grafted fat undergoes partial resorption over the first few weeks. Intraoral sutures dissolve on their own. You can resume light social activities.
Weeks 2–4
Most visible swelling has resolved and the augmented cheek contour is clearly apparent. You can resume normal activities including moderate exercise. Avoid impact to the face and refrain from sleeping face-down. Residual firmness around implants is part of the settling process and softens gradually.
Months 2–6
The cheek contour reaches its definitive shape as residual swelling fully resolves and any transferred fat stabilises. Implants feel increasingly natural as surrounding tissue adapts. By three to six months the result is fully settled. No further procedures are needed unless you opted for fat transfer and desire additional volume.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
Cheek augmentation is a well-established procedure with a favourable safety profile. The specific risks depend on whether implants or fat transfer are used and the incision approach selected.
- Swelling and bruising in the midface
- Temporary numbness or tingling of the cheek
- Implant malposition or asymmetry
- Infection around implant material (rare)
- Fat resorption requiring a touch-up session (fat transfer only)
- Temporary lower eyelid stiffness if the eyelid approach is used
A thorough assessment of your malar anatomy, soft-tissue volume, and facial proportions is carried out before recommending an augmentation strategy. Every risk specific to the technique selected for your plan will be discussed in detail, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions before confirming your procedure.
How Much Does Cheek Augmentation Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
Cheek Augmentation
All-inclusive surgical package- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Clinic or facility fees
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
Common Questions About Cheek Augmentation
Everything you need to know before your procedure
Dr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDDr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDGender Affirmation Surgeon · Bangkok
Last reviewed: February 25, 2026
Medical References
- Yaremchuk MJ. Infraorbital Rim Augmentation — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2001)
- Binder WJ et al. The Use of Custom-Made Implants in Facial Recontouring — Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America (2008)
- WPATH Standards of Care Version 8 (2022)
- Coleman SR. Structural Fat Grafting — Aesthetic Surgery Journal (1998)
- Morrison SD et al. Facial Feminization: Systematic Review of the Literature — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2016)
Medical disclaimer: Content on this site is provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice. Outcomes, timelines, and eligibility differ from person to person. Speak with an experienced gender-affirming surgeon before proceeding with any procedure.
What's Included
- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Clinic or facility fees
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
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