Q/A Cheek Implants - Fat Injections

Dear Dr. Marotta,
I am a single 27 years old female from the U.A.E. (Dubai). I have a very flat cheeks which make me look older and more tired than I am. I have tried fillers which last for only few months and they are too expensive as well as painful. I want a permanent solution. Do you suggest cheek implants? Can I custom the implants? I also want to place one between my lower lip and chin area, is this possible. I am not happy with my submalar area. Would it be difficult to talk if I used a thin implant in this area? What are the best materials that give natural look? Do you visit Dubai? If yes, when is you future visit? If no, can you suggest a friend surgeon who has practiced this procedure in my area (Dubai)?I had rehnoplasty a month ago, do I have to wait before I undergo cheek implants? You answers are very much appreciated. Please don't not publish my name or contact details.
Thanks

Dr. Marotta's Response:
The two permanent options for flat cheeks are cheek implants and microfat transfer. Cheek implants come in various sizes and configurations and are chosen based on your anatomy to give you the best look. Most surgeons use silicone implants because they are very well tolerated in the cheeks. Both the malar and submalar area can be augmented with a combined malar/submalar implant. The other option is Microfat transfer to the cheeks and submalar area. The benefit of fat injections is that they are your own tissue so the chance of infection is even less. Which option I choose in a patient really depends on how much facial fat loss or how much cheek augmentation we’re looking for. For changing the lower lip and chin area, a chin implant or fat injections are a more permanent solution.

I do not visit the U.A.E. but would love to someday. I do not know of any surgeons in your area with expertise in these procedures. You could always visit the U.S. as we have many international patients from Turkey, Germany, Italy… You do not need to wait after your rhinoplasty; the surgeries do not interfere. You can rest assure your contact information will not be published.
Hope this helps. Best wishes,

James C. Marotta, M.D.