Can skin be stretched to fit cheek implants?

Question:

My face is gaunt and lacks definition. I think cheek implants will soften my look, but I am worried I don’t have enough skin to cover the implant. Can my skin be stretched to allow the cheek implant to be inserted?

Answer:

From the description that you have provided me I would suggest the addition of autologous fat to your cheeks and not cheek implants. Fat injections to the face will not only augment your cheek area in a very precise manner, but, if your face is already thin and gaunt, fat injections to the face will create a smooth and natural augmentation to your face that I feel cheek implants simply do not do in thin skin individuals. I do perform cheek implant surgery, but, from what you have described about your face, well placed fat grafts or dermal fillers will give you a wonderful result.

Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld