Introduction
Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that uses implants to change the size or shape of the cheeks. Cheek implants may be used to create prominent high cheekbones or chiseled features for both men and women. Cheek implants can improve the appearance of sagging midfacial tissues and postpone the need for a midfacelift. They may also be used in conjunction with a facelift or eyelid surgeries to produce a healthy youthful looking face.
During your initial consultation, your doctor will assess your facial structures and skin. You should tell your doctor about your concerns and the final results that you envision. Your doctor will explain the variety of cheek implant types and augmentation procedures which may include temporary improvements with temporary injectable fillers.
Cheek implants come in many sizes and shapes. Your doctor may trim the implants to customize them especially for your face. Cheek implants are made of silicone or other non-toxic materials. Your doctor will suggest the best implant for your expectations based on many factors, including your facial structure and proportions.
Treatment
Cheek augmentation is an outpatient procedure that takes place in a doctor’s surgical center, hospital, or outpatient surgery center. You may receive general or local anesthesia for your surgery. Cheek augmentation may take from 1 to 1½ hours.
There are a few surgical approaches that can be used for cheek augmentation. The implants can be inserted through a small incision made inside of the mouth above the gumline. This method does not leave a visible scar.
Cheek implants can be inserted from the outside of the face just beneath the lower eyelashes or at the hairline. This method uses small incisions and tiny stitches. Because the incisions are made in the natural crease of the lower eyelid or in the hairline, the incision line is barely noticeable. Other options for placement include placement of the implants at the time of a facelift.
It is common to experience temporary swelling, pain, and bruising following your procedure. You will receive pain medication. It is helpful to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses. Many people return to work after 5 to 7 days and resume their regular activities in about 1 to 2 weeks. Minor swelling may be present for months, as healing is a slow and gradual process. It may take up to several months for you to achieve your final desired result.
Complications
As with any surgery, infection is always a possible complication of cheek implant surgery. Occasionally the implant position may shift or have some differences between the sides. Complications can occur, but are uncommon.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Author
Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD,
Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. The library
commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on 4-27-2010.