Cheek Implants

What is cheek implant surgery?

Cheek implant surgery helps cheeks to appear plumper, higher, and larger. This can add balance to your features, create symmetry and help patients to appear more youthful.

Who benefits from cheek implant surgery?

Those who have hollow, sunken cheeks or sagging skin may wish to opt for cheek implant surgery. Effects can be dramatic and completely alter the patient’s facial features.

Types of implants

Silicone or fatty tissue implants are used to fill out the cheeks.

Procedure

Cheek implant surgery can take between 30 minutes – 2 hours depending on treatment. The surgeon will make an incision beneath the lower eyelash or inside the mouth. A ‘pocket’ is then created before the implant is inserted and shaped accordingly. The implant can be held in place by using metal screws or stitching it to the muscles themselves. Incisions are then closed and supportive bandages wrapped around the face. Cheek implant surgery can sometimes be performed alongside other facial cosmetic procedures during the same operation.

Recovery period

It is recommended that you up to two weeks off work after having cheek implant surgery. You will have swelling post-operation, which is completely normal and should begin to settle after a week, but may take up to three months to completely disappear. You will also need to continue to wear supportive bandages while sleeping following your cheek implant operation. In terms of food consumption, you may be put on a liquid diet.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there is a chance of infection. The implant may also move slightly and need repositioning. Other risks include a build up of fluid, implant rupture or hardening of the cheek.

References

Cosmetic Surgery from Transform
Department of Health
All about Cheek Augmentation
CosmeticSurgery.com
Plastic Surgery Advisor