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Cheek Implants
(Cheek Augmentation)
Cheek Implants | Procedure | Recovery
The placement of cheek implants enhances the cheekbones and provides an appearance of elegance and youth to the cheeks. Cheek implants can give a relatively flat mid face a much more attractive contour. They often add a finishing touch and provide better balance for persons who desire better facial harmony. Although most patients who elect to have cheek implant surgery are women, many men choose this surgery to improve their appearance.
Recent improvements in surgical materials have resulted in implants that are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. These implants are carefully designed to fit the skeletal form, resulting in a very natural appearance. All implants are composed of materials that have been found safe following many years of surgical use.
During the initial consultation, Dr. English analyzes the face and discusses the patient's objectives. If surgery is indicated, the appropriate implant for each patient and for each cheek is selected. Rarely are both sides of the face symmetrical prior to surgery, so some asymmetry is likely to be present following surgery.
While cheek implant surgery is often indicated as a solitary procedure, it is commonly combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance the overall outcome. Cheek implant surgery is frequently performed with facelift, eyelid surgery and/or Rhinoplasty to achieve an optimum result.
Understanding the procedure
Cheek implant surgery can be performed using local anesthesia with I.V. sedation
at English Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center. The procedure consists of
inserting the selected implant through a small incision made inside the mouth.
Depending on the patient's profile, the implants are inserted either at or below
the natural cheekbone by creating a small tunnel in the cheek tissue. The
incision is closed with absorbable sutures to avoid the need for removal. It
heals with no external scarring.
Understanding the recovery
Immediately following the surgery, the surgeon may apply a pressure bandage that is removed in the office the next day. After the pressure bandage is removed there may be tape and/or a bolster over the cheeks. These stay in place for one to three days and are removed at the next appointment.
Recovery is rapid although there is mild to moderate discomfort that is controlled with prescription medications. Chewing is limited immediately after cheek implant surgery, and a liquid or soft food diet is required for several days. Some activities such as lifting and bending are limited for several days following the procedure. Facial expressions and movements are also restricted to avoid slippage of the implant. Pressure to the cheek areas should be avoided for four to six weeks.
Although the cheek areas are swollen initially and some bruising may occur, the swelling subsides in a few weeks. Numb and firm areas around the cheeks and mouth are common, but are rarely long lasting. Most patients return to work or resume normal activities within a few days after surgery.
Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR).