Cheek Implants

Well-defined cheeks are a sign of beauty and youth. But over time, the face ends up losing fat, causing the cheeks to become saggy and flat.

Although some people are born with high cheekbones, you can also achieve sculpted cheeks through surgical and non-surgical methods that seek to restore the plumpness, definition and volume in the cheeks. If you want to restore volume to your midface and recreate the youthful contours, your surgeon might suggest cheek implants.

What Is a Cheek Implant?

Cheek implants have been used since 1956 and have been proven to be an effective cosmetic enhancement option. They are made from a number of synthetic materials ranging from the flexible to the fairly rigid. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be custom shaped to suit any facial structure.

Silicone cheek implants do not integrate with the tissue. Because of this, it is possible to remove them easily at a later date if you want to. Other kinds of cheek implants, like hydroxyapatite implants, instead completely integrate with the natural bone tissue. These implants become a part of the natural structure of the cheek.

Surgery

If cheek implants are going to be paired with another plastic surgery procedure like a facelift, eyelid lift, or rhinoplasty, the implant can often be inserted through the incisions that were made for those procedures.

If they are used alone, then they are placed on their own through incisions made in the lower eyelids or the mouth. The surgeon forms a small pocket in the cheek tissue and places the implants there. The stitches that are used to close the incision are removed in ten days, or they end up dissolving in the same time if they are placed inside the mouth.

Recovery

The cheek augmentation recovery process will vary from patient to patient. It is vital that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative care directions.

Patients often need to take about a week off of their work following the procedure. During this time, it is best to stay away from one’s usual errand schedule.

Temporary issues such as minor discomfort, numbness, tightness, and swelling and bruising are typical parts of the recovery process. To reduce swelling, it’s recommended that patients keep their head elevated at all times. Pain medication may also be necessary.

Avoid physically taxing and stressful activities for at least four weeks. Anything that could cause damage to the healing areas should be avoided.

If lower-eyelid incisions were used during the procedure, there will be an increase in eye dryness while the patient is healing. Combating this will require regular lubrication using an eye solution.

If mouth incisions were used, it is recommended that the patient after eating to avoid infection. Sticking to soft foods for about three days will be helpful for putting less stress on the region.

Once around four to six weeks have passed, cheek augmentation healing should be complete. Your cheeks will be looking natural, strong, and well-defined!

Contact Our Office

Cheek implants are available at our office. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Andrew Compton, a skilled facial plastic and reconstruction surgeon, contact us today.