What is cheek augmentation surgery?
Cheek augmentation, which includes the surgical insertion of cheek implants or injections of fat or other fillers, is a cosmetic procedure to aesthetically enhance a person's face or to create symmetry within the facial structure. With cheek implants or augmentation, the face can be given more prominent cheeks and a more chiseled look to improve the appearance.
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What are cheek implants made from?
Cheek implants are made from several different types of materials. One commonly used type is made from solid silicone, but other types of cheek implants are made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and polyethylene. You should discuss with your doctor which implants he or she prefers and why.
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What does a typical cheek augmentation consultation entail?
Your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals with you and will explain what can be achieved realistically. Your doctor will take into account your facial dimensions and natural face shape. There are several ways to augment the shape of your cheeks. Discuss with your doctor the placement as well as the size of the cheek implants that would work best for you—and don't be afraid to ask questions.
How is cheek augmentation performed?
Cheek implants are usually inserted using local anesthesia and sedation. Usually, the incisions are made within the mouth for cheek implants, although they may be made elsewhere. Your surgeon will make a pocket for the implant to go into, place the insert into that pocket, and close the incision. Some solid implants are sutured or screwed to the underlying bone. The procedure takes from 1 hour to 90 minutes to perform.
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What can I expect postoperatively?
Pain is usually not severe with cheek augmentation, but your surgeon may prescribe a pain reliever for you anyway. You may feel some numbness on your cheeks or face that will normally disappear within 1 to 3 months. There will be some bruising and swelling. The swelling will usually start to disappear within 5 to 7 days. Swelling may be apparent for months, however, and the final look of your face may not become evident for a while.
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How long should I expect to be out of work after cheek implant surgery?
Many people return to work (with the help of cosmetics to camouflage any bruises) about 5 days after their implants are put in. People who have injections of filler may be able to return to work earlier than that. You can expect to resume regular activities in 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling can be quite pronounced after cheek implant surgery, and there may be bruising.
When will I be able to see the cheek augmentation surgery results?
The bulk of the swelling should resolve in a week or so after the implants are inserted and you should be able to see results then. Because of the swelling, you may think your implants are too large at first. For most people, final results can be seen about 7 months after surgery.
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What are the risks of cheek augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is a very safe procedure, but no surgery is without risk. There is a chance of infection, bleeding and numbness from nerve damage. There is also the risk of an implant shifting or asymmetry, which could require additional surgery to fix. You may not like the results, which could lead to your deciding to have them removed. For more information, see Risks.
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How long do cheek implants last?
Standard solid cheek implants are designed to last for the rest of your life.
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