CHEEK AUGMENTATION

WHAT IS CHEEK AUGMENTATION?

Cheek augmentation is the surgical improvement of the mid face area using permanent implants. Cheek implants enhance the cheekbones and provide an appearance of elegance and youth. They can give a relatively flat midface a more attractive contour. They often add a finishing touch and provide balance for those seeking better facial harmony. Although most of our cheek augmentation patients are women, many men choose this surgery as well.

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Recent improvements in surgical materials have resulted in a variety of sizes and shapes of implants. Today’s cheek implants are skillfully designed to more closely match the natural contours of your face, ensuring you appear more like yourself. All implants are composed of materials that have a track record of safety following many years of surgical use.

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During the initial cheek implant consultation, Dr. English analyzes the face and discusses the patient’s objectives. If surgery is indicated, the appropriate implant for each individual patient and for each cheek is selected. When the face is asymmetrical prior to surgery, some asymmetry may be present following the procedure.

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While cheek implant surgery may be 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 a facelift, eyelid surgery and/or nose surgery to achieve an optimum result.

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HOW IS CHEEK IMPLANT SURGERY PERFORMED?

At English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center, cheek implant surgery is usually performed using local anesthesia with I.V. sedation as an outpatient procedure. The implant is inserted through a small incision made inside the mouth. Depending on the patient’s profile, the implants are inserted at or below the natural cheekbone by creating a small tunnel underneath the upper lip. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures to avoid the need for removal. The procedure heals with no external scarring.

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WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE AFTER THIS PROCEDURE?

Immediately following the surgery, the surgeon may apply a pressure bandage that is removed in our 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.

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Recovery is rapid, although there may be mild to moderate discomfort that is controlled with oral 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 prevent the implant from shifting. Pressure to the cheek areas should be avoided for four to six weeks.

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Although the cheek areas are swollen initially and some bruising may occur, our cheek implant patients reported that most of the swelling subsided in a few days. Numbness and firmness around the cheeks and mouth are common, but are self-limiting. Most patients return to work or resume normal activities within a few days after surgery.