Wrinkles and gray hair are the obvious signs of a life well-lived. Less obvious to most of us, and perhaps more surprising, is age-related volume loss in the mid face area, a result of a gradual loss of bone mass and muscle atrophy. This can change the underlying structure of the face, making the face look as though it has somewhat collapsed. Rather than the strong or prominent cheekbones of youth, the face may appear to look flat, with little definition or the appearance of no cheekbones, and with sagging skin. For women, this change can appear faster than it does for men, as female hormones start to decrease, resulting in a subtle thinning of the facial fat tissue. Cheek augmentation can restore lost volume and the curvaceous countenance of your youth.
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.
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.
Cheek implants are skillfully designed to more closely match the natural contours of your face, ensuring you appear more like yourself.
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.
During the initial cheek implant consultation, Dr. English will analyze your face and discuss your objectives. He will also review your medical history and lifestyle choices while conducting a physical exam to determine your skin quality, elasticity, and thickness for optimal results. 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. You may be a candidate for cheek augmentation surgery if you:
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are in good physical and mental health, with good elasticity of the skin;
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are a non-smoker or committed to refraining from smoking;
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have realistic expectations of the outcome of your cheek augmentation; and
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understand the recovery process.
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.
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.
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.