Cheek Implants

What are Cheek Implants?

Cheek implants enhance the appearance of cheeks and make the face more appealing and symmetrical. The implants can be made of several materials, but most commonly silicone is used. The implants are inserted via surgery.

What are Cheek Implants used for?

Cheek implants are used to offer support for sunken cheeks or correct certain cheek imperfections that may appear with aging or are due to trauma. Patients with a weaker cheekbone structure may also opt for a cheek implant surgery. Fuller cheeks give a more youthful appearance and are more appealing. The implants may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles such as crow’s feet, as the implants stretch the skin.

What are the materials used for Cheek Implants?

The most well known material used for cheek implants is silicone, which is available in solid, gel or injectable form. Other newer materials are being studied and may also be used. These materials include rigid polyethylene, hydroxyapatite or polytetrafluoro-ethylene (ePTFE).

What are the advantages of Cheek Implants over other similar treatments?

One advantage is the duration of the results, which last longer than any dermal fillers available on the market. They can add more volume than dermal fillers (the amount of dermal fillers that can be used is limited and may not be sufficient in certain patients).

Who is a candidate for Cheek Implants?

Patients in good health between the ages of 18 and 70 are ideal candidates for this procedure. Patients that have gum disease or are prone to oral infections should avoid getting incisions inside the oral cavity. The plastic surgeon will assess the condition of each patient in part to establish candidacy.

How is the procedure performed?

There are various techniques that may be used to perform a cheek implant surgery, which may be chosen according to the materials the implants are made of, the health condistion of the patient and the preferences of the patient. Regardless of the technique used, the surgery requires anesthesia, which can be local or general. Incisions are made so that they are least visible. Most plastic surgeons make the incisions at the hairline or inside the oral cavity. The surgeon inserts the implants and adjusts their position so they are fully symmetrical. Stitches are applied at the site of the incisions.

What is the recovery like?

During the recovery time, the patient will experience pain, swelling and possibly bruising. Pain medication is prescribed and the patient should apply cold compresses to reduce the swelling. The patient is advised to sleep on her back five to 10 days after the surgery and avoid contact sports that may affect the surgery. In most cases, a support brace will be recommended for sleeping, to make sure the implants stay in place. The typical downtime after this surgery is between five and seven days. Patients with diabetes or smokers may experience a delayed healing. A local numbness may be felt for up to three months after the surgery.

What will the results be like?

During the first weeks of recovery, the results will not be evident (due to the swelling), but after the side effects subside, the cheeks will be more prominent and the face will have a chiseled appearance.

What are the risks?

As with any other surgery, the cheek implant surgery has certain risks including:

• Infections, which are more common if the incisions are made in the oral cavity
• Blood clot formation
• Numbness
• Discoloration or hyperpigmentation

The implants may shift position, but this can be corrected with a surgical intervention. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon will diminish the post surgery risks.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.