Cheek Implant
Description:
Cheek implants can restore the fullness to your cheeks if it has decreased with aging, or can create the appearance of strong cheek bones if you never had them. Cheek implants are common for people looking for more symmetry in their facial features. Cheek implants are known to doctors as submalar and malar augmentation, and is the surgical use of sterile synthetic implants to the cheek area. Often times, cheek implants are done at the same time as rhinoplasty and/or face lifts. Depending on the areas in the face, the cheek implants can be placed through the mouth with a small incision at the gum line, or through a lower eyelid incision. Surgically, a pocket is made for the implant directly over the cheek bone, and then the implant is placed. The implants are secured either by designing a well fitting pocket, or connecting it to soft tissue or bone.
Procedure Length:
Time of procedure usually takes between 30 - 45 minutes.
Side Effects:
Swelling, temporary bruising, numbness, discomfort, and restricted chewing.
Recovery:
Full recovery from cheek implants is usually around 1 – 2 months, but normal functionality (such as returning to work) typically takes 1 – 2 weeks of recovery time. If you choose to perform the surgery with other facial surgeries, recovery time may be longer. Consult your surgeon about proper recovery.
Risks:
Numbness from nerve damage, infection in the procedure area, skin discolorations, capsular contracture, hematoma (a localized collection of blood) and improper placement of implants. As with any surgical implants, if you aren’t satisfied with the implants you may have to operate again.
Results:
Cheek implants are usually permanent but depend on the product used. Consult your surgeon if any future revisions may be needed.
Patient Status:
Procedures usually take 30-45 minutes and are outpatient status.
Anesthesia:
Local.
