Cheek Implants Surgery

What is Cheek Implant Surgery?

Cheek implants are one of the most popular types of plastic surgery. Elevating the cheekbones gives the face a new sense of symmetry as well as elevates all of the other features of the face so that they look more youthful.

Benefits of Cheek Implants

Like all implants in facial plastic surgery, cheek implants can create a drastic difference in a person’s appearance. With this type of reconstructive plastic surgery it is important for you to be healthy emotionally so that you make wise choices about what type of cheek implant will best suit your facial structure. Although most people are very pleased with the end results, it can be a bit of trial to getting to the final stages of healing. This is because cheek implants, like most facial implants, have a bad habit of migrating during the healing process. 

Are You a Good Candidate for Cheek Implant Surgery?

As with any type of major cosmetic plastic surgery, you will not be considered to be a good candidate for cheek implants if you have a history of psychological instability or are suffering from an autoimmune disorder. You may also be encouraged to quit smoking before having this operation, as it requires incisions inside the mouth. You may not be a candidate for this type of operation if you suffer from an eye disease, sinus problems, or dental problems in your upper jaw. If root canals or crowns need to be done on your teeth, your plastic surgeon may suggest that you get that work done first before going forward with cheek implants.

Most cheek implants are made of solid silicone that is slightly harder than normal bone. As with all major surgery, a cheek implant procedure does pose the risk of infection, bleeding or an allergic reaction to anesthesia. A cheek implant is considered to be a prosthetic appliance that must be accepted or rejected by the human body. If an infection does occur as the result of an implant, then usually the procedure is to remove the cheek implant entirely and replace it once the infection has cleared up. 

Cheek Implant Surgery - Precautions

As a cheek implant can so drastically change your appearance it is very important that you spend as much consultation time as possible with the plastic surgeon who is to do the operation. Sometimes it helps to bring photographs of individuals to these consultations who have similar facial features as you, but who also have the type of cheek you desire. During this initial consultation your plastic surgeon will be able to recommend the type of implant that is necessary to achieve the look you want as well as estimate the length of time you will be under anesthesia.

Before you have the operation, you might be instructed to take antibiotics as a preventative measure against infection. The operation usually takes three to four hours and is done on as either an inpatient or outpatient procedure depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done. It is almost always done under general anesthesia

Cheek Implant Surgery - Procedure

Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Usually an incision will be made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted. Sometimes cheek implant surgery is done at the same time as another procedure such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery in which case the implants may be inserted through incisions made for those procedures. 

Cheek Implants Surgery - Aftercare

After surgery, a dressing is applied to minimize discomfort and swelling. There will be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities. Your ability to move your mouth and lips may be limited and as a result so will your ability to eat. Be prepared to do a lot of drinking through a straw for ten or more days. It may also be difficult to talk or smile.

Your recovery time after a cheek implant procedure is usually about six weeks. Before planning this type of major change to your appearance it might be wise to prepare for it psychologically and emotionally. Be aware too that it is considered to be a purely cosmetic procedure that is rarely, if ever covered by health insurance.

The good news about cheek implants is that it is a reversible operation. If you don’t like the way they look you can always have them removed and have them replaced with ones that you find more suitable for your facial structure.