Full cheeks and defined cheekbones are attractive physical features desired by men and women to produce a balanced and aesthetically pleasing face. Patients who have lost facial volume with aging or were born with weak cheeks can benefit from cheek implants. The implants are made of solid silicone or other biocompatible materials that are customized for each individual patient’s facial contour.
For optimum results, many patients decide to have cheek implants in conjunction with either a facelift, blepharoplasty or rhinoplasty. Dr. Kurtzman will develop a customized treatment plan for you based on a thorough evaluation of your facial structure, overall health and personal goals.
Candidates
Cheek implants are ideal for patients seeking to enhance volume within the cheek area for a fuller, younger looking appearance. Candidates may include patients who have lost facial fullness over time or they are just simply unhappy with the natural appearance of their cheeks. It is important for patients to be in good overall health and to maintain realistic expectations in order to achieve effective results.
Procedure
During the cheek implant procedure, a small incision will be made in the mouth or in the eyelid to place the implant with minimizing scarring. A pocket is created in the cheek area before the implant is placed. The implant is then secured in place by attaching it to bone or soft tissue. The incision is then closed with sutures. This procedure can be performed in the surgeon’s office or in an outpatient surgery center under IV or twilight sedation. The entire procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes to perform, depending on the surgical technique used.
Results and Recovery
After the cheek implant procedure, patients usually feel fine shortly after surgery but are encouraged to take it easy for the remainder of the day and before returning to work and other regular activities. You may experience some soreness, swelling and numbness at the incision site and in the cheeks, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications if needed. Patients will be asked to keep their head elevated to minimize swelling and are given specific instructions to allow the incision to heal.
The results of the cheek implants will be visible right away and will continue to improve as swelling subsides. Implants produce long lasting results unlike facial fillers which require routine maintenance. There is no scarring for incisions placed in the mouth and only minimal scarring for eyelid incisions which are not usually noticeable.
Risks
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with cheek implants including infection, loss of sensation, rejection of implant or shifting of implant. These risks are considered rare, especially when treatment is performed by an experienced surgeon.