Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When cheek implants are being placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery, the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted.

After surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and swelling. The severity and duration of such side effects may vary, especially if another cosmetic procedure was performed at the same time. Dr. Maloney will provide you with instructions about post-operative care. There will be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities. Again, these instructions will vary, especially if another procedure was performed along with your implant surgery. However, you should be aware that your ability to move your mouth and lips may be diminished temporarily due to the swelling. Stitches used to close the incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days. Cheek implants are usually inserted through an incision in the mouth and placed directly on (or even below) the cheekbone. These implants can vary in size and shape.

What are some of the most common benefits of cheek augmentation surgery?

The bones of the face provide the framework for the overlying skin. Facial weaknesses may occur as a result of heredity or trauma. Cheek implants can enhance facial contours and brings balance to the facial features. It is a simpler method to correct asymmetries and congenital defects rather than craniofacial surgery.

Is the procedure very painful?

Generally not. Most patients may experience some numbness afterwards, which may last from weeks to months.

What can I expect after surgery?

The treated area may feel tight, swollen, and uncomfortable in the early days following the surgery. Pain medication is provided to lessen any discomfort. Movement of the mouth may feel tight, due to the swelling. Dr Maloney will give you information on post-operative care, including limits on physical activities and diet. If incisions are made inside the mouth, you may be placed on a soft diet for several days until there is adequate healing to allow for chewing and food particles to come in contact with the stitches. When the incisions are placed on the inside of the mouth, patients should rinse the inside of the mouth with a half strength hydrogen peroxide solution, after meals and before bedtime for the first week.

What is the recovery period like?

Stitches in the mouth dissolve in approximately 10 days. Swelling generally subsides quickly, but this varies, particularly if cheek implants were performed in conjunction with another surgery.

What are the long-term results like for most people?

Patients will immediately notice that their cheeks are fuller. For most patients the majority of the swelling resolves by the end of two weeks. A small amount of swelling may be present for 3-6 months. Final evaluation of the surgery generally occurs at six months. Scars are generally well hidden under the upper lip or inside the eyelid.

Will you be able to feel the implant?

Depending on the thickness of the overlying skin, Dr Maloney may recommend fat transfer at the same time. The purpose of this is to help maintain thickness to the overlying tissues and keep the implant from being visible. Younger patients and patients with thicker skin may not require fat transfer at the same time. As the face ages, the skin thins and most people loose fat in the cheek area, creating a need for additional volume.

Ideal Candidate:

In general, the best candidates for cheek augmentation are people who are:

• In good physical health
• Psychologically stable
• Wanting to increase shape or definition to the face, especially the upper face
• Understanding the healing process
• Understanding the limitations of the procedure
• No known allergies to the implant material used
• Having realistic expectations for the outcome

How long is the “down time” for this procedure; how long should I expect to be out of work?

Most patients resume regular activities in about 1 to 2 weeks.  Exercising should be reserved for after the third week.  It really is individual but the swelling can be quite pronounced involving cheek augmentation surgery.  There is generally little bruising, however bruising is very individual. Patients should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners for two weeks prior to surgery to minimize bruising.

I wouldn't make any plans to attend functions where you will be high profile for at least 4 weeks.  Most patients return to work within a week. Makeup can be applied over any bruises the next day after surgery as long as there is no incision or lasering in the area.

When will I be able to see the results?

The results are immediate, although you may think that the implants are far too large at first glance.  Give your mind time to recognize the difference in swelling and augmentation.  Most patients are very satisfied with the augmentation results as long as they are aware of what to expect beforehand. 

How long do cheek implants last?

Modern cheek implants were designed to last your lifetime.

Incisions

Based upon the patients anatomy and what other procedures may be performed at the same time, there are two different approaches for the placement of cheek implants. Dr Maloney will usually make an incision under the lip near the top of the gum line and position the implants where desired.
Another method is to make an external incision near the eye or on the inside of the eye. Cheek implant surgery is usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia and take about one to two hours.

Risks

As with any surgery there is a risk of infection, postoperative bleeding, formation of a blood clot, and severe swelling. Asymmetry is a risk with all forms of cheek augmentation. This can occur due to pre existing asymmetries, implant displacement, or shifting. This shift can happen due to swelling, trauma or scarring. Sleep patterns may place pressure on the implant during the first week which could shift the implant position. A shifted implant generally requires a second procedure to reposition it. Although a temporary loss of sensation is common, an extended loss of sensation can rarely occur with any surgery, especially cosmetic plastic surgery.

Shapes

In the past cheek implants were large shell implants. Over the years, due to a better understanding of the aging process and the variability between faces, new implants have evolved. Today there are three general shapes to cheek implants: malar, submalar, or combined. Malar implants, the most common shape, are placed directly on the cheekbones. The result is more projection to the cheekbones, providing a "higher" contour to the side of the face. In contrast, submalar implants are not placed on the cheekbones. They are intended to augment the midface, especially if the person has a gaunt or "sunken" appearance to this area. Combined implants or malar/submalar combination, are an extended implant intended to augment both the midface and the cheekbones. Sometimes a combination of implants will be used to achieve the desired result.

Where is the surgery performed?

This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to go home after surgery. A hospital stay is sometimes necessary when cheek implant surgery is performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures.