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What is Cheek Augmentation?
Cheek augmentation, also known as cheek implants, is a facial implant surgery designed to fill out the cheeks and enhance the shape of the face. Many people choose cheek augmentation to improve the look of their face after aging or weight loss or to give balance to their features.
To fill out a hollow or sunken cheek, cheek augmentation is carried out on the lower or mid-cheek region (submalar). High cheekbones are created with implants in the upper cheek (malar). Many people opt for a combination of the two.
The surgeon inserts implants into the cheek through incisions along the lower lash line, upper gum line or the inside of the mouth. Cheek augmentation is sometimes carried out alongside jaw augmentation, chin augmentation and face lift.
What are the types of Cheek Implants?
Cheek implants are constructed from a variety of materials. The most common cheek implant types are:
Silicone implants: Solid silicone implants are inserted into the cheeks. Silicone implants come in a variety of shapes, densities and sizes.
High-density polyethylene implants: Similar to silicone implants but provide better integration with the existing tissue. However, these cheek implants are a lot more difficult to remove.
Injectable implants: Injecting the cheeks with the patient’s own fat reserves or an injectable filler is a less invasive procedure and gives immediate results but is less permanent.
How long will Cheek Augmentation last?
Cheek augmentation with silicone or polyethylene implants gives permanent results.
Cheek augmentation with injectable fillers is not permanent.
About Cheek Augmentation
Key facts to plan your treatment: how long it takes, your hospital stay, anaesthesia, risks and recovery.
Duration of surgery/treatment
Cheek augmentation surgery typically lasts around an hour and may last up to two hours.
Days admitted
None. Most commonly, cheek augmentation surgery is carried out on an outpatient basis in a clinic or hospital and you will not need to stay overnight.
Anesthesia
Cheek implant surgery is either performed under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon and patient decide on the type of anesthesia required based on the procedure and the needs of the patient.
Recovery
- Bruising and swelling from cheek augmentation surgery lasts around 2 days.
- Full recovery from the cheek implant procedure usually takes between 1 and 2 weeks.
Risks
Cheek augmentation and other facial implant surgeries are unlikely to cause serious complications. As with all surgery, risks and side effects do exist.
Risks include:
- Risk of the cheek implants shifting and need for a follow-up procedure.
- Hematoma or bleeding.
- Nerve injury and extended numbness.
- Infection.
- Cheek implants inserted through an incision near the eye create a visible scar.
- Cheek implants inserted through an incision inside the mouth carry a greater risk of infection.
After care
- Bruising and swelling from cheek augmentation surgery lasts around 2 days.
- Full recovery from the cheek implant procedure usually takes between 1 and 2 weeks.
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