Cheek Augmentation Surgery with Implants

Reviewed by Sam S. Rizk, MD

Your cheeks help define your face, just like your jawline. Perhaps you never warmed to the look of your cheeks, or maybe they have changed with age. Perhaps your cheeks were once high and full, but have now started to sag. If any of these scenarios speak to you, you may want to consider cheek augmentation to get the look you desire.

There are several methods of cheek enhancement for you to consider. Your cheeks can be improved with a mid-face lift and injections of certain soft tissue fillers such as Sculptra or Radiesse. Fat injections are also an option, and may provide volume in your cheeks for up to five years. If you are looking for a permanent fix, however, cheek augmentation — also known as malar augmentation — may be the way to go.

Are You a Candidate for Cheek Implants?

Your surgeon will analyze your facial structure and get a better understanding of what it is you want to change about your cheeks before deciding which type of cheek enhancement procedure is best for you.

Your overall health must be good and your immune system must function normally if you are considering cheek implants. A healthy immune system reduces your risk of developing an infection after your surgery. Blood tests and a general physical before your surgery can help ensure that you are in good health.

People with diabetes may be at increased risk of infection after cheek implantation.

If you smoke, quit before your cheek implant surgery. Smoking interferes with the healing process.

If you decide to move forward with cheek augmentation, your surgeon will discuss anesthesia options, incision placement and other surgical details with you. After a frank discussion about your aesthetic objectives, your surgeon will help you choose the right size and shape for your cheek implant. Cheek implants may be composed of solid silicone, Gortex or Alloderm. It can be helpful to bring a friend with you to your consultation or presurgical appointments. There is a lot of information to absorb, and a second pair of ears can come in handy.

Your cheek implant surgery can be performed on its own or in combination with other surgical procedures such as a facelift, eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty.

Cheek augmentation is typically performed in a doctor's office or an outpatient surgery center, and it takes about 30 to 90 minutes to perform. It can be performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with general anesthesia.

Your surgeon may make a small incision where your cheek meets your gums in the back of your mouth, and place the implant through your mouth. Another approach is through an incision in your lower eyelid if you are having eyelid surgery at the same time. In this scenario, a pocket is crafted over the cheekbone, and the implant is inserted and affixed to bone or soft tissue. The surgeon then closes the incision with sutures.

Cheek Implant Surgery Risks

All surgeries have risks, and cheek implant surgery is no exception.

Some of the risks of cheek implant surgery may include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Numbness, pain and tingling. These sensory changes typically last for a few weeks, but in rare cases can be permanent.
• Implant shifting. Avoid contact sports until healing is complete to avoid implant shifting.
• Retraction of the lower eyelid. This may occur if your surgeon inserts the implant through an eyelid incision and could cause dry eyes.
• Infection requiring removal of the implant. Taking your postoperative antibiotics as prescribed can help reduce your risk of developing an infection.

Cheek Augmentation Recovery

Expect some mild to moderate discomfort after cheek augmentation surgery. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers and prescription medications can help. Your surgeon will let you know which ones are OK to take and which ones are not. For example, OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin or ibuprofen) should not be taken because they can increase your risk of bleeding.

Your recovery may be more extensive if you had other cosmetic facial procedures performed at the same time as your cheek implant surgery. Swelling and bruising lasts about two to three weeks. Ask your surgeon if there is anything you can do or take to help minimize both. Certain homeopathic remedies such as Arnica Montana or Bromelain may help.

Your cheek area may also feel tight due to the increased volume from the implant and swelling. If the incision for your surgery was made in the mouth, your upper lip may feel a bit numb.

Eating can be a challenge if the cheek implant incision was made through your mouth. Choose bland, soft foods to go easy on your gums and give them a chance to heal. Rinsing your mouth after eating can help keep debris off the sutures, which will dissolve over time.

Caring for your eyes, including the use of lubricants, is important if your cheek implants are inserted via your eyelids. Your surgeon should go over all this information with you. Eyelid stitches are removed during a follow-up visit.

There are no scars if the cheek implants are placed through your mouth. If they are implanted through the eyelids, there may be some scarring under your eyelash margin.

The best way to maximize your results and minimize your risk of complications is to choose the right surgeon, follow his or her advice and ask questions if you are not clear about something. The surgeons with the most experience with cheek augmentation are board-certified facial plastic surgeons and board-certified plastic surgeons.

Cheek Implant Surgery Cost

In general, the cost of cheek augmentation with implants comprises the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, operating room fee and implant fee. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average surgeon's fee for cheek implants is approximately $2,732. This is just the average; some surgeons may charge less, and others may charge much more. Costs are typically higher in metropolitan areas than in less-populated cities. There are also hidden fees such as preoperative lab work and the cost of medications. Make sure to ask your surgeon exactly what is included in the quote.

Cheek implants are usually considered cosmetic, so the costs are not covered by insurance. If they are done as a reconstructive procedure after trauma to your face, insurance may cover the cost. Always check with your insurer before booking the surgery if cost is a deciding factor.

About the Reviewer of this Article

Sam S. Rizk, MD, FACS, is a recognized expert on the latest advances in facial plastic surgery techniques and has written and lectured extensively on current concepts. He is a double-board-certified New York facial plastic surgeon and is director of Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgery, PLLC. Dr. Rizk received his medical degree in the accelerated honors program at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. He completed an internship in general surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and did his residency in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery/facial plastic surgery at New York Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. Dr. Rizk also completed an American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery-certified fellowship in facial plastic surgery in California. He is on staff at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. For more information on Dr. Rizk, visit his website, www.drsamrizk.com.

 

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(Updated on 01/31/2012)
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