Cheek Implant Surgery

One of the more prominent features of the face has always been the cheeks. Cheek bones enhance the shape of the face as well as bring balance in conjunction with other facial features. As children, we all have high, prominent cheek bones, but as we grow our face changes and we can lose them. Cheek Implant Surgery is a great way to give fullness to flat cheek bones and add more overall projection to the face.

The Procedure

Cheek implant surgery begins with an incision on the inside of the mouth. The surgeon will make an incision where the cheek meets the upper gum. Once this is done, the skin will be separated from the underlying tissue in order to create a pocket. The cheek implant will then be inserted into the pocket and placed either on or directly below the existing cheek bone. Once the implant is in place, the incision will be closed with sutures.

Cheek implant surgery is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, so, if it is possible, surgeons will often insert the cheek implant through and incision that is made for a different procedure.

Will It Hurt?

Most surgeons use a local anesthetic combined with sedatives for the cheek implant procedure. This numbs the area around the mouth and cheeks, yet allows the patient to remain awake. When patients are under a local anesthetic they can experience tugging feelings as well as some discomfort so some surgeons do prefer to use a general anesthetic. This allows the patient to sleep through the procedure.

After the cheek implant procedure, the surgeon will apply bandages to the cheeks in order to minimize swelling and discomfort. Soreness may be experienced as the anesthetic wears off but this can be controlled with pain medication.

What Will My Results Be?

Cheek implant surgery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. It is an outpatient procedure so patients can return home the same day. Patients find that the ability to move their lips and mouth is diminished, but this only lasts temporarily. Activity should be limited for about a month after the surgery to ensure that the face is not bumped or harmed in any way.

The sutures used to close the incisions will either dissolve or be taken out about 10 days after the surgery. By then, swelling and bruising should be significantly reduced and cheeks should start looking more normal. Some patients will experience mild swelling for several months after the procedure, but it will be very minor and hardly noticeable. Patients who undergo cheek implant surgery in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures should remember that the effects of the procedure may differ. Other surgeries may prolong the recovery period.

What Are The Costs?

Cheek implant surgery can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 but this can vary depending on the area in which you live and the doctor that performs the procedure. Costs can also differ if the surgery is combined with other cosmetic procedures. Patients can greatly benefit from this procedure because it can permanently change the contours of your face and provide prominent cheek bones that will make your face look fantastic.