The natural aging process and sun damage cause flatter cheeks and decreased facial volume. As a result, cheek implant is a cosmetic method to add volume and highlight the patient’s bone structure by accentuating the cheekbones. Alternative types of cheek implants involving Silicone Implants, Fast Transfer, and Filler are available.

Preparation

In case of cheek implant made of silicone, the procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. The patient must stop taking aspirin products under doctor supervision and avoid herbal supplements at least 7 days prior to the surgery. In addition, the patient will be needed to carry out lab tests before the procedure.

The doctor will instruct the patient to quit smoking 7 days prior to the surgery as cigarette products impair the body’s ability to heal. 

Procedure

    • Fat Transfer is the natural option for cheek implant with the use of the patient’s own fat. It is harvested from the patient’s body and is injected into the area along the cheekbone. This method can be performed under local anesthesia. The result will last for a few years as the body reabsorbs the fat.

    • Fillers are injected to the cheek area for adding volume and giving a more youthful appearance. 

    • Silicone implants are prosthetics that can be used to enlarge the cheek area. The implant materials are available in different shapes. The doctor will evaluate the patient in order to determine the size of silicone for balancing the proportion of the face. 

The surgeon makes a small incision in the mouth, placed above the gum line. The implant is inserted in a pocket, which is created above the bony surface of the cheek.

Post-operative care

To avoid the risk of damage to the suture line, the patient is recommended to use antiseptic mouthwash instead of brushing. Food that is soft in texture and easy to chew is required in the first week after surgery.

Risks

The patient may have mild soreness and swelling in the surgical area. The cheeks may feel tight due to the increased volume from the silicone and the face will feel numb or have half full feeling from the incision. However, the sensibility in the surgical site gradually returns. 

Infection from the implants may arise. In that case, the silicone may need to be removed. To minimize the infection, the patient should avoid contact to the implant area at least 4 weeks.