About the Procedure

Cheek augmentation, or cheek implant surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that usually takes from 30 to 45 minutes. Either local anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used, depending upon the patient's health, desire, and whether additional procedures are being performed at the same time. Cheek implants often accompany procedures such as a face lift, rhinoplasty, or chin implants. Cheek implants are made of an inert substance (solid silicone) and come in various sizes. This implant material is FDA-approved and considered to be safe. If cheek implant surgery is being performed at the same time as other facial procedures, the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. If the surgery is performed individually, an incision will be made either inside your upper lip or just below your lower eyelid. The implant is then inserted into a pocket that has been created.

Recovery and Healing

There will be dietary constraints, including chewing restrictions, as well as limitations to your activities. The stitches used to close the incisions will dissolve in seven to 10 days. You may have some initial awkwardness with talking and moving your mouth and lips. Care must be taken to rinse your mouth out thoroughly after eating.

Risks

You can expect some discomfort and tightness in the cheek area for a few days after surgery. There will also be swelling which will tend to exaggerate the result. Mild pain medication should be sufficient to control any pain. Though this is relatively rare, risks include the chance of an infection around the implant. If an infection occurs and persists, the implant may have to be removed and reintroduced at a later time. Though the face is always somewhat asymmetrical, the cheek implant may not appear to be correctly aligned. If this happens, a second operation may be necessary to reposition it.

Back to Procedure List  /  Back to Top