Cheek implant surgery (cheek lift surgery) is performed to achieve a more symmetrical face.

Facial Surgery Plastic surgery cheek implants

Cheek Implants Surgery

Cheek Implants - Introduction

Cheeks are the key features of any face. Cheek implant/lift surgery intends to change the contour and shape of the face using implants, with an objective to balance the facial features. Through aging one looses plumpness and ultimately develops a flat face. Cheek implants surgery is a means to achieve a supple/symmetrical face by proper implants and/or injections. There have been various complications with cheek implants like allergic reactions and infection.

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Needs of Cheek Implants

Cheek implants can help to reshape a patient’s face dramatically. Not only can they help to reconstruct a face that has been damaged by trauma, but cheek implants can also work to create a more symmetrical face or aid in lessening an uncorrected orthodontic problem. As a cosmetic surgery, the cheek lift/implant procedure varies widely, depending on the case, from the materials used to the results cheek implants can produce. Fairly pain free and complication free, cheek implants help a patient to feel better about their appearance quite easily.

Cheek implant/lift plastic surgery can not correct every flaw of a face, but as a part of a face lift, cheek implants can have wonderful effects on a patient’s self esteem by balancing the face and correcting disproportional features. Hence, from cheek lift surgery the patient/candidate should expect improvement of facial balance, but not a perfect face.

Best Candidates for Cheek Implants Surgery

Though all cosmetic plastic surgeries can help in achieving perfection in some body features, they can not transform the whole body. The same is true with cheek implants/lift plastic surgery. Patients in good health having realistic expectations make the best candidates for cheek implants cosmetic surgery. If the patient has any medical conditions, the surgeon needs to be informed of this in an initial consultation. Failure to do so may result in painful side effects for the patient. Patients who smoke may be advised to quit prior to the cheek implants as healing may be delayed as a result of the smoking habit. If the patient has a history of dental problems, that may also factor into their candidacy for cheek implants.

Cheek Implants Surgery - Risks

Cheek lift/implant surgery does have certain risks like shifting of the implant. So, it might require a second operation to adjust the cheek implants’ position. Infection is always a concern with a surgical procedure and may occur with cheek implants. Antibiotics can control infection should it happen. Certain cheek implants may cause other risks and will need to be discussed with a surgeon. Some of the cheek implants are made of silicone, and some patients may have a reaction to it, although there is no strong medical evidence that supports this claim.

Cheek Implants Surgery - Procedure

Cheek implant surgery can be done in a surgical office, surgical center, or in a hospital, depending on the patient’s needs. In some cases, the patient may have to stay overnight at a hospital for observation depending on the outcome of the cheek implant procedure. Anesthesia for cheek implants also depends on the case. Sometimes a local anesthetic can be given along with sedation - the patient will be awake but very relaxed, and will not experience pain. In some cases, the patient and surgeon may opt for general anesthesia. Anesthesia alone can carry its own risks and should be discussed with the surgeon prior to the cheek implant surgery.

Cheek implants can take anywhere from thirty minutes to forty-five minutes to be inserted. The proper size and shape are selected to match the patient’s existing features. The implants may be slipped into the cheek from an incision in the mouth or underneath the eye. The incisions are then sutured closed and a bandage is applied. Stitches that are in the mouth will dissolve within ten days time. Stitches that are on the exterior will need to be removed with five to seven days by the surgeon.

Cheek Implants Surgery – Aftereffects And Care

Swelling and discomfort are the standard after effects of cheek implants. There will be initial problems with speaking and facial expression. Some bruising may occur. The patient’s physician will advise the patient on how to care for the area in terms of brushing the teeth, eating, and activity restriction. And his/her recommendations should be followed precisely to avoid any complications following the cheek implants.

Although most patients recover quickly from cheek implants, it is advisable that they protect the area from contact for several weeks following the surgery. And results may not fully appear for months following the surgery. It is best if the patient gives their surgery time to heal before making any judgment as to the outcome.