Cheek Implant
Some patients are born with a relatively flat mid-face that does not develop with the rest of the face. Cheek implants can restore facial harmony and accentuate the beauty commonly associated with high cheekbones. Most people lose cheek structure and volume with age. Relocating the cheek fat upwards in facelift surgery can reverse this aged look. This can be further enhanced with cheek implants.
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The Procedure
Cheek implant surgery is performed either as an isolated procedure or can be combined with other facial surgery, including chin implant.
Cheek implants can be inserted via lower eyelid incisions or through facelift incisions at the time of facelift surgery, but are most commonly inserted via an incision in the upper gum inside the mouth. The implants are placed right next to the bone so that a maximum amount of soft tissue covers the implants. This camouflages their shape and makes them less likely to be felt. The surgery is performed as a day-stay procedure under general anesthesia.
The Recovery
After a cheek implant procedure you should be up and about on the same day and back at work within a week. Bruising and swelling is minimal, but can last for a week or so. There is generally little pain associated with the cheek implant procedure.
The Results
FAQS
There is no ideal age for cheek implant surgery, however, as your facial features are growing throughout adolescence, it is recommended to wait until the age of around 18 or older.
Cheek implant surgery is performed in a private, accredited hospital under general anaesthetic with a qualified anaesthetist and usually takes approximately 1.5 hours. You can go home the same day but will require someone to pick you up to care for you at least overnight and take you for your post-op appointments.
Cheek implants are made of hard solid silicone (meant to imitate bone) and so do not leak or break down. They are designed to last a lifetime and only need to be taken out in rare circumstances.
Cheek implant incisions are generally inside the mouth.
There are no Medicare rebates as cheek implants are considered a cosmetic procedure.
As with almost all surgery, moderation is the key to a natural-looking result. While a moderate increase in cheek size may be aesthetically beneficial, a very large increase can look artificial and disharmonious. Dr Nettle always strives for natural-looking results in cheek implant surgery, and so will carefully assess you to determine the correct implant size and shape for your requirements.
Correct positioning of the cheek implant is important, as they are designed to stay in one position and not move
Facelift surgery repositions cheek volume and can address aesthetic flaws in the cheek region. Fat injections to this area can also often achieve long-lasting results. The fat may fade with time and requires maintenance. Dermal fillers are an alternative solution which usually need to be topped up every year to 18 months. Cheek implants remain the most effective permanent solution.
You will be seen by Dr Nettle within 7 days of your surgery.Regular appointments are made to remove sutures and to check on your healing following surgery.
