Cheek Implants - Changes They Make to the Face

As a person ages, the tissues that are located in the face start to lose their firmness and become thinner in appearance. In order to give the cheeks a younger look, doctors can add volume to the area of the cheeks with cheek implants. Want to learn more about the changes cheek implants can make to the face and appearance of a patient? If so, the answers about cheek implants can be found in this informative article.

Cheek Implants – How, and Why Are They Placed in the Cheeks?

Cheek implants are available in multiple sizes and shapes, and they are also made of two separate materials. In general, cheek implants are silicone implants or hydroxyapatite implants which are able to integrate with the natural bone tissue of the patient. The surgeon places the implants in the cheeks through small incisions that are created in the mouth or the lower eyelids. Once they are inserted through the incisions created by the surgeon, they are placed in small pockets located in the tissue of the cheeks. After they are placed in the targeted areas, the implants will give the cheeks a more youthful and contoured appearance along with an increase in volume.

In addition to the desire to give the cheeks a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance, cheek implants can also give the face a more natural appearance if the patient has experienced some form of illness or injury that has impacted the face.

Cheek Implants – How Are They Shaped?

There are three main shapes when it comes to cheek implants:

• Malar – This is when the cheek implants provide a higher amount of projection by being placed directly on the cheekbones.
• Submalar – This type of cheek implant gives the cheeks a fuller look by addressing cheeks that have a sunken or gaunt look.
• Combined – This type of cheek implant means what the name says as they are a combined implant that is able to augment the look of the cheeks and the cheekbones.

Cheek Implants – What to Expect After the Procedure

Once the cheek implants are placed in the designated area, the surgeon will have to place a dressing on the face of the patient. This dressing will need to remain in place for two or three days. In addition, there might be some tenderness and pain after the surgery. Patients should contact their surgeon about any discomfort after the operation as the issue can likely be addressed and controlled with pain medication prescribed by the doctor.

As the recovery process continues, patients might feel a sensation of tightness in the cheeks along with a stretched feeling. This sensation will resolve on its own in about a week. It can take about six weeks for the swelling to subside enough that the results can start to be viewed. A person with newly placed cheek implants will need to avoid any type of strenuous activities for a few weeks. However, normal activities can be resumed after about ten days.

In addition to any pain or discomfort, patients will also need to inform their doctor if they experience any bleeding, fever, or prolonged or unusual swelling. These issues can be addressed during a follow-up appointment. Plus, the follow-up appointment is also the time for the surgeon to make sure the recovery process is proceeding at a normal pace.

Cheek Implants – Who is an Ideal Candidate?

There are a number of patients who are considered to be ideal candidates for cheek implant surgery including someone who is lacking a good amount of volume or definition to their cheeks. The placement of cheek implants can also help a person with sagging cheeks or cheeks that are lacking volume or definition. Pus, a person who simply wants to enjoy a fuller look to the cheeks can also be an ideal cheek implants candidate.

Cheek Implants – How Long Do the Results Last?

The results of cheek implants being placed in the face are long-lasting and they can even be considered to be a permanent improvement to the appearance of the face. While they are long-lasting once they are placed in the face, the process can be reversed if the patient changes their mind about having cheek implants at some point in the future. The implants can be removed from where they were originally placed, and new cheek implants can be inserted by the surgeon. If desired, the cheek implants can be removed on a permanent basis.

While cheeks implants can provide more volume to the face, patients need to make sure they are an ideal candidate by scheduling a consultation appointment with their doctor of choice. The doctor will make sure the person is healthy enough to have the surgery and that the person has realistic expectations when it comes to the type of results they can expect to see after surgery is performed to place cheek implants.

- MA