Cheek Augmentation FAQs
What is cheek augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is a surgical procedure in which implants are inserted into the cheek area in order to improve their appearance and prominence and to bring better harmony to the whole of the face. Implants may be inserted in the malar region, or over the cheek bone, to give the appearance of high cheekbones, or they may be inserted in the submalar region, or midface region, to treat midfacial hollows, depressions and folds often caused by aging.
What are the implants made of?
Cheek bone implants can be made up of a variety of materials including Gore-Tex, silicone, and other materials. These special medical-grade materials are designed to look and feel like normal bone when in place.
Who is the best candidate for cheek augmentation?
The best candidate for cheek augmentation is a man or woman who is physically healthy, psychologically stable, has realistic expectations and is interested in improving their appearance by augmenting the cheek area.
What can I expect during a consultation for cheek augmentation?
The surgeon will discuss your goals and your options. He or she should examine your face and discuss the surgery, the size and placement of the implants, the anesthesia, the facility, and the potential risks. Many doctors utilize computer imaging to give you an idea of what can be achieved through surgery.
Where is the cheek augmentation procedure performed?
Cheek augmentation is most often performed in a surgeon's office or outpatients surgery center. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 62% of cosmetic surgery procedures performed by their member doctors in 2004 took place in an office, 21% in a hospital, and 17% in a free-standing ambulatory surgical facility.
What type of anesthesia is used for cheek augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is typically performed using general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation.
How is the actual cheek augmentation procedure performed?
Though there are different techniques for cheek augmentation surgery, you can generally expect the following: The surgeon will make a small incision, commonly inside of the mouth at the junction of the upper gum line and lip. Once the incision is made, a pocket will be created into which the implant will be inserted. The incisions are then closed and may be bandaged or taped.
How long does the actual cheek augmentation procedure last?
Cheek augmentation typically takes between one and two hours to perform.
Where are the incisions made for cheek augmentation?
The incisions are most often made inside of the mouth at the junction of the upper gum line and lip.
Are there scars after cheek augmentation?
The incisions for cheek augmentation are typically placed inside of the mouth at the junction of the upper gum line and lip, thus resulting in no visible scarring.
Is cheek augmentation a painful procedure?
You should not feel pain during the actual procedure because anesthesia is used. Patients do tend to experience a mild to moderate degree of discomfort for the first day or two. Medication can be prescribed by your surgeon to help control any pain that you may feel.
What is the recovery like after cheek augmentation?
After cheek augmentation, patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort for the first one to two days. Bruising and swelling is common and typically begins to fade within five to seven days. Most of the swelling should be gone after the first two weeks, though some specific swelling may persist for a month or longer. Patients may experience some degree of numbness as well. Your surgeon may have you sleep with a support brace during the first few weeks to help the tissues heal and to prevent shifting of
the implant
How much time will I need to take off from work after cheek augmentation?
Patients can expect to resume their regular activities, including work, within about a week after their procedure. Camouflage cosmetics can typically be work to help disguise bruising.
When can I run or lift weights after cheek augmentation?
Strenuous activity such as running and weight lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks. It's particularly important that rough contact to the implant area be avoided at this time.
When are the stitches removed after cheek augmentation?
Stitches are typically removed after five to ten days, though sutures placed inside of the mouth will dissolve on their own in about the same time.
What are the risks or complications of cheek augmentation?
The potential complications that can occur with cheek augmentation include asymmetry, hematoma, hyperpigmentation, implant shifting, infection, numbness, and the need for additional surgery to remove and/or replace the implant.
How much does cheek augmentation cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon/physician fee charged by their member doctors for cheek augmentation in 2004 was $1854. Being a surgeon/physician fee, this does not include the cost of the implant, anesthesiologist, facility or other related costs.
Does insurance cover cheek augmentation?
Cheek augmentation performed for cosmetic reasons is typically not covered by insurance, though some degree of coverage may be available if your procedure is a reconstructive surgery due to accident or illness. Be sure to check with your own insurance carrier regarding the degree and/or availability of coverage.
Is it possible to get financing for cheek augmentation?
Financing is available for facial plastic surgery procedures. Your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with further information about financing.
What should I look for in a surgeon to perform my cheek augmentation?
It's important that you do your homework and carefully choose the surgeon to perform your procedure. First, make sure that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). This ensures that they've completed the proper training to safely conduct your procedure according ABPS standards. You can visit the ABPS's website at www.plasticsurgery.org to locate a certified plastic surgeon in your area. You should also ask any potential
surgeon the following questions:
-
Does the surgeon have privileges to perform surgery in an accredited hospital and, if so, which hospitals?
-
How many cheek augmentation procedures has the surgeon performed?
-
Where and how will the surgery be performed?
-
Is the surgical facility accredited by a nation or state-recognized accrediting organization?
-
What are the risks of your particular procedure?
Are there any medications that need to be avoided before cheek augmentation surgery?
With any surgery, it's important that you monitor your medication and vitamin intake beforehand because some medications can interfere with anesthesia, inhibit recovery, or lead to blood loss or other circulation issues. Make sure that you tell your doctor prior to surgery about all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you take. Some medications that you may be required to stop taking may include aspirin, MAOIs, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin K, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, St. John's Wort,
echinacea, melatonin, and others.
When are the results of cheek augmentation apparent?
The results of cheek augmentation are immediately apparent, though the final result will be somewhat masked by post-operative swelling.
Are the results of cheek augmentation permanent?
The results of cheek augmentation are essentially permanent. Most implants are designed to be long-lasting. However, certain complications can occur that may require removal and/or replacement of the implant.
Learn more about cheek implants. Click Here
Acne Scar Correction FAQs
