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Do you have flat, deflated looking cheeks or cheeks with lines and wrinkles? Are you tired of under-eye bags and hollow looking cheeks? Then you might be a good candidate for cheek augmentation surgery.

However, just like with every other type of surgery, there are some things that you need to know about cheek augmentation and the different types of implants available before you run off to book your appointment.

What is Cheek Augmentation?

Cheek augmentation is a surgical treatment that works to restore plumpness, volume, and definition to the midface, recreating youthful contours that have become flat and saggy with age. Cheek implants are ideal for people with narrow or flat faces, or those who have lost cheek contour due to congenital deficiency, facial trauma, or the aging process.

Malar and Submalar Implants

Cheek implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be custom shaped to augment weak facial structure and combat the effects of aging to remove a gaunt appearance. There are also many different types of implant materials that can be used—from synthetic silicone, rigid polyethylene that needs to be screwed into place, and a synthetic material called ePTFE (a white rubbery material molded for medical use).

Cheek implants that are made of hydroxyapatite can integrate with natural bone tissue in the face and therefore become part of the cheek structure, while cheek implants that are made from silicone can be removed at a later date because they don’t integrate with the facial tissue.

There are three general shapes to cheek implants: malar, submalar, and combined.

• Malar—are meant to correct a deficiency of the cheekbone itself by placing the implant directly on the cheekbones. Augmentation of this area gives the patient higher-arched cheekbones and a more attractive facial profile.
• Submalar—are meant to correct a deficiency of the fleshy portion of the cheek and are placed directly below the most prominent portion of the cheekbone. By filling this area, the cheeks are restored a fullness that eliminates the sunken look that is associated with age and illness.
• Combined—corrects deficiencies of both the cheekbone and the fleshy portion below the cheekbone.

While cheek implants come in various shapes and sizes, most can be custom shaped to a particular facial structure.

Recovery

After the surgery, there will be some swelling and mild bruising, and it is likely that your doctor will prescribe you pain medication for a couple of days after the surgery. While the amount of recovery time depends on the procedure and the extent of the bruising and swelling, you can expect to need two to seven days of recovery time. You will also need to limit some activities for a few weeks, but you should be able to return to work and normal activities within the first week of your recovery.

Complications from cheek implant surgery are very rare, although there are still some risks involved, such as:

• Anaesthetic complications
• Infection
• Implant shifting

Cheek Implants from Dr. Binder

Before fully considering whether or not getting cheek implants is the right move for you, you should book a consultation with a highly skilled and experienced physician. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today, so that he can answer any questions or concerns that you might have about cheek augmentation and the types of implants available to you.