“Cheekbones shape the esthetic face, and the jawline defines it.”
While many patients would like to say goodbye to chubby cheeks and seek out buccal fat removal, there are those that would like to emphasize their cheeks and just need some subtle sculpting to help their cheeks truly stand out and be noticed.
Why consider cheek implants?
The most common reason our patients choose to have cheek implants is to bring balance to a face that has had other kinds of facial cosmetic surgery or to counteract signs of aging.
As we age, supporting cheek and under-the-eye tissues become laxed and begin to droop.
Some patients simply desire more cheek definition and volume.
What are my options?
There are different cheek implant shapes and sizes, depending on the specific patient’s needs. Custom implants can also be designed for individual patient desires.
Malar implants are the most common and sit on the cheekbones for contour enhancement, support, and shape. They are effective in removing a sunken look and improving prominence. We often pair malar implants with facial fillers to add volume where needed. Submalar implants fill out lower cheeks and, on occasion, are combined with malar implants when a severe aesthetic imbalance requires a significant boost in volume and contour.
What’s the process?
The simple procedure takes about 45 minutes in our operatory suite. This can be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. We make an incision in the inside of the mouth in your upper cheek (most commonly) or lower eyelid (rarely), and the implant is inserted and fixated through that small opening. The goal is to have no perceivable scars and a natural appearance.
What is recovery like?
Full recovery from swelling and minor soreness can take up to a week. Plan to return to work and your normal routine a week after surgery and wait about six weeks before resuming sports and more strenuous contact activities.
Ready to schedule a consultation?
Our trusted and experienced board-certified Facial Cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Gilbert, has been a number one choice in his region for over 2 decades. Book an appointment with us to discuss your questions and learn more about how cheek implants can restore and improve your appearance.