Cosmetic surgeries are primarily performed to enhance one’s physical appearance and it does not aim at changing or modify the way an individual appears. Cheek implant or cheek augmentation is one such cosmetic surgery procedure which is performed to enhance the cheeks of an individual giving them a more prominent and fuller appearance.
Who is a candidate for a cheek augmentation procedure ?
Cheek implants are indicated in otherwise healthy men and women whose face is comparatively thinner as compare to their body, or individuals who just wish to augment the appearance of their cheek bones to improve their overall appearance. Cheek implant is a cosmetic surgical procedure and one should have realistic expectations from the same.
When is a cheek augmentation procedure not suggested ?
Cheek implant is a minor surgical procedure which is not indicated in individuals who suffer from any chronic illness like uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, bleeding and clotting disorders and people who are on certain medication which can complicate the procedure and these medications cannot be stopped either. It is very important to get a waiver from your general physician before consulting with a plastic surgeon about a cheek implant procedure.
How do you prepare for a cheek augmentation procedure ?
Cheek implant procedure is a minor surgical procedure which is performed on an out-patient basis and you will not be asked to get admitted in the hospital for the same. Some surgeons might ask you to get admitted in the hospital so that you can be better prepared for the procedure the next day. Once your general physician gives you a clearance for you can meet with a plastic surgeon who specialises in facial implants and head and neck plastic surgery and mainly cheek implants. It is important to get all your doubts cleared with your treating surgeon, ask about the type of implants that will be used, so has to have realistic expectations. The doctor might take some photographs, X-rays to determine your cheek bone location before planning the surgery. If you wish to get any other facial implants done, ask your surgeon if they can be performed with the cheek implant procedure. The surgeon might also advise for certain blood investigations to prepare you for the surgery. If you are on medication such as aspirin or clotting agents, your surgeon might taper or stop those medications for a certain period of time to avoid any complications.
Is the cheek augmentation procedure performed under anesthesia ?
Yes, the cheek implant surgery is commonly performed under the influence of local anaesthesia. You surgeon might administer sedation or some relaxing agents to calm you during the procedure.
What happens during a cheek augmentation procedure ?
After the administration of anaesthesia and the onset of its effect the surgeon either a places an incision inside the mouth or through the lower eyelid to reach the cheek bone, which is the site at which implant is usually place. Once the cheek bone is accessed the implant fillers (biocompatible material, silicone implants and your own fat tissue) are either injected into the area which are then sculpted according to the desired amount of fullness.
Depending upon the area where the implant needs to be placed, cheek implants can be placed either placed at the cheek bones (malar area), below the cheek bone (submalar area) or at both the cheek bone and below it. The type and location of the implant differs from individual to individual and is decided during the planning of the procedure. Once the implants are place the surgical wounds are closed with either absorbable or removable sutures.
Occasionally a cheek implant procedure is combined with other cosmetic procedures such as forehead lift, nose job, face lift and lip augmentation, ask your treating surgeon if you wish to get any other procedures combined with your cheek lift procedure.
You might experience slight bruising at the site of the procedure, or your face might be swollen due to the procedure, but the swelling will come don eventually with rest and medication. You will be able to resume your work within a week or more but you will have to take precautions till your surgical wound is completely healed. Precautions like getting any facials done, wearing sunscreen and paying regular follow up visits to your doctor are essential for a speedy recovery.
What are the complications associated with a cheek augmentation procedure ?
As mentioned earlier a cheek implant procedure is a minor surgical procedure hence the complications associated with the procedure are minimal. Complications can be related to the anaesthesia administered such as bad taste or gastric upset. Complications associated with the procedure as such could be bleeding, infection, swelling, scarring at the site of the surgery or hardening of the implant. Rarely, a revision surgery might be advised if the results of the primary procedure are not satisfactory. Hence, it is advised to understand the potential risks and complications of the procedure before deciding to go ahead with the surgery.
Are cheek augmentation procedure and cheek lift the same procedures ?
Though they may sound the same but cheek lift and cheek implant are different procedures. Unlike a cheek implant procedure in a cheek lift procedure the cheek muscled are pulled up to give the lose sagging cheeks a firmer look. A cheek lift is also referred to as a mid-face lift and is generally performed under the influence of general anaesthesia. The incision given in a cheek lift procedure are over the ear and at the gum line of your canine tooth to access the cheek muscle. So they might sound similar cheek lift and cheek implant are different procedures. IF you still have doubts between both the procedure, you are advised to consult your treating surgeon to have a better clarity about both the procedures.
What is the outcome of a cheek augmentation procedure ?
Cheek implant procedure is minor cosmetic surgical procedure which is performed to enhance the appearance of one’s cheek bones or cheek. It is essential to ask oneself if you really wish to get the surgery done considering its risks, benefits, complications and outcome. Also one has to have realistic expectations with the procedure as it can only enhance the appearance but cannot modify the physical appearance of an individual completely. Cheek implant procedures have been performed for over decades now and have successful long term outcomes. Ask your surgeon if the procedure could be suitable for you.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for cheek augmentation procedure ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for cheek augmentation procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, cost estimates for cheek augmentation procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for cheek augmentation procedure.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for cheek augmentation procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
