Procedure name:
Cheek Augmentation

Anticipated result of the procedure:
Cheek augmentation is a common procedure to bring balance to the facial structure by way of correcting a deficient cheek area due to congenital deficiency, age-related bone resorption or facial trauma. A weak cheek structure can make your face appear drawn and gaunt. It may also give the appearance of a 'fleshy' lower face. Cheek deficiency can make the bulges under the eyes more prominent.

Cheek surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.

Procedure Description:
The incision will be made in the lower eyelid or inside the mouth, the implant situated directly on top of the cheek bone (or if need be, right below it) and checked for the proper "look" suitable for the patient's features. It is possible that it may be removed and further customized several times during the operation. The implant may be sutured or screwed into place.

Length:
May take up to 2 hours.

Anesthesia:
General or local with sedation.

In/ Outpatient:
Usually outpatient

Temporary Side Effects:
Following a cheek augmentation, you will have swelling and bruising. You will have to take it easy and sleep on two pillows to keep your head elevated for 7-14 days - or however long your surgeon suggests. When you wake up you will notice that your face will look even more swollen in the first 3 days. But, as the days go on the swelling will dissipate. There may be bruising, but this will go away within two weeks.

Recovery:
After cheek augmentation, you will more than likely experience some discomfort for several weeks - having had intraoral incisions your diet may be restricted. Even though you may feel better, you must take it easy for the first 3 weeks. Be careful not to bend over or lift heavy objects.

Duration of Results:
Synthetic implants stay permanently. Your face may still age over time around the implants. Fat grafts may partially reabsorb or completely disappear over time.

Risks:
With cheek implants the risk of bacterial infection is possible. You should immediately notify your surgeon if you see any discolored or foul smelling drainage.

If you develop a postoperative infection with a synthetic implant the implant must be removed, the infection dealt with, and then you must wait for several months before an additional surgery can be performed to re-implant. Infections usually occur within the first few weeks.

• Fat grafting

Top Duke specialists:
Jeffrey R. Marcus, MD
Michael Zenn, MD

FAQS

Will cheek implants improve the hollow look under my eyes?
Flat cheekbones can make a face look dull and aged. A properly placed cheek implant can augment the hollow look under the eyes resulting in more prominent cheekbones, the latter of which are perceived as a fresh, youthful appearance.

What are cheek implants made of?
Actually there are several types available. The oldest synthetic implants are silastic (silicone). These have been on the market since the 1950's and continue to be the most widely used implant in the wminusculeorld. Gore-Tex, which has been used for years in such surgery as heart and vascular surgery, is also a material accepted well with a minuscule rejection rate. The newer cheek implants have the ability to provide a more natural appearance.

Will cheek implants get rid of my facial wrinkles?
Cheek implants will not affect the textural changes in your skin. As we age, our skin looses its elasticity. A facelift is most often performed to "lift" and remove sagging skin and as a result eliminate some wrinkles. Some of the deepest lines may not completely resolve but they can be significantly improved. Fillers such as Fat Injections or Restylane can improve wrinkles and are particularly effective on laugh lines or smile lines. Patients who are not ready for surgery should consider Botox, Restylane injections, microdermabrasion or several other conservative procedures - many of which can be performed on the lunch hour.