Overview: Cheek Augmentation

Cheek augmentation with Seattle cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Craig Jonov, can offer balance and proportion to the face. Many patients seek facial implants to add fullness to their cheeks, and dimension to underdeveloped cheekbones. Implants can also restore a younger look, by adding fullness where soft tissue and facial fat has been lost. The types of facial implants available include solid silicone, plastic, ceramic, Gor-Tex, bone, and fat grafting/transfer. Numerous shape and size options are also available to cater individual faces and facial sculpting needs.

Surgical Technique

During cheek augmentation surgery, an implant is inserted through an incision made in the upper lip. Cheek implants come in many different sizes, shapes and materials. Ultimately, the chosen implant determines the size of the incision. A pocket is made through the incision directly over the cheekbone and the implant is placed. Finally, sutures or stitches close the incision and heal around  1-2 weeks following surgery.

Questions about Cheek Augmentation

What are Implants Made of?

Cheek augmentation implants come in many varieties. The oldest and most widely used implants are solid silicone. Gore-Tex has recently become a popular choice among surgeons for facial implants, due to the low rejection rate. Are They Safe? In the hands of a qualified cosmetic surgeon, cheek implants are very safe. Quatela.com cites the rejection rate for implantable materials at less than 1%.

How Will my Cheeks Feel?

Most patients can expect some mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, with some tightness or pulling around the incision and implant sites. This discomfort should only last about 3-4 weeks. Numbness along the skin may occur for several months until the implants have settled into their final position and internal tissues return to normal.

Implants and Diet?

Food with sharp edges should be avoided for about one week following cheek implant surgery due to the incision site under the upper lip. Some doctors suggest avoiding dairy products for the first week following surgery due to the natural bacteria found in dairy and the small risk for infection.

During/After Cheek Augmentation Surgery

Cheek augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. The procedure usually takes just under an hour to complete. Following surgery, the outcome is immediately noticeable. However, there will be swelling, which could last several months. In addition, there may also be localized discoloration, numbness or discomfort. Most patients are able to return to work after a full week. However, patients should avoid exercise for 3-4 weeks.

View other procedures