Cheek Augmentation

Procedure

The position of the implant is determined by the doctor with markings drawn on your face before your surgery. The implants are then fixed in place by internal stitches. In some cases, temporary, external, "pull out" stitches are placed under tape for four to seven days for placement security.

Icy cool water compresses are used for a day or two to decrease swelling. Prepare the compresses as explained in the postoperative instructions. DO NOT USE ICE PACKS.

The operation is usually performed under a safe, light, general anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist. Once you are asleep, a long-acting, local anesthetic is placed in the area to provide several hours of numbness.

The implants are placed by one of five different approaches:

1. Lower eyelid incision: A small, imperceptible incision is made just at the lower lash line. This is the same incision made for lower lid cosmetic procedures.
    
2. Inside the lower eyelid.
    
3. Around the front of the ear during a facelift procedure.
    
4. In the frontal hairline during forehead or brow lifts.
    
5. Inside the mouth.

Once the swelling and slight bruising resolve, the implants will settle and adhere to the cheekbones. At this point they will feel like your own. The implants may appear rounder and larger because of swelling. You must be patient for several days to a few weeks until your new, sculptured appearance becomes apparent. After four to six weeks, the amount of swelling left is negligible and probably not noticeable to anyone but you.

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