How Do Cheek Implants Work?
In many people’s mind, good cheek bones are “to die for”. They are a staple of contemporary beauty standards and although beauty ideals change over the years, good cheekbones are also a useful friend in fighting off the appearance of aging.
Strong cheekbones help to maintain the “Y” shape, or triangular shape, that is thought to exemplify a beautiful female face: width in the upper area tapering to the chin area. With aging, the cheeks tend to slip so that the triangle becomes more of a square. The cheek pads slide below the bones and those nasolabial folds form between the nose and corners of the mouth. This can be particularly aging in a face born without strong cheek bones.
What are Cheek Implants?
They are either solid or semi-solid implants that come in an array of sizes and shapes. They are made of silicone, the same substance that is used in silicone gel breast implants, and which was researched so thoroughly for safety between 1992 and 2006.
The Procedure
Cheek implants can be done along with other procedures such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. When that happens, they may be inserted through an incision that is already made. If done alone, they are inserted through incisions either inside the top lip or below the lower eyelid. Dr. Rai places them in a specially-made pocket and anchors them either on or a little below the cheekbones.
Stitches will dissolve by themselves within about ten days. The procedure takes only 30 to 45 minutes and is an outpatient one with local anesthetic and a sedative. During recovery chewing will have to be kept at a minimum for about ten days. Talking and smiling will also be difficult. You might want to stock up on liquid or very soft foods like yogurt for that early recovery period. Total recovery time runs up to six weeks.
One important point about cheek implants is that it is a reversible procedure. You could have them exchanged later on for implants of a different size or shape.
To learn more about cheek implants and whether they might be a good option for you, please contact our office for a personal consultation.
Dr. Vasdev Rai
Dr. Vasdev Rai has performed more than 25,000 cosmetic surgeries over his more than 30 years in practice as a Dallas plastic surgeon. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon who was first certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 1983. Learn More...
Dr. Surjit Rai
Dr. Surjit Rai was born and raised in Plano, Texas. Being the son of a plastic surgeon, Dr. Rai had the unique opportunity to see first-hand the impact a plastic surgeon can have. He knew at a young age that he would dedicate his life and academic career towards the goal of becoming a plastic surgeon. Learn More...