Facial Implants are used in mainly the cheek or chin in order to balance out the face, add symmetry, or augment a facial deficit. Cheek Implants and Chin Implants can also be combined with other procedures at Columbus Facial Plastics to achieve a more youthful appearance. As we age, the bone structure of our faces actually shrinks, leading to less prominent cheekbones. Gravitational forces and repetitive facial movements cause our cheek tissues to sometimes drop, allowing deep grooves to develop. The end result is the loss of a youthful, heart-shaped face and less prominent cheekbones. In addition, the soft tissues under our eyes can descend, creating unattractive dark circles.
Areas of Improvement
Cheeks, midface
Results will last
This is a permanent change
Recovery Time
7-10 days
Recovery Process
Swelling is expected much like having dental work for 7-10 days. Temporary numbness of the cheek and upper lip may last for several days.
Facial Implant Options for Cheeks
There are several cosmetic options available at Columbus Facial Plastics to correct mid-facial aging. Early changes can be temporarily stopped with synthetic dermal fillers or addressed with a fat transfer to your face. More advanced signs of aging may be better solved with a mid-face lift surgical procedure or with cheek implants. Cheek implants provide a truly permanent enhancement.
Cheek implants are a semi-soft rubberized material which is naturally shaped to rejuvenate the cheek and mid-facial area. They come in a number of different shapes and sizes depending on the specific needs of the patient. The midface can be divided into zones: the malar zone (high cheekbones); the submalar zone ( the area under the cheekbone) and the tear trough (the area immediately under the lower eyelid). Cheek implants are made in small, medium, large and extra large sizes to augment each of these zones.At your consultation, Dr. Nogan will help identify your areas of concern. Provided cheek implants are the best option for the results you’re expecting, he will recommend the appropriate size.
Cheek implants are solid materials placed directly on the bone surface to create a fuller appearance. They are usually placed through a hidden incision inside the mouth or inside the lower eyelid. No visible incisions are necessary.
Cheek implants are permanent and are difficult to feel through the face once the healing process has finished. Most patients choose to undergo a brief general anesthetic for comfort during the placement of the implants.
You will experience some swelling after cheek implants are placed. This can be minimized by following the post-operative instructions closely, limiting activity, and maintaining cool compresses on the cheeks for a few days. The swelling will disappear after one to two weeks. Pain is rare after this type of surgery, and most patients describe only some general tenderness.
The risk of complications with cheek implants is rare. However, it’s important for patients to be fully aware of the risks. One way to minimize your risks is to consult with an experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon.
Cheek implants are a synthetic material. Therefore, like any implant, you run the risk of infection. The risk of infection is quite small—particularly if patients are on perioperative (during surgery) antibiotics. Signs of infection are persistent swelling, redness, and pain. Higher doses of antibiotics will often save the implant. But if these symptoms persist, the implant should be removed and can be replaced at a later time. Cheek implants are made of an inert material. Therefore, there is no risk of allergic reaction.
If the implant shifts its position during healing, they may appear asymmetrical. A second procedure may be necessary to correct this problem. The infraorbital nerve which supplies sensation to the cheek and upper teeth can be stretched during the placement of the implants. This may lead to temporary or permanent numbness of the cheeks and possibly upper teeth.
The total average fee for a cheek implant procedure is about $5300-$6500. An exact quote will be given upon consultation and examination.