Facial Cheek Implants

Cheek implants are typically used to enhance the look of a person's cheekbones and add balance to the structure of the face.

Usually people who consider having cheek implants have sunken cheekbones, a lack of facial fullness and width and a desire for their faces to have a more full, chiseled and contoured look.

The actual surgery usually takes about 45 minutes and is usually done under a light general anesthesia. During the procedure an incision that is about one inch long is made either on the inside of the lower eyelid or high up inside the patient's mouth through which the implant is inserted. After the surgery bandages are often applied to help the face heal.

If you are considering having cheek surgery it is a good idea to take at least a week off work to recover. It typically takes about three days for swelling and bruising to diminish and some people have trouble moving their mouths for the first few days after surgery. Any stitches inside the mouth will usually disintegrate after about ten days and if you have non-dissolvable stitches you will typically need to see your surgeon ten days after surgery to have them removed.

It is important to remember that, as with most forms of cosmetic surgery, there are risks to having facial cheek implants. Although complications from this sort of surgery are rare, patients considering having cheek implants should be aware that there is always a chance of infection, hematomas, facial numbness and having an adverse reaction to implants. There is also always the possibility that cheek implants might shift due to swelling or incorrect positioning of the implant so patients should make sure that they are aware of these risks before going into surgery.

If you decide to have cheek implants make sure that you have someone to drive you to and from the hospital or surgeon's office on the day of your surgery because afterwards you will likely wake up from sedation feeling groggy. Many surgeons recommend that you sleep with your head elevated on two pillows until your swelling has gone down and avoid any physical or stressful activity for at least the first few days after surgery. If your surgery involved an incision in your mouth make sure that you eat soft foods that won't irritate the stitches until your wounds heal.

After you have recovered from your surgery you will probably notice that your face looks healthier, more full and that your profile has been enhanced with the added contours of your cheeks. Your friends and coworkers probably won't notice that you've had surgery they will likely just wonder what sort of diet or exercise regime you have adopted that has given you such a confident glow.