Cheek Augmentation

A doctor performs a cosmetic surgical procedure, called a cheek augmentation, to emphasize the cheeks of a patient. To augment the cheeks, a plastic surgeon may place a solid implant over the cheekbone. The doctor sometimes uses filler and injects the patient with his or her own fat or soft tissue. Materials Cheek implants are made of a variety of materials. Solid silicone is the most common material. High-density porous polyethylene and ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) are other options. Both are inert substances that provide better integration with the underlying tissue and bone than solid silicone. Shapes There are three general shapes of cheek implants: malar, submalar and a combination of the two. A plastic surgeon places malar implants directly onto the cheekbones, which results in a pronounced projection of the cheekbones and a higher contour to the side of the face. In contrast, submalar implants augment the mid-face, especially if the patient has a gaunt or "sunken" appearance. A malar/submalar combination enhances both the mid-face and the cheekbones. To insert the plants, a surgeon makes an incision in the upper mouth near the top of the gum line and slides the implants into place. A surgeon may also make an external incision near the eye, but most patients do not choose this method since it creates a visible scar.

Q: Is plastic surgery safe for me? A: Before any elective plastic surgery, doctors require a complete physical examination as well as a series of blood tests. After such tests, complications of plastic surgery are exceedingly rare. More Answers for Questions



Other Resources
Capsular Contracture I - Stage one capsular contracture is essentially a normally soft breast implant. There are no signs of any breast implant hardening. The breast implant can move comfortably inside the breast implant pocket. Breasts are not painful and not tender to touch. Visible or palpable ripping of the breast implant shell may be present.
Revision Breast Implant - Breast revision surgery aims to correct or improve poor results from prior breast implant procedures. Unfortunately, not every plastic surgery procedure leads to perfect results. Unnatural results are the most common complaints with plastic surgery.
Breast Lift Complications - Breast lifts can results wide or raised scars, altered nipple sensation, asymmetry in breasts, and enlarged areolas.
Mastopexy Revision - Breast lifts can results wide or raised scars, altered nipple sensation, asymmetry in breasts, and enlarged areolas. Mastopexy revision corrects problems from previous breast lifts.