General Anesthesia
Silicone is the most common and traditional cheek implant material. It is a solid, flexible material that mimics the feel of natural bone and soft tissue. Silicone implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different facial contours.
Medpor is a porous, rigid material that allows tissue to grow into its tiny holes over time. The form can be precisely carved for customized facial implants. As tissues grow into Medpor, the implant becomes fixed in place. Dr. Freeman does not recommend this material.
ePTFE is a soft, compressible material that is also porous to allow tissue ingrowth. It has a natural feel and can change shape in response to facial movements. ePTFE implants are less invasive as they are inserted through smaller incisions. Dr. Freeman does not recommend this material.
Some surgeons use the patient’s fat, harvested from places like the thighs or abdomen. This tissue is then injected into the cheeks in small amounts. Dr. Freeman rarely uses this approach as he feels it is unpredictable and complications are difficult to fix.
Before receiving cheek implants, a consultation is necessary with Dr. Freeman to discuss the goals and expectations for the procedure. He evaluates the facial structure and bone anatomy to determine if the individual is a good candidate. Dr. Freeman also discusses the options for implant type, size, and placement location to create the desired aesthetic changes. Leading up to the surgery date, patients are provided with the following pre-operative instructions:
Dr. Freeman creates small pockets in the cheek area beneath the soft tissue layers. The implants are inserted into the pockets and positioned for optimal augmentation and facial harmony. These implants are made of solid silicone and customized to suit the natural curves of the cheek area. Dr. Freeman uses a deep suture to hold the implant in place. Dr. Freeman ensures that the implants are oriented correctly before closing the incisions.
Implants enhance and better define the cheeks, providing a youthful appearance. However, many patients feel that adding chin implants may help balance facial proportions even more. A small or weak chin can make well-defined cheekbones seem overly pronounced or dominant. Adding a chin implant may strengthen the jawline and support the results. For chin augmentation surgery, Dr. Freeman makes a small incision in the submental area. This combination of cosmetic procedures (chin + cheek augmentation) is often requested by patients who want to rejuvenate the entire face.
Swelling and bruising are common during the first week after cheek implant surgery. Pain medication is typically prescribed for the initial few days to help manage discomfort. Patients are instructed to sleep with their heads elevated on several pillows to minimize swelling. A soft diet is recommended for the couple of weeks to minimize irritating the incision inside the mouth. Strenuous activity should be avoided.
Swelling and bruising start to subside in the second week, although some mild swelling may persist. Discomfort is usually significantly diminished, allowing patients to return to work or school. A soft diet is still recommended the second week. Patients can usually transition back to their routines but should continue avoiding strenuous physical activity that could impact the implants.
Most bruising resolves within 1-2 weeks. Swelling that the patient will notice usually takes six weeks to three months to improve. Discomfort dissipates during this period, allowing patients to resume their regular diet. During follow-up appointments, Dr. Freeman monitors the healing progress. Once cleared by the surgeon, patients can gradually ease back into their exercise routines in four to six weeks. The full results of cheek augmentation are visible after 3-6 months of recovery.
Cheek implants can be helpful for many groups of people. The only criteria are that patients must be generally healthy, have realistic expectations, and be willing to follow the doctor’s instructions, such as quitting smoking and avoiding certain medications. The following groups may be considered potential candidates:
Patients seeking cheek implants in Charlotte should consider contacting our amazing team at Only Faces. With over 30 years of specialization in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Sean Freeman is the right surgeon for aesthetic rejuvenation. He offers unparalleled expertise in procedures ranging from rhinoplasty to deep plane facelifts. He is double board certified and Dr. Freeman has pioneered innovative techniques like the SOOF lift blepharoplasty. His commitment to providing natural looking results for his patients and national reputation for innovation attracts patients from Charlotte and many other locations.
