Cheek augmentation is one of the numerous ways in which Plastic Surgeons can change the basic shape and proportions of the face.  This procedure must be carefully planned to achieve just the right balance in facial proportion and prominence of the cheekbone.  Augmentation of the cheekbones can not only give the upper face more attractive proportions, but may also correct sallow lower cheeks and improve prominent age related smile lines or folds.

Before Surgery:

Some issues considered at the time of your consultation include:

• Your general health

• Smoking

• Your overall facial proportions (your gender is taken into account with this)

• Current prominence of the cheekbones, facial width, skin and muscle tone

• Facial sensation, muscle function

• Previous dental and sinus history

Pre-operative planning is very thorough and may require special x-rays  to determine the suitability of cheek implants for the patients' particular goals; the planning includes measurements to determine the degree of augmentation and the position of the implants.

The Surgery:

The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic through an incision in the upper gums.  There are no incisions or scars on the skin.  The operation takes approximately one to two hours to complete and may be done on an outpatient basis (home the same day).

There are risks and complications with all surgical procedures such as bleeding and infection although these are rare.  Aside from infection, complications specific to this  procedure such as numbness of the cheek and upper lip (usually temporary) and asymmetry or shifting of the implant (also rare because the implants are generally fixed in place) will be discussed at the time of consultation.

After Surgery:

Mouth care and diet instructions will be given to the patient on discharge from hospital.  These will include soft diet and mouth rinses for the first two weeks.

• 1st post-operative visit within 48 hours after surgery to check for bleeding, level of discomfort, to answer any immediate concerns.

• 1st week after surgery;

• Swelling has reached maximum and begins to subside.

• Resume normal daily activities.

• No heavy lifting  or working out.

• 10 - 14 days after surgery; return to work, bruising gone, swelling reduced, "presentable", vigorous activity (exercise, heavy lifting) restricted.

• 4 - 6 weeks after surgery; most of the swelling is gone, resume normal exercising activity, heavy lifting, etc. (varies with individual patient), last of swelling resolves.