That's So Cheeky

Signs of Beauty

Prominent cheekbones have long been a sign of beauty in both men and women. High cheekbones tend to draw the eyes up to the eyes of the possessor of those cheekbones. They can make a face look exotic and high cheekbones seem to be something people crave when they want to reconstruct their faces. Today, the underlying facial structure of high cheekbones can be created with implants. Many people discover new facial contours and dimensions which bring the face into better balance when they have cheek implants. This surgery is also done to correct asymmetries and congenital defects.

Effect of Strong Cheekbones

A deficient cheek structure can make a person's face look drawn and gaunt. Heaviness of the lower face and under the eyes adds to a look of aging. Fatty cheeks, or cheeks which are very large can make a person appear overweight and heavy and when augmentation is not done well and it can look very unnatural. Strong cheek bones and adequate soft tissue in the cheek area create prominent, full cheeks allowing for a youthful, healthy appearance. It is very important to choose a skilled plastic surgeon to create the right balance for your face.

Today's Methods

There are a number of effective methods used to provide a new sense of symmetry to the face. Synthetic materials like Alloderm, silicone, or Gore-tex, as well as fat injections, are all considered viable and are used today. If the cheek augmentation is performed with other cosmetic procedures, like a facelift, forehead or eyelid surgery, then the implants are inserted through the existing incision. If the only surgery being performed is for the cheeks, then the surgeon may make an incision at the top of the upper lip, near the gums inside the mouth, or on the outer cheek, just below the lower eyelid. A pocket will be created and he will insert the implant. Sometimes the implant is held in place with a tiny titanium screw which attaches to the cheekbone. Then, the incision is closed with sutures which are later absorbed by the body.

What About the Surgery?

Generally, this surgery takes between 30 and 60 minutes and the side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, tightness of skin, and restriction when trying to chew. Dietary restrictions and limitations are affected by how much surgery was done. There will be some restriction in lip and mouth movement which is only temporary and full recovery should take place within a month or two. It may take up to two weeks before you're ready to go back to work.

As with all surgeries, there are some risks involved such as the possibility of infection, which may require implant replacement and improper placement of the implant which could lead to a second operation to correct the placement. Hematoma, numbness from nerve damage, permanent discolorations and capsular contracture are all possible risks as well.

Cheek implants are, for the most part, permanent. However, the type of material used and the need for revision can alter the permanence.