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Question :
I’d like to get cheek implants but do the implants last forever or do they need to be removed or exchanged at some point in the future?

Answer :
Cheek implants are not like breast implants. Cheek implants last forever. The implants that I use are made of solid silicone and thus, they do not need to be exchanged. The cheek implant procedure can be performed under local anesthesia but I prefer to supplement the surgery with IV sedation. Swelling will usually last about a week following cheek implant surgery.

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Question :
How soon after I get cheek implants can I return to work? Will it be really noticeable t people that I’ve had work done?

Answer :
Cheek implants surgery can take a week or two before you can return to work without anyone recognizing that you have had any work done.  I prefer an intra-oral approach to cheek implants.  Although there is not a great deal of bruising following cheek implant surgery, the swelling can be quite profound for several days. The appearance of your face will change simply because of the placement of the cheek implants, however, the swelling will multiply these changes to your face so if you are self-conscious about changes to your appearance, you may want to wait two weeks prior to returning to work.

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Question :
Can cheek implants give me the look of higher cheekbones?

Answer :
Cheek implants come in many shapes and sizes.  During your consultation it is important that you and your surgeon discuss the look of your cheeks that you are hoping to achieve.  If a high cheekbone is what you would like to see, then the type, size, shape, and location of the cheek implant that your surgeon chooses will enable them to achieve the desired appearance that you were hoping for.

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Question :
What are the benefits, if any, of getting cheek implants rather than having injectable fillers in this area?

Answer :
The most obvious benefit that you will get from having cheek implants placed instead of injectable fillers is that the cheek implants are permanent.  Although several different injectable fillers can last up to a year in the cheeks, none of them will be around longer than cheek implants will.  Cheek implants do require a surgical procedure and several days for recovery while injectable fillers can be performed in the office with immediate return to normal activity.

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Question:

Will cheek implants help to provide any lift to mildly sagging cheeks?

Answer:

Cheek implants will certainly help to define your cheeks and create fullness to your midface and cheek area. Cheek implants will also give you the appearance of lifting your cheeks. There is a nominal improvement in the appearance of your jowls with cheek implants, so I would not be looking for facelift type of improvement in this area with cheek implants alone.

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Question:

I thought cheek augmentation had a fairly easy recovery but a friend of mine just had the surgery and it’s been awful for her. She’s had tons of bruising and pain. Is this normal?

Answer:

Cheek implant surgery can lead to a significant amount of facial swelling but, bruising and significant discomfort are not particularly common. The actual implant procedure can be fairly traumatic to the soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue) of the face so that the implant is positioned properly and in a tight pocket to prevent post operative migration of the cheek implant. Swelling of the face can last several weeks but, should resolve entirely. Post operative recovery is also a very patient specific experience. You can perform the same surgery on 10 different patients and 9 of them will have an easy recovery but, one will have a very difficult recovery.

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Question:

I’ve decided to get cheek augmentation. How do I decide between implants and fillers?

Answer:

Your question with regards to cheek augmentation is a good one. Patients who consult with me regarding cheek augmentation are given the following discussion. If the patient is absolutely certain that they want cheek implants, and patients do come to my office and tell me they absolutely want cheek implants, I perform cheek implant surgery. If the patient comes to my office for a consultation with regards to cheek augmentation, I will suggest a trial of facial filler prior to cheek implant surgery. The reasons for this may seem obvious. Although cheek implants can be removed, surgery and recovery with all of the inherent risks of cheek implant surgery are realized when cheek implants are placed. A trial of dermal filler such as Perlane, Radiesse, or autologous fat can really improve the appearance of the cheek, we can sculpt the appearance of the cheek augmentation with the Perlane, Radiesse, or autologus fat and the filler will last about a year and in the case of autologous fat, significantly longer. During that period of time you may be completely pleased with the appearance and ease of placement of the filler and autologous fat or you may want a more permanent solution in the form of cheek implants.

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Question:

After having cheek implants, does it feel as if there is something foreign in the face? Does it take some time to get used to them?

Answer:

Cheek implants are extremely well tolerated, but, like any surgery, it will take some time to get used to the sensation of the cheek implants in your face. The cheek implants will ultimately feel quite natural and should not impact you in any adverse way.

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