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Indications: This operation is done to enhance the shape and appearance of the cheek bones and midface.
Method: There are many ways to perform cheek implantation. The method must be tailored to the individual patient needs. The principal is to create a pocket over the cheek tissue and place an implant into the pocket. There are two types of implant, solid or porous. The incision may be placed in the crease lines outside the eye, in the mouth or on the inner surface of the eye (the conjunctiva). The operation is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). You can often choose. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
Problems: All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main problems which are special for this operation are patient dissatisfaction and change in position of the implant.
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It is important to remember that no surgeon can give a guarantee about the final outcome, including appearance, shape, size and so on. You should have a realistic attitude about the outcome, and remember that all surgery has good and bad aspects. That there is no such thing as ‘perfect surgery’.
The satisfaction rate for cosmetic surgery is around 90% and although a satisfactory outcome is anticipated this means that 10% of people do not achieve the result that either the patient or the surgeon would like.
If things do not go well you may need revision or secondary surgery. Although many surgeons do not charge for this, there is often a charge for anesthesia and operating room costs.
Postoperative care: The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two. For more information see the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) or check with your doctor.
alternative names: malarplasty, cheek enhancement, cheek enlargement, malar enhancement, cheek implants, malar implants