Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is intended to pronounce the cheekbones in a person's face. Prominent cheekbones have long been a sign of beauty in both men and women. People who want more prominent cheekbones can have an implant placed to rest on top of their cheekbones. A surgeon will usually make an incision in the upper mouth near the top of the gum line and slide the implants into place. Another method is to make an external incision near the eye, but most patients do not prefer this method since it can create a visible scar. However, the intraoral (inside the mouth) approach carries a higher risk of infection since the mouth contains more bacteria.

Cheek implants can be made of different materials and come in many different sizes and shapes depending on what the patient wants. The most common is solid silicone, however other materials can be used as cheek implants. The second most popular material is expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePTFE), which is known to integrate well with internal tissue to prevent the implant from shifting out of place. Bone grafting can also be used to build up an individual's cheekbones as well as coral and other less common materials.

Cheek augmentations are usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia and take about one to two hours. Recovery from this surgery usually takes about ten days.^[1]

Risks and complications

General medical risks

As with any surgery there is a risk of infection, postoperative bleeding, formation of a blood clot, and severe swelling.

Asymmetry or facial implant displacement

Asymmetry is where the implant can shift and or not set right, this result in the where one side of your face is noticeably different from the other. This shift can happen due to swelling, trauma or scarring.

Extended loss of sensation

Although a temporary loss of sensation is common, an extended loss of sensation can occur with any surgery, especially cosmetic plastic surgery.

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