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Cheek Implants

  • Standard Recovery Time:
    1-6 Weeks
  • Average Cost:
    $4000-$7000+
  • Anesthesia Required:
    Yes
  • Monthly Payment Starting From:
    $80/mo
Cheek Implants Financing in Canada from Beautifi

About Cheek Implants

When you are young, your midface is full and the skin in your lower face and neck is smooth.  As you age, the midface loses volume and the lower face and neck begin to droop and wrinkle. Cheek implants can create a remarkable change to your appearance by restoring fullness to the midsection of your face, lifting up the sagging skin, and giving you a naturally youthful look.

Commonly asked questions about Cheek Implants

1. What are cheek implants?

Cheek implant surgery, often known as cheek augmentation, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to enhance a person’s cheeks. A plastic surgeon may insert a solid implant across the cheekbone to augment the cheeks.

2. Why are cheek implants done?

The goal of cheek implants is to provide volume and lift to the cheeks. Some people are concerned about the loss of volume in their cheeks or even the sagging of their cheeks as they age. Others never get the desired volume in their cheeks and suffer from flat or thin cheeks. Fat grafting or transfer, as well as the use of solid cheek implants, are two techniques for augmenting the cheeks.

3. What type of cheek implants are there?

Fillers are typically recommended for older patients who are unhappy with the symptoms of aging in the midface area,  especially volume loss that makes their cheeks appear sunken in. Cheek implants are usually recommended for younger people who want a long-term treatment for the bone structures in their cheeks. There are three common types of cheek implants:

Submalar Implants:
The submalar is slightly below the lower eye line, where the cheekbone begins. As your fat cells move down toward your lower cheek and chin area, you may see volume depletion in this area around your early to mid-40s. The cheeks become sunken in, and the bottom of the face develops jowls over time as a result. Submalar implants, which are inserted directly above where the cheekbones begin, are a simple and affordable solution to this problem.

Malar Implants:
Just below the submalar area lies the malar region –  the location in which your cheekbone sits. Malar implants are less common than submalar implants, and younger patients in their 20s and 30s are more likely to request them. Malar implants are used to create a sharper, more angular shape in the bone, resulting in a stronger and more defined structure.

Combination of Submalar and Malar Implants:
Although it’s uncommon, some patients may choose to have both procedures done at the same time if their cheekbones aren’t well defined and their midface has lost volume. Patients who have both treatments combined get the best of both worlds in terms of more voluminous and structurally solid cheekbones.

4. Am I a good candidate for cheek implants?

Cheek implant surgery is a highly individualized procedure. For individuals who are self-conscious about their cheeks, it might be a life-changing procedure. You may be a good candidate for cheek implants if you:  

  • Have cheeks that are flat, thin, or sagging  
  • Are dissatisfied by the appearance of your cheeks  
  • Are a non-smoker  
  • Have realistic expectations of the surgery  
  • Are at a healthy and stable weight 

5. How is cheek implant surgery performed?

Step One – Anesthesia
Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be given during this procedure to keep you comfortable.

Step Two – The Incision
A small incision is made inside the mouth, either along the gumline or inside the lower eyelid, and the implant is inserted through this incision. This incision usually depends on your surgeon’s preference. Before the implant is placed, a pocket is made, and the implant is then secured by attaching it to bone or soft tissue.

Step Three – Closing the Incision
The skin incisions are closed using sutures, skin adhesives, or tapes.

Step Four – See the Results
Although there will be soreness, swelling, and numbness at the incision site and in the cheeks, the results of cheek implant surgery can be seen right away. To keep you comfortable following your procedure, your surgeon may prescribe pain medication. Patients frequently return to work within a week, with a total recovery time of 6 weeks.

6. How long does cheek implant surgery take to complete?

Depending on the complexity of your surgery, cheek implant surgery can take approximately one to two hours to complete.

7. What is recovery like after surgery?

Gauze dressings or bandages may be placed on your incisions after surgery.  An elastic bandage or compression garment can help to reduce swelling and support the cheeks as they heal.

Alternatively, you may not have any bandages or dressings. You might be put on a liquid diet and/or given specific mouth rinses if you had cheek implants implanted through an incision inside your mouth.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your cheek implants, but some things to keep in mind after your procedure include:  

  • Refrain from strenuous activities such as exercise and heavy lifting 
  • Keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling  
  • Take pain medication as prescribed   

8. How long do the results last?

Results from a facial implant last forever; however, you can get them removed if you desire to do so in the future.

9. How much do cheek implants cost in Canada?

The cost of cheek implants in Canada can range between $4,000-$7,000+ depending on the size of the implant.

10. What are the risks of cheek implant surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with cheek implant surgery. The possible risks of cheek implants include: 

  • Bleeding  
  • Asymmetry  
  • Infection  
  • Lumpiness  
  • Numbness/changes in skin sensation  
  • Persistent pain  
  • Cheek implant displacement  
  • Fluid accumulation 

11. Are cheek implants worth it?

25/32 people who underwent cheek implant surgery rated the procedure “Worth It” (78%)  

  • Source: Realself.com