Cheek implants, or malar implants, are a transformative procedure that can enhance the contours of your face by adding volume to the cheek area. This can help balance the facial structure, reduce the appearance of hollowness, and contribute to a youthful, refreshed look. Whether you are considering cheek implants for aesthetic reasons or to restore volume lost over time, this surgery offers lasting results with minimal downtime. In this blog, we will explore how cheek implants enhance your facial features, the procedure itself, and what to expect during recovery.
What Are Cheek Implants?
Cheek implants are surgical devices designed to add volume and definition to the cheeks, improving the overall symmetry of the face. They are made from durable materials, such as silicone or porous polyethylene, which integrate with the surrounding tissues to create a natural-looking enhancement. The implants are typically placed in the cheekbones (malar region), offering fullness and structure to the mid-face.
People opt for cheek implants for various reasons, such as:
- Enhancing the appearance of flat or underdeveloped cheekbones
- Restoring volume lost with age
- Improving facial balance and symmetry
- Addressing congenital facial asymmetry
By adding volume to the mid-face, cheek implants provide a more defined, youthful appearance, contributing to facial harmony.
Why Choose Cheek Implants?
Unlike non-surgical methods like dermal fillers, cheek implants offer a more permanent solution for adding volume to the face. Non-invasive treatments require frequent touch-ups, while cheek implants provide long-lasting results that can withstand the test of time. The procedure not only enhances the cheeks but can also improve the overall contours of the face, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking permanent improvements in facial aesthetics.
For those who feel that their cheekbones lack definition or prominence, cheek implants can create a more sculpted look. Additionally, they can help patients with lipedema surgery or those who have lost facial fullness due to weight loss or ageing by restoring natural volume.
The Cheek Implant Procedure
Cheek implant surgery is performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s preference. The surgeon will make small incisions inside the mouth or along the lower eyelid, ensuring that scars remain hidden. Through these incisions, the surgeon will create a pocket for the implant to sit in and carefully place it to ensure it provides the desired volume and shape.
The implant is positioned to add projection to the cheeks, enhancing their natural contour. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the specifics of the surgery. Once the implants are placed, the incisions are closed, and the patient is moved to the recovery room.
Types of Cheek Implants
There are different types of cheek implants to choose from, each tailored to the patient’s desired results. The main types include:
Malar Implants
Malar implants are the most common type of cheek implants designed to enhance the prominence of the cheekbones. These implants can add volume to the upper part of the cheek and are ideal for individuals who want a more sculpted, high-cheekbone appearance.
Submalar Implants
Submalar implants are placed in the lower cheek area and are used to restore volume to the hollow areas beneath the cheekbones. This type of implant is often recommended for those who have lost facial fullness due to ageing or other factors.
Combined Implants
In some cases, a combination of malar and submalar implants may be used to achieve comprehensive facial enhancement. This provides more volume and balance to the mid-face area.
Benefits of Cheek Implants
Cheek implants offer a variety of benefits, both aesthetic and functional. Here are some of the main advantages:
Improved Facial Balance
One of the most noticeable effects of cheek implants is their ability to improve facial symmetry. If your face has lost volume or you feel that your cheekbones are not prominent enough, cheek implants can provide the definition you desire.
Restored Volume
As we age, we naturally lose volume in our faces, particularly in the cheeks. Cheek implants can restore this volume, making the face appear more youthful and fresh. This is especially beneficial for those who have undergone significant weight loss or experienced lipedema.
Permanent Results
Unlike temporary fillers, cheek implants provide permanent results, requiring little maintenance after the procedure. While other options like lipoedema treatment or blepharoplasty may need touch-ups, cheek implants offer a lasting solution without the need for frequent visits.
Enhanced Confidence
For many individuals, improving facial features through surgery leads to a significant boost in self-esteem. Cheek implants can help you feel more confident in your appearance, as they enhance the natural contours of your face and restore a youthful look.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgery, cheek implants come with some risks and considerations. Although complications are rare, it’s important to understand the potential risks before undergoing the procedure. These include:
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Proper care and following post-surgical instructions will help minimise this risk.
- Implant displacement: The implants can shift over time, although this is uncommon. It’s important to follow the surgeon’s advice during the recovery period to ensure proper healing.
- Scarring: Scarring is typically minimal, especially when incisions are made inside the mouth or in the lower eyelid. However, some individuals may experience visible scars that fade over time.
- Anaesthesia risks: As with any surgery that involves anaesthesia, there are inherent risks associated with the procedure.
It’s crucial to discuss all potential risks and complications with your surgeon before proceeding with cheek implants.
Recovery After Cheek Implant Surgery
The recovery period following cheek implant surgery varies from patient to patient, but most individuals experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which typically resolve within one to two weeks. The surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth healing process, including:
- Avoiding direct pressure on the cheeks during the initial recovery phase
- Taking prescribed pain medication as needed
- Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
- Following a soft-food diet to prevent irritation to the incision sites
You will likely be able to return to work and resume normal activities after one to two weeks, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks.
Why Choose London Private Hospital for Your Cheek Implant Surgery?
If you’re considering cheek implants, choosing the right clinic is essential to achieving the best results. London Private Hospital is renowned for its expertise in facial cosmetic surgery, including rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and chin implant procedures. Their team of highly skilled surgeons understands the delicate nature of facial procedures and ensures that every patient receives personalised care to achieve the most natural-looking and balanced results.
Whether you’re interested in mummy makeover surgery, facelift, or any other aesthetic procedure, London Private Hospital provides a comprehensive range of treatments to help you meet your goals. They prioritise patient satisfaction and safety, making them a trusted choice for cosmetic enhancements.
Transform Your Look with Cheek Implants
London Private Hospital offers a personalised approach to cheek implant surgery, helping you achieve the facial contours you’ve always desired. Whether you’re considering liposuction or tummy tuck, their team is here to guide you through every step of your cosmetic journey. Schedule your free consultation today to explore how cheek implants can enhance your facial features and restore youthful volume.
About the Author
The author of this blog is a skilled cosmetic surgeon specialising in facial procedures, including lipoedema treatment, vaser lipo, and abdominoplasty. With extensive experience in the field, they are dedicated to providing personalised and effective solutions for patients seeking to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence.