8-West Cosmetic Surgery

About the Procedure

Facial implants are a safe and permanent way to enhance a person’s facial features. Cheek implants can create a better balance of facial features with more prominent looking cheekbones. Vancouver cheek implants are popular with men and women who desire fuller looking cheeks. Several implant types and insertion methods can be used to achieve cheek augmentation. Dr. Buonassisi carefully evaluates the facial composition of each patient and recommends the procedures that are most likely to meet their goals while maximizing results and minimizing recovery time. Cheek implants are often popular surgeries in combination with the Vancouver rhinoplasty procedures Dr. Buonassisi performs.

How the Procedure is Performed

Small incisions are placed inside the mouth just above the upper teeth.  The tissues are gently lifted off the cheek to create a small pocket for the implants to rest against the cheekbones.  Cheek implants are designed to give an exceptional natural contour to the augmented cheek.  Once positioned properly they are secured in place.  The incisions inside the mouth are closed with dissolvable stitches. Cheek implant surgery typically takes from 2 – 2.5 hours, and patients can return home the same day.

Benefits of the Surgery

• More pronounced cheek bones
• A more balanced look to the face
• Reduced appearance of flattened cheeks

Are You a Good Candidate

Vancouver cheek implant surgery is most commonly performed on people aged 18 years of age and older. Many people with flat cheeks inherit the feature from their parents, while some have lost facial volume as they age. Cheek implants may be a good option for these people. Loss of facial volume is a natural part of the aging process. Find out more about this in this website’s knowledge base.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for cheek implants if you have any of the following physical features:

• Flattened cheeks
• Loss of facial fullness with aging

General Health

You may be a candidate for this surgery if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your physician could safely recommend that you discontinue them for two weeks

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complications
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from cheek implant surgery to be quite easy. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides one to two weeks following surgery. Some patients experience no bruising at all. Everyone heals differently. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take one week off work
• One week after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling and bruising, which can last for another week or so – these signs are easily covered with makeup
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks two days after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, one week after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Restaurant Ready

• You will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – one to two weeks following surgery

Complete Recovery

• Most people are feeling quite comfortable being out in public without much evidence of swelling or bruising two weeks after surgery
• While you will be looking and feeling great at the two week mark, your cheeks are still healing and the complete healing process can take up to three months

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of cheek implant surgery, while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result

Combination Facial Enhancing Procedures

For patients who are experiencing the sings of aging, cheek implants are often combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries such as facelift surgery. Patients who are more so trying to change the shape of their inherited features often combine cheek implants with rhinoplasty or chin implant surgery.

Alternative Cheek Procedures

Cheek implants are a permanent surgery. Some patients opt to try fillers first to see if they like the result of more prominent cheeks. An advantage of fillers is that this treatment is not permanent, as filler materials are absorbed by the body over time. Find out more about facial volume enhancement by Requesting a Consult.

What Cheek Augmentation Procedure is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs with Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult.  If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.