There’s no denying it: plastic surgery is a big commitment. First and foremost, whether the procedure is small or large, it’s still making a (most likely) permanent change to your body, which is something that always requires great consideration. Plastic surgery also often comes with a hefty price tag, which is something else you will most likely need to give some thought prior to committing.
Recently, we’ve been hearing a lot of buzz surrounding cheek implants. Although the procedure is nothing new, it appears there’s been an uptick in interest among celebrities. Though a fairly routine surgery, getting cheek implants requires cutting into your face, and if you want to have them removed, it requires another surgery to do so. So if you’re thinking about taking the plunge, we’d suggest doing thorough research.
To help, we chatted with two experts who broke down everything to know about cheekbone implants, including who’s a good candidate, what the cost is, and what the procedure typically entails. Keep reading for more.
What Are Cheek Implants?
“Cheek implants are prosthetic molds that are surgically placed to enhance contours of cheekbones and augment the volume of the cheeks,” Lauren Moy, MD, double board-certified dermatological surgeon, tells POPSUGAR. “They are usually made of silicone or porous polyethylene.”
Additionally, there isn’t just one type of cheek implant. “There are various types of cheek implants such as malar, submalar, or a combination of both,” Dr. Moy says. “Each implant is designed to address specific goals and anatomical considerations.” Whether or not you’re a good candidate for cheek implants depends on a number of factors. “Like any surgical procedure, good candidates are usually people who are physically healthy, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for the procedure regarding healing and results,” Dr. Moy says.
Additionally, Catherine Chang, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of NakedBeauty MD and Privé, says other good candidates include those who have genetically anatomically weaker cheekbones, asymmetry of the cheekbones, or someone who has a narrow face and wants to improve the width and projection of their cheekbones.
Cheek Implants vs. Filler
One important thing to note is that cheek implants are not the same thing as cheek filler. Cheek implants are permanent, while cheek filler is made of either hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid. “[Cheek implants] provide more lift to the soft tissue of the face compared to fillers as they are firmer and can better support the soft tissue,” Dr. Chang says.
If you opt for filler, know that the procedure will need to be repeated every nine to 12 months to keep up with the look. Choosing between the two options depends on what you are looking for. “Most patients opt for filler because it is reversible, no surgery, and doesn’t alter the facial shape so drastically,” Dr. Moy says.
Cheek Implant Risks
As with any plastic surgery, there are always risks involved. “The risks of cheek implants are bleeding, infection, numbness, chronic pain, and implant migration,” Dr. Moy says. However, she also notes that the procedure is reversible, as patients can opt to have the implants surgically removed if they change their minds or aren’t happy with the results.
What’s a Cheek Implant Procedure Like?
A cheek implant procedure can be done with either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on the doctor and patient’s preference. As for the surgery itself, it can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. “During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision either in the mouth or under the eyelid depending on the type of implant, fit the implant into place, and secure the implant to the cheekbone,” Dr. Moy says.
Cheek Implant Aftercare and Post-Procedure Process
After the procedure is over, the downtime is minimal. Whether or not your face needs to be wrapped in bandages or gauze will depend on the patient. Around one week post-procedure, 50 percent of the swelling should resolve. However, Dr. Chang says that it won’t completely go away for a full six months. Additionally, she doesn’t recommend working out for approximately three to four weeks to allow the implant to settle into place.
Cheek Implant Costs
The cost of cheekbone implants will vary depending on a number of factors, including the provider you choose to see as well as your location. For an exact price, consult with your doctor. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $7,000 to $25,000, depending on the patient and the type of implant. This is typically seen as an elective surgery and is not covered by insurance.
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