Cheek augmentation can provide balance and symmetry to the facial structure
Cheek augmentation surgery can have a range of aesthetic and functional benefits. Often cheek augmentation surgery is performed for patients at the same time they receive corrective jaw surgery and is also a common procedure for patients who have experienced facial trauma. Many patients who receive cheek augmentation surgery are simply looking to improve their appearance. Altering the appearance of your cheeks can create a visible improvement to your facial structure.
The cheek augmentation procedure
Prior to undergoing a cheek augmentation, you will attend a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your previous medical history and any concerns you might have.
The surgery itself is performed under general anaesthetic with a small incision being made inside the upper lip, unless you are receiving a cheek augmentation in conjunction with another facial surgery that requires a different incision location. A pocket is then formed from the incision in which the implant is inserted.
Your surgeon will select the most appropriate implant to suit your individual facial structure and appearance. This will be discussed in detail prior to surgery to ensure that you are able to let your surgeon know your desired outcome.
Your incision will then be stitched using dissolvable stitches and recovery will begin.
Cheek augmentation surgery recovery
Following your surgery, you will be required to stay in hospital for a short period of time to be monitored after the use of general anaesthetic. You will notice some discomfort and swelling in the days following your surgery. A dressing will be applied in order to help reduce swelling and your surgeon will prescribe pain medication.
It is important to practice effective oral health and ensure that the incision site is clean following surgery. Your surgeon will discuss how to keep this area clean with you. Rinsing with a solution of warm salt water and taking prescribed antibiotics will help to prevent infection. Using a cold pack on swollen areas and avoiding sleeping on your side until pain and swelling dissipates is important.
The most important thing during your recovery is to attend follow-up appointments in order for your surgeon to monitor your recovery and intervene in the small chance that there are any problems.
FAQ's
Cheek implants are used to add volume to the cheeks, or to improve the appearance of patients who have suffered some form of facial trauma. There are a number of implant types that can be used in a cheek augmentation procedure, and the options will be discussed with you when you come in for a consultation before undergoing surgery. Cheek implants are made with special materials that are compatible with your natural facial tissue. Cheek augmentation surgery is a very individualised procedure, so each patient’s implants will be different in terms of shape and size.
Cheek augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure itself. Once the surgery is complete, you may notice some discomfort and swelling, which may last up to a few days following the procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate medication to help you manage any pain, and a dressing will be applied to the site of surgery in order to reduce swelling. Your surgeon will also let you know how best to keep your incision site clean to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
As long as your surgery is performed by a fully qualified and experienced surgeon, the cheek augmentation procedure is safe and effective. If you have any concerns about the potential risks of the surgery, we encourage you to discuss them with your surgeon when you come in for your initial consultation. Our team of surgeons is happy to answer any questions you might have and will guide you through the process, including the planning and recovery stages. If you are considering cheek augmentation surgery, or have been referred for the procedure by another doctor, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment.
Cheek augmentation surgery can have a range of both aesthetic and functional benefits. In many cases, the procedure is performed at the same time as corrective jaw surgery. It is also a common procedure for patients who have experienced some kind of facial trauma. Sometimes, the cheek augmentation procedure is performed for cosmetic purposes and works by simply improving one’s overall appearance. Changing the appearance of the cheeks can greatly improve the visible structure of the face, and provide better balance and symmetry to the facial features.
Before you undergo the procedure, you will come in for a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals and any concerns and questions you might have. At this stage, an appropriate implant will be selected based on your desired outcome. The procedure itself is performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a small incision under the upper lip and create a pocket in which the implant is inserted. If you are undergoing a cheek augmentation procedure in conjunction with another facial surgery, the location of the incision will differ. Your surgeon will discuss the details with you prior to surgery.
You will notice some discomfort and swelling in your face for a few days after your surgery. These side effects are completely normal. We will apply a dressing to your wound to help reduce the swelling, and prescribe the appropriate pain medication to ease your discomfort. We will also explain to you how to keep your incision site clean to avoid infection. You will need to come in for follow-up appointments so that we can monitor your recovery and intervene should there be any issues during your recovery.
Cheek augmentation surgery at OMFS Melbourne
If you have been referred for cheek augmentation surgery, fill out our patient registration form here!