Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is intended to emphasize the cheeks on a person’s face. Cheek augmentation is commonly combined with other procedures, such as a face lift or chin augmentation.

Implants

Cheek implants can be made of a variety of materials. The most common material is solid silicone. In addition, two popular options are high-density porous polyethylene, marketed as Medpor, and ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), better known as Gore-Tex. Both Medpor and ePTFE are inert substances, providing better integration with the underlying tissue and bone than solid silicone.

What is a cheek implant Procedure?

Cheek implants (cheek augmentation, submalar and malar augmentation) is a surgical procedure that restructures cheekbones, balances facial features and restores a youthful and vibrant appearance by implanting fillers into the cheeks. Cheek implant surgery may be performed in conjunction with a facelift or chin augmentation.

A cheek implant changes the shape or size of the cheek and corrects flaws caused by birth defects or injury to give the face a more proportioned and balanced appearance. Cheek implants can give older patients with sunken or drawn cheeks a fuller look. Younger patients may choose cheek implant surgery to achieve a high cheek-boned look.

Incisions

A surgeon will usually make an incision in the upper mouth near the top of the gum line and slide the implants into place. Another method is to make an external incision near the eye, but most patients do not choose this method since it can create a visible scar. Cheek implant surgery is usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia and take about one to two hours. Recovery from this surgery usually takes about ten days.

Chin augmentation using surgical implants can alter the underlying structure of the face, providing better balance to the facial features. This operation is often, but not always, performed at the time of rhinoplasty to help balance the facial proportions. Chin augmentation may be achieved by manipulation of the jaw bone (mandible) and augmentation utilizing this technique usually provides a more dramatic correction than with the use of prosthetic implants.

Chin augmentation is still popular because it’s a relatively easy operation for the patient while producing noticeable changes in the silhouette of the face.

Chemical compositions

Gore-Tex used in plastic surgery and other operations is known by an abbreviation of its chemical name, ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) or Gore S.A.M. (subcutaneous augmentation material.)

ePTFE is used in medicine because it is biocompatible and does not cause problems inside the human body. Because ePTFE is flexible and soft but very strong, it is inserted during operations in trimmed sheets and carved blocks and held to the bone by titanium screws. But because the material is porous, the force that really holds the implant in place is soft tissue and bone growing through and into the implant.