The prominent cheekbones make the face look younger and more appealing. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with well-sculpted cheeks. Those who experience facial aging usually struggle with flatter or less-defined mid-face and seek to restore cheek volume for overall facial balance. Thankfully, cheek augmentation with implants offers a long-lasting solution in advanced cases!

But the question is: “Are Cheek Implants Right for You?”

The answer to this depends on your concerns and aesthetic goals.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of cheek implants, their benefits and what to expect before, during and after the procedure, to help you decide whether cheek implant surgery in Mumbai are the right choice for your aesthetic goals.

What Are Cheek Implants?

Cheek implants are the biocompatible implants usually made of solid silicone or porous polyethylene. They are designed to make cheekbones more prominent and well-defined, restore midface volume and create a youthful, balanced facial appearance.

Facial plastic surgeons surgically place cheek implants over the cheekbones for permanent structural enhancement of the mid-face. The implants are made to suit the patient's unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.  

What Makes People Opt for Cheek Implants?

Common reasons why cheek implants are considered are:

• Age-related lack of definition or volume of cheeks
• Naturally flat mid-face
• Weak cheekbones, leading to facial imbalance
• Poor facial contour or symmetry, since birth or after trauma or previous surgery.

What Are the Different Types of Cheek Implants Available?

Based on the shape and positioning of implants, these are the three types of cheek implants:

1. Malar implants: These are mostly chosen and directly placed over the cheekbones to make them more projected and improve cheek contour and mid-face definition.
2. Submalar implants: These are placed slightly below the cheekbones to restore age-related volume loss in the cheeks and improve mid-face fullness. 
3. Combined implants: These are implants for comprehensive, dramatic mid-face contouring, recommended when there is considerable volume deficiency in the area of the cheekbones and below them.

Based on the implant material, these are the three types of cheek implants:

1. Solid silicone implants: These are the most used implants, highly safe and natural-looking. They can be easily trimmed, customized, or removed, as needed.
2. Porous polyethylene implants: These implants are designed to integrate with the natural body tissues.
3. ePTFE implants: The softest cheek implants, providing the most natural feel.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Cheek Implants?

Here are the perks of having cheek implants:

• Stronger, more defined cheekbones
• Overall facial harmony
• Permanent cheek enhancement
• Youthful mid-face appearance
• Results are customizable to the facial anatomy and aesthetic goals
• Enhanced satisfaction and confidence with facial appearance.

Which Patients are Best Fit for Cheek Implants?

The suitable candidates for cheek implants are adults who:

• Have naturally weak cheekbones or flatter cheeks
• Have hollow or sunken cheeks
• Experience age-related mid-face volume loss
• Want a well-defined, contoured facial appearance
• Have stable, good general health
• Have no habit of smoking
• Have realistic expectations and a better understanding of the procedure.

The Cheek Implant Surgery Journey- What to Expect

Here are the details of cheek implant surgery journey:

Before Cheek Implant Surgery

A detailed, personalized consultation with the best facial plastic surgeon will be required for medical evaluation and selection of the best-suited implanted shape, size and material. If a synthetic implant is chosen, an allergy skin test will be conducted.

Next, the surgeon will make some medication adjustments, mandate quitting smoking and alcohol intake and strongly recommend having a nutrient-dense diet, 2-4 weeks before the surgery.

6-8 hours before the scheduled surgery time, the surgeon will instruct you to fast. 

During Cheek Implant Surgery

A local anesthetic with sedation, or general anesthesia, whichever is suitable, will be provided approximately 30 minutes before the surgery.

The surgery will involve:

1. Creation of a small incision inside the cheeks or lower eyelid to form a pocket over the cheekbone
2. Placing of the customized implant inside the pocket
3. Precise positioning of the implant
4. Closing of the incision
5. Overall, the surgery will take 1-2 hours.

After Cheek Implant Surgery

• In the first week, slight swelling, bruising, tightness and tenderness are usually experienced. During this time, a soft diet is recommended.
• By the second to third week, swelling improves and the patient can resume routine activities, work and social activities. Till swelling resolves, one needs to sleep in an elevated, reclined position.
• After a month, there is a visible improvement in facial contour.
• After 3-6 months, the tissues settle around the implants, making cheekbones permanently more defined and face fuller and more balanced.
• Till complete recovery, the surgeon recommends avoiding strenuous activities and heavy weight lifting. Stay hydrated and keep your body well-nourished to support healing.

How much do cheek implants cost in Mumbai?

Generally, patients seeking cheek implants should have a budget of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2,50,000.

The price is variable based on the chosen clinic, surgeon and implant type. Have a personalized consultation with a facial plastic surgeon to receive a precise cost estimate. 

Where to get Chin Implant Surgery in Mumbai?

A poor chin shape can disrupt the overall balance of the face. 

Dr. Parag Telang, plastic and cosmetic chin surgeon in Mumbai at Designer Bodyz, is an expert in performing all types of chin-related surgery, including augmentation and reduction.

He performs his surgery with extreme precision, evaluating the patient's facial proportions and tailoring a procedure to the patient's specific needs so that the chin comes into proportion with the rest of the facial features.

Conclusion

Cheek implants are a long-lasting, reliable solution to enhance cheekbone definition, restore facial volume and improve facial balance. Whether it's age-related volume loss of the mid-face or naturally weak cheekbones/flat cheeks, cheek implants can provide the desired mid-face enhancement.

A consultation with a qualified, experienced facial plastic surgeon is a must to check whether cheek implants will align with your aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Cheek Implant

Are cheek implants worth considering?

Yes. Cheek implants can be a valuable investment if you have naturally flatter cheeks or loss of mid-face volume and desire long-lasting, strong cheekbone definition.

Will I get noticeable scars after cheek implant surgery?

No. The scarring won’t be visible as the incisions are placed inside the mouth or in hidden areas.

Can other facial procedures be combined with cheek implant surgery?

Yes, cheek implant surgery can be combined with facelift, rhinoplasty, or eyelid surgery for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. 

Will cheek implants create natural-looking facial enhancement?

Yes, when an experienced surgeon correctly places the right type of cheek implant, it can naturally complement the other facial features.

Is getting cheek implants painful?

The surgery is virtually painless with the use of anaesthesia. However, after placement of cheek implants, there may be slight swelling, discomfort and tightness, which are usually manageable with prescription medications.

Are cheek implants permanent?

Yes, cheek implants last for a decade or more and provide long-term facial enhancement.

Is it safe to get cheek implants?

Yes, getting cheek implants from an experienced facial plastic surgeon is safe, if suitable.