Is Cheek Implant Surgery Painful
Upon having cheek implants placed, most patients report feeling pressure or discomfort. Cheek implant surgery is commonly performed with either local or general anesthesia due to the wide range of pain tolerance among patients.
Tenderness will be felt by the person. Medications might be provided to help with the pain experienced after surgery. After obtaining cheek implants or fillers, most patients have a strained, tight feeling in the area of the cheeks, but this typically fades within a week.
Cheek implant surgery is a complex procedure that requires extensive training and experience. Yet, it is constantly surrounded by myths and misconceptions that could lead to dissatisfaction and even regret. Many people are worried about pain, scars and the potential risks involved with this kind of serious cosmetic surgery. Read on to learn more on are cheek implants permanent and cheek implants recovery.
Is Cheek Implant Surgery Painful
The pain associated with enhancing the cheeks with fillers or fat transfer can be readily handled with the help of topical anesthetic creams and local nerve-blocking techniques. After numbing the area, fillers are injected into the skin using tiny needles and massaged into the skin. Your healthcare practitioner will plan the injection sites carefully to reduce the total number of shots you need. Depending on the type of filler used, patients recovering from this augmentation approach can expect some swelling and pain; cold packs and compression can help reduce swelling and speed up recovery.
Patients undergoing fat transfer for cheek enhancement will need time to recover not only from the facial injections, but also from the liposuction. Pain from liposuction depends on the size of the area where fat was transplanted, and can be more severe than that from face injections. Pain during recovery is greater when cheek implants are a secondary treatment after liposuction.
Unlike less intrusive options like fillers or fat transfers, cheek implants are a surgical procedure that necessitates either local or general anesthesia. Pain following cheek implants may be greater than that experienced by patients after other surgeries; nonetheless, most patients report only mild discomfort during the recovery process. Patients are told to utilize ice packs and pain medication prescribed by their cosmetic surgeon to reduce swelling and redness around the cheeks and around the eyes.
Preparation for Cheek Augmentation
How you get ready for a cheek augmentation depends on the specific operation you’re having done.
Thyroid medications should be avoided on the day of surgery, and caffeine should be avoided beginning the night before.
Blood-thinning medications and anti-inflammatory treatments should be avoided for two weeks prior to a cheek augmentation using fillers. You should stay away from common OTC pain relievers including Aspirin®, Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, omega 3/fish oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin®, Advil®, Aleve®, and other NSAIDs. . In addition, patients will be instructed to prevent motion sickness and dizziness during the operation by consuming a good meal and lots of water prior to their scheduled visit.
To reduce the risk of excessive scarring after a cheek augmentation with implants, patients should quit smoking at least four weeks before to the procedure. beforehand.
Cheek Implants Recovery
Most edema subsides and progress can be observed after about six weeks.
Researchers have shown that the attractiveness of human cheeks goes beyond what meets the eye.
The collapsed, sunken appearance of the elderly is caused in part by the breakdown of these fatty compartments over time. The second reason a young person could look older than they are is because of naturally low cheekbones. These deficiencies can be remedied in one of three ways during a cheek augmentation procedure: fat transfer, soft tissue restoration using fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane®, or the addition of volume with cheek implants.
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Who is a Good Candidate for Cheek Augmentation Surgery?
The ideal candidate for all types of cheek augmentation procedures has poorly defined, hollow or sagging cheeks, as a result of the loss of cheek tissue due to genetics. It is also an option for patients with loss of tissue in the cheekbone area due to trauma or congenital deformities. In general, cheek augmentation procedures can offer very favorable results for individuals that are unsatisfied with their facial contour and would benefit from fuller cheeks and cheekbones.
In many cases, these medications can cause complications during cheek augmentation procedures, and patients will be advised to cease taking them before and after the procedure is completed.
Beyond these points, good candidates for each procedure are as follows:
Fat Transfers: For fat transfers, the ideal candidate has a good supply of fat cells that can be easily and safely harvested for the transfer. Additionally, good candidates are not too thin and do not have coagulation or lipid metabolism disorders, severe chronic disease states, or acute infections.
Dermal Fillers: Good candidates for cheek augmentation with dermal fillers are those seeking the same goals as they might achieve with a fat transfer but prefer the idea of a less-invasive treatment. These candidates will also be aware of the possibility of shorter-lasting results than with other options.
Implants: The best candidates for cheek implant procedures are those seeking a permanent solution to enhance their mid-facial area. They’ll also have healthy skin that’s not too thin, for the implants to look more natural.
What are the Benefits of Cheek Augmentation Procedures?
As different in technique as these procedures may be, each of them seeks to accomplish the same goal: to add volume and contour to cheeks that are poorly defined. Individuals with weak cheek structure, a narrow or flat face, or who have lost cheek contour due to the effects of age can benefit from the aesthetic enhancement that cheek augmentation can provide.
In soft tissue transfer for augmentation, the fat is grafted for cheek augmentation to remedy narrow cheeks or cheekbones. The process is sometimes performed as a secondary procedure after full liposuction, or as a primary procedure with small liposuction done before cheek injections. Because the injection is filled with the patient’s fatty tissue, the result is thought to look more natural and comes with less of a risk of an allergic reaction or complications. While the results are not permanent, they’re likely to last much longer than one might expect from dermal filler treatment.
While not permanent and the shortest lasting, dermal fillers are still a very effective treatment used to plump up wrinkles, deep lines around the eyes and mouth, and also the cheek areas in an augmentation treatment. In cheek augmentation, dermal fillers like Restylane® and Radiesse® are injected into the mid-facial area through very small injections just under the line of the cheekbones, to add volume to the skin and inflate sunken areas of the cheeks. This process is quick and easy, though the careful precision and expertise of your doctor are vital to the success of the outcome.
Cheek augmentation with implant surgery can expect to gain significant volume and definition to sunken or hollow cheeks. . It can also help patients that have suffered injuries to their mid-facial area to regain a more natural look after trauma.
Are Cheek Augmentations Painful?
Pain for cheek augmentation with fillers or by fat transfer methods is easily managed with topical anesthetic creams and local nerve-blocking methods used for their administration. After the patient has been numbed for the injections, fillers are placed via small syringes and spread evenly across the skin surface. Your provider will take care to place the injections strategically while minimizing the number of injection sites as much as possible. Depending on the type of filler used, recipients of this augmentation technique can expect some amount of swelling and pain post-operationally; ice packs and compression can aid in recovery from this procedure by decreasing the swelling that occurs.
Patients undergoing cheek augmentation with a fat transfer will require not only healing from the facial injections but the liposuction procedure as well. Liposuction pain can be more noticeable than the mild pain from facial injections, and the level of pain will depend on the size of the zone where fat was grafted. In cases where the liposuction is the primary procedure and cheek augmentation is secondary, recovery pain is subsequently more intense.
Cheek implants are surgical procedures that require local or general anesthesia, and the process tends to be more invasive than fillers or fat transfers. As a result, the pain felt after cheek implants can be more intense than with other procedures, however, in most cases patients report minimal pain associated with recovery. For swelling and redness around the cheeks and under the eye areas, patients are instructed to use ice packs and pain medication approved by the cosmetic surgeon.
Preparation for Cheek Augmentation
The process you’ll follow to prepare for a cheek augmentation procedure will depend on the type of procedure you’re having.
Do not take thyroid medications on the day of your surgery, and refrain from consuming caffeinated products starting the night before your procedure. To facilitate a successful procedure and recovery, your doctor may also prescribe daily supplements of Arnica and Vitamin C for as long as 14 days before and after surgery.
Fillers: Before cheek augmentation with fillers, patients are advised to avoid blood-thinning medications and anti-inflammatory drugs for two weeks pre-procedure. This includes avoiding popular over-the-counter pain relief medicines, vitamin supplements, and other products including Aspirin®, Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, omega 3/fish oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin®, Advil®, Aleve®, and other NSAIDs. Alcohol is to be avoided for at least 24 hours before the procedure, and the appointment should be canceled if acne or cold sore breakouts or rashes develop on the area to be treated. Patients will also be advised to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before arriving at their appointment to avoid feeling nauseous or light-headed during the procedure.
Implants: To prepare for cheek augmentation with implants, stop smoking four weeks before surgery to decrease any facial scarring that can be worsened due to the effects of tobacco smoking. Also, for two weeks before the procedure, avoid all aspirin, anti-inflammatory, and herbal medications. In addition to avoiding medication that causes blood-thinning, alcohol should be avoided for two days, while eating and drinking should not take place for six hours before surgery.
How Much Does Cheek Augmentation Cost?
In general, patients should know that cheek augmentation procedures, like many other cosmetic procedures, have a wide variation in cost. The price you can expect to pay for each procedure will depend on the rates of the cosmetic surgeon you choose, the geographical location where you’re having the procedure done, and other factors that are particular to your situation.
Most importantly, the costs of cheek augmentation will vary according to the type of treatment you choose. While the least expensive procedure may seem like the best deal, the drawbacks may not make the treatment worthwhile in the long-run, which is why it’s very important to weigh the pros and cons of each surgery to evaluate those costs concerning the benefits.
For example, the cost of cheek augmentation with fillers may cost far less than the other two procedures. However, the results are temporary and will need to be repeated at least once every six months to two years, depending on the filler used.
In general, patients can expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 per cheek augmentation via fat transfer session. The higher cost of fat transfers is due to the multiple-step nature of the process, where liposuction, fat grafting, and fat injection procedures are performed. The cost will also depend on the amount of fat being transferred and any complications or other factors related to the pre-procedure liposuction process. It should also be noted that the results after a fat transfer are long-lasting but not permanent, and patients will need additional maintenance treatments every year to five years after the initial procedure.
The cheek implant procedure can cost between $2,400 to $5,000 for a one-time-only surgery and could depend on several factors including the type of anesthesia used, the incision technique chosen, and the material of the implant. These prices can vary depending on your surgery center, and you should talk with a representative to learn more.
Are There any Side Effects or Complications after Cheek Augmentation Procedures?
The recovery process after a fat transfer will include soreness, bruising, redness, swelling around the eyes and cheek areas. These side effects are minimal, and most will subside after two weeks after the transfer. Before the procedure, your doctor will explain the risks and potential complications that could affect the process, including a possible but unlikely risk of infection, prolonged edema, asymmetry, and fat necrosis, as well as unpredictable re-absorption that may cause the patient to need additional transfers after only six months.
In general, fillers can cause minimal and temporary redness, bruising, and swelling. In rare cases, however, the side effects of fillers can be serious—with complications that include erythema, necrosis of the skin, infection, and in some reported cases, dysesthesia and infraorbital nerve injury that can cause numbness. Other reported symptoms after using dermal fillers include occasional nodules, lumps, visible material, and malar edema.
When recovering after cheek implant procedures, patients may have numbness or bleeding around the treated areas and the site of the incisions, and difficulty talking and smiling for some weeks after surgery. The most reported side effects and complications after this procedure are a heightened risk of blood clotting, and infection. If the infection of the implant should occur, or if the implant should move out of place at some point after surgery, a second procedure may be scheduled to deal with the infected implant or to correct its placement.
In general, patients should know that cheek augmentation procedures, like many other cosmetic procedures, have a wide variation in cost. The price you can expect to pay for each procedure will depend on the rates of the cosmetic surgeon you choose, the geographical location where you’re having the procedure done, and other factors that are particular to your situation.
Most importantly, the costs of cheek augmentation will vary according to the type of treatment you choose. While the least expensive procedure may seem like the best deal, the drawbacks may not make the treatment worthwhile in the long-run, which is why it’s very important to weigh the pros and cons of each surgery to evaluate those costs concerning the benefits.
For example, the cost of cheek augmentation with fillers may cost far less than the other two procedures. However, the results are temporary and will need to be repeated at least once every six months to two years, depending on the filler used.
In general, patients can expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 per cheek augmentation via fat transfer session. The higher cost of fat transfers is due to the multiple-step nature of the process, where liposuction, fat grafting, and fat injection procedures are performed. The cost will also depend on the amount of fat being transferred and any complications or other factors related to the pre-procedure liposuction process. It should also be noted that the results after a fat transfer are long-lasting but not permanent, and patients will need additional maintenance treatments every year to five years after the initial procedure.
The cheek implant procedure can cost between $2,400 to $5,000 for a one-time-only surgery and could depend on several factors including the type of anesthesia used, the incision technique chosen, and the material of the implant. These prices can vary depending on your surgery center, and you should talk with a representative to learn more.
Are Cheek Implants Permanent
Facial implants are solid implants typically made of medical silicon, which has a long, established record of safety. The surgeon may choose from a variety of implants, depending on the desired approach. Facial implants are intended to be permanent, but the implants can be removed if desired.
If you are considering having facial implant surgery, you need to discuss your current medical status with your medical practitioner. This includes discussing:
- Your physical health – including your past medical history, such as diseases, illnesses, surgeries, immunisations and current physical status, which will include your diet and exercise regime. This would be a good time for the medical practitioner to check your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate/rhythm, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate
- Your mental health – any mental illnesses or issues and their treatments
- Medications you are currently on, including vitamins and supplements
- Past reactions to medications
- Any allergies you have.
As a result of this discussion, your medical practitioner will be able to assess the risks and possible complications of the surgery for you. They will also be able to tell you what preparations you will need to make to ensure your recovery from surgery is as smooth as possible.
Facial implant surgery – what happens during surgery
All surgery, including facial implant surgery, must be performed within licensed and accredited facilities. A registered anaesthetist must be present to treat you for any adverse reaction you may have to the anaesthetic. You can check if your anaesthetist is registered by searching on the AHPRA website.
Facial implant surgery may be performed using local anaesthetic and sedation, or a general anaesthetic. Your medical practitioner will advise on which option is best for you.
Cheek implant surgery
Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you are just having implants, the steps generally include:
- An incision (cut) is made either inside your upper lip or through your lower eyelid.
- A pocket is formed and the implant is inserted.
- The implant is held in place by the cheek muscles, stitches or metal screws.
- Stitches are used to close the incisions inside your mouth – these usually dissolve within about 10 days.
When cheek implants are being placed as part of another cosmetic procedure (such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery), the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures.
Chin implant surgery
Chin implants are made from a variety of materials including silicone, other man-made materials (such as polythene) or tissue from your own body. The steps generally include:
- The medical practitioner makes an incision either on the underside of the chin or inside the mouth at the lower lip.
- If you are having surgery using your own tissue, this may be achieved by having the bone of your chin cut and moved forward, then secured with metal plates and screws.
- If your surgery involves a synthetic implant, the implant is put into position and the incision is closed
Potential complications of facial implant surgery
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of facial implant surgery include:
- allergic reaction to anaesthetic, which may be fatal
- heavy bleeding from the surgical site
- blood clots that may cause potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke
- infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases
- allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions
- the formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath the incision, which may require drainage
- keloids and hypertrophic scars – raised, thickened scars. These may form over the healed incision sites. They may be itchy and unsightly, but are not a threat to health
- temporary or permanent areas of numbness
- inflamed, itchy scars
- difficulty talking or smiling for several weeks
- movement of the implant, which will require further surgery
- slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes
- short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
- reduced ability to move your mouth and lips.
Further surgery may be required to treat complications.
This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.
Self-care after a facial implant operation
Your medical practitioner will provide you with post-operative care instructions, such as:
- how to care for your surgical site(s) after surgery
- medications to apply topically or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
- specific instructions to look for at the surgical site(s) or in your general health
- when to follow up with your medical practitioner
- reporting any bleeding, severe pain or unusual symptoms to your medical practitioner.
Long-term outlook after facial implant surgery
The swelling may take a few weeks to reduce. You may not be able to see your new look for some months after the surgery. The effects should be subtle, but noticeable.
Implant results will be semi-permanent if human tissue is used because the tissue will age. The result will be permanent if synthetic implants such as silicone or polythene are used.
As different in technique as these procedures may be, each of them seeks to accomplish the same goal: to add volume and contour to cheeks that are poorly defined. Individuals with weak cheek structure, a narrow or flat face, or who have lost cheek contour due to the effects of age can benefit from the aesthetic enhancement that cheek augmentation can provide.
In soft tissue transfer for augmentation, the fat is grafted for cheek augmentation to remedy narrow cheeks or cheekbones. The process is sometimes performed as a secondary procedure after full liposuction, or as a primary procedure with small liposuction done before cheek injections. Because the injection is filled with the patient’s fatty tissue, the result is thought to look more natural and comes with less of a risk of an allergic reaction or complications. While the results are not permanent, they’re likely to last much longer than one might expect from dermal filler treatment.
While not permanent and the shortest lasting, dermal fillers are still a very effective treatment used to plump up wrinkles, deep lines around the eyes and mouth, and also the cheek areas in an augmentation treatment. In cheek augmentation, dermal fillers like Restylane® and Radiesse® are injected into the mid-facial area through very small injections just under the line of the cheekbones, to add volume to the skin and inflate sunken areas of the cheeks. This process is quick and easy, though the careful precision and expertise of your doctor are vital to the success of the outcome.
Cheek augmentation with implant surgery can expect to gain significant volume and definition to sunken or hollow cheeks. This surgery is ideal for patients that have lost soft tissue in their mid-facial area due to age, as well as those with naturally narrow cheek structures or congenital deformities. It can also help patients that have suffered injuries to their mid-facial area to regain a more natural look after trauma. One of the primary benefits of this type of treatment is that unlike the other two options, the implants are permanent and results will last a lifetime.