| CHEEK AUGMENTATION
High cheekbones are
considered aesthetically pleasing. High cheeks are youthful and
frequently requested. When this procedure is performed for cosmetic
purposes it can have a very dramatic effect on one's appearance.
It brings the facial features into balance and harmony. Cheek
augmentation is specifically designed to create more prominent
cheekbones, producing a more youthful appearance and/or achieving
facial harmony. Removal of cheek fat pads, which represent the
fullness in the cheeks, can give similar effect in certain facial
structures. A thorough analysis of the face is needed to determine
the best alternatives to get the results desired.
- This procedure can be performed in
conjunction with a Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), facelift, liposuction
of the chin and neck area, and/or chin augmentation/reduction.
- A number of materials are used as
cheek implants. The different options will be discussed with
you.
ALTERNATIVES TO SURGERY
There are no alternatives
to cheek augmentation. A few make-up techniques can give the appearance
of more pronounced cheekbones, but nothing will contour the cheek
area other than surgery.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Your physician should
evaluate and assess the position of your cheekbones to determine
facial harmony and balance. Cheek implants can produce a very
dramatic change in your face, so it would be advisable to discuss
with your doctor the size of the implant to needed. Your doctor
may recommend cheek implants or a chin implant in combination
with a facelift to achieve the desired results. Be absolutely
clear and in agreement with your doctor about your desired look.
THE PROCEDURE
There is three options
for the placement of incisions. They can be placed inside the
mouth, in the crease between the upper lip and gum or through
the lower eyelid. When done in conjunction with face lift the
same incision is used to place the implant.
Whichever incision
is used, the pockets are created and the implants are placed in
position on the cheekbones. The incision is then sutured. After
surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and
swelling.
Anesthesia
The surgery can be
performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or
under general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is dependent
on the extent of any other procedure to be performed. Cheek augmentation
is an out-patient procedure.
Length of Procedure
This procedure should
take approximately one and one-half to two hours.
Level of Pain/Discomfort
Generally, with cheek
implants there is minimal to moderate discomfort during the postoperative
period. Some people experience absolutely no discomfort at all.
PRE- AND POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
The following suggestions
are intended to make you feel more comfortable and help you heal:
- Stop smoking, discontinue the use of alcohol,
and stop taking vitamin E and any medications containing aspirin
or ibuprofen (two weeks pre- and postoperative is usually recommended).
- Follow directions regarding any ointments to
be applied and/or cleansing of incisions. If incisions are inside
the mouth, rinse your mouth with mouth wash every four hours
and after each meal.
- No heavy activity for at least three weeks
after surgery.
- Keep the head elevated at all times for at
least the first week, optimally two weeks.
- For the first twenty-four hours, stay on a
liquid diet, and avoid food that is too hot.
- For about a week, avoid excessive talking,
laughing, and heavy chewing (stay on a soft diet). Brush your
teeth gently.
- Do not rub your cheeks - be gentle for a minimum
of a month.
- Expect some numbness in the areas treated for
eight to twelve weeks.
- Your may instruct apply cold compresses for
twenty minutes every hour for a minimum of forty-eight hours.
- Postpone any dental work until six months after
cheek implant surgery.
RECOVERY
You can plan on approximately
one week to ten days for the initial healing period. It is important
that you keep your head elevated at all times for at least a week,
optimally two. You should not lie face down or bend over for three
weeks. Stitches used to close the incisions inside your mouth
usually dissolve within about 10 days.
At the beginning, you can expect your upper lip and cheek area
to feel full, tight, and tender. The cheek area may be swollen
and black and blue. Expect some numbness (as if your lip had been
injected with Novocain) and a tight feeling in the treated areas
for an average of eight to twelve weeks. The swelling should lessen
daily, with some minor swelling remaining for three to six month.
The bruising can last, on the average, anywhere from five days
to several weeks but should diminish daily. Remember - everyone
heals differently
RISKS / COMPLICATIONS
Although problems are unlikely, you need to be aware of the potential risks. Complications that can occur include injury to the nerves, infection, and improper positioning or shifting of the implant. You should be aware that your ability to move your mouth and lips might be diminished temporarily due to surgery, pain and swelling.
NEW_YOU...ONLY BETTER
Cheek augmentation
can be a subtle or dramatic change depending upon the amount of
cheek contour to begin. Cheek implants can provide a refined look
that will create more harmony with all facial features.
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