Many studies show that people are attracted to symmetrical faces. When facial bones grow disproportionately, they can cause unattractive facial asymmetries, especially projection of the chin and cheeks. An appropriately-sized implant can restore a pleasing symmetry to the cheeks, jaw, or chin, helping to improve the look of the face. A flat face looks sad.
Cheek implants have become quite common in cosmetic facial surgery. While much of it relates to achieving symmetry in an asymmetrical face, this procedure can also improve the definition of the jaw/neck relationship, giving males a more masculine appearance. In women, cheek implants can provide an elegant impression of higher cheekbones.
Before and 3 months After Cheek Implants
Quick Facts About Cheek Implants:
Cheek implants are used to contour the cheekbones, jaw bone or chin and improve the shape of the face
Cheek implants are solid shaped forms in various sizes made from either silicone or hydroxyapatite
Cheek implants rarely move or break
Cheek implants can be used in combination with other procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelift or liposuction surgery in Sydney.
About Cheek Implants
Cheek implants have been used for approximately 35 years. They provide a great enhancement to the mid third of the face. Many patients have a very flat mid-third of the face which gives them a sad and ageing look.
Cheek implants are usually inserted through a very small incision in the mouth with stitches that dissolve. This is an outpatient surgical procedure. The implant cannot be felt. I have followed cheek implants up for 30 years; they just “sit” there and afford no basic problems for a patient.
My long-term impression is that cheek implants are by their insertion able to achieve a great deal of satisfaction for patients; they are subtle and make people look happier and younger. Cheek implants rarely move or get infected. We sometimes combine cheek implants with chin augmentation surgery to produce a better structure for the face.
Before and 6 weeks after cheek implants
I sometimes use cheek implants at the same time as a facelift and you can see examples of this procedure, greatly enhancing the appearance of the cheek. Some doctors promote fillers and fat for this region, but these are not as predictable as the result obtained from the insertion of a proper solid silicone implant. Cheek implants are available in multiple sizes and in contrast to fat and/or injectables, can be controlled much easier with foreseeable outcomes.
Why You May Wish to Consider Cheek Implants
Facial bones shrink with age and give the cheek a sad, flat look, exacerbated by the descent of the cheek’s soft tissues. This can deepen the nasolabial fold, causing jowls. Cheek implants can highlight the area below the eye, enhancing the upper third of the face. This tends to give the face a happier and more appealing look. The addition of a cheek implant during a facelift procedure can also greatly enhance the appearance of the mid-face by projecting the cheek highlight points.
Dr. Hodgkinson prefers to use silicone implants over other products. The implants are firm, flexible, and durable. They sit on the bone and are usually inserted through small incisions in the mouth or under the chin, and fixed to the underlying skeleton by tissue in-growth or, very occasionally, a small screw.
The edges of the implant cannot be felt because they are located deep underneath the soft tissue and muscle on the bone. Infections are rare, and most people can resume normal activities in about a week. Swelling may, however, take several weeks to resolve completely.
Before and 6 months After Cheek Implants
Are Cheek Implants Right For You?
As is our process before in any surgery, a pre-operative examination and consultation is conducted to ensure that the proposed procedure will resolve the facial concerns that you have. During this process, our team will review your medical and surgical history while performing a physical exam to assess your eligibility. We work closely with our patients to discuss any issues and to understand your goals. We use this information to determine if you are the right candidate for cheek implants and augmentation.
Our medical staff work closely with you to ensure that the cheek implant procedure will solve the issues and give the desired look you are after. If for some reason we deem this procedure inappropriate we may propose an alternative. The primary goal is ensuring you are comfortable with the decision to undergo the procedure, and confident that it will provide the results you desire. Dr. Hodgkinson and the team are here to give you all the information you need and answer any question you may have regarding us and the procedures.
Before and 6 Months After Cheek Implants for Men
The Advantage of Strong Cheekbones
Ever since the days of Lauren Bacall, amazing cheekbones have been a desirable look. The youthful look of fierce angles to the face reflect light and add symmetry, giving a classic beauty look.
For some, however, genetics determine that this kind of bone structure will not come naturally. Cheekbones help to hold up the face, and as we age, the volume loss in these areas, coupled with a diminished quality in skin and muscle aesthetic, allows for jowls and folds to develop. Cheek implants offer a modern or more permanent alternative to fillers or a facelift. The facial landscape and attempts at anti-aging can benefit significantly when you fill in the cheek area.
Cheek implants can help diminish the nasolabial folds, reduce eye hollows, and decrease the downturn of the mouth, giving a desirable overall refreshment to the appearance of the face. Fillers are still a popular option, however, more and more people are opting for cheek implants as a more permanent solution to their dream facial structure. A surgical procedure is more powerful and predictable than an injection, also permanent.
Cheek implants can provide a natural-looking, custom fit permanent solution with the use of silicone or porous polyethylene. Both of these options are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction and feel very natural to the touch. The procedure, which works on an outpatient basis under light general anesthesia, offers minimal risk when it comes to infection or nerve damage and only requires around two weeks of recovery.
Cheek implants with Dr. Hodgkinson
Dr. Hodgkinson is well-experienced in cheek implant and augmentation procedures. One of the reasons why so many people opt to have him perform their surgery is the significant amount of preparation time he spends getting to know his patients. Dr. Hodgkinson places a great importance in understanding the work required and also uses a computer program called ‘Alter Image’ to give a clear idea of the expected results to patients in advance. Dr. Hodgkinson aims to create harmoniously natural cheeks that naturally suit the rest of the facial features. The aim is that you do not look like you have had any surgery at all.
Dr Hodgkinson’s consultation with a patient who wants to have a cheek implant procedure
Dr. Hodgkinson is chosen by many people for performing a cheek implant procedure, as well as various other cosmetic surgeries as he is an expert in cosmetic plastic surgery. Dr. Hodgkinson received his surgical training from the prestigious Mayo Clinic and has been practicing for over 30 years. Along with his two degrees in plastic surgery, Dr. Hodgkinson is involved with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) where he serves on the Scientific Committee. He is well-respected in the medical community and the author of the book, ‘Cosmetic Surgery: Just The Facts.’
About Our Surgery Facilities
The Double Bay Day Surgery, from which Dr. Hodgkinson and the team operate, is a fully licensed day surgery centre. Our state of the art cosmetic and plastic surgical equipment and procedures ensure the highest-quality and safest experience for every patient. We have tailored our processes and training in such a way that our team is given ample time with our patients to understand the various needs and desires of everyone who is considering a procedure. We are on-hand to answer all of the questions that you may have, and are confident that you will be completely certain and informed on any procedure before making the decision to undergo surgery.
We are very proud of our post-operative care and our highly skilled nursing staff work hard to ensure that all of our patients experience the best recovery possible. Our team is on call 24 hours a day with home care options available if required. Our primary mission is the best results possible for all of our patients. Dr. Hodgkinson offers a relaxed and professional clinic so all patients can feel comfortable while we work with you to understand your desired results for whichever procedure best suits your goals.
Dr Hodgkinson’s team of highly professional surgeons and staff
Our highly skilled staff consists of an intensive care anaesthetists, registered nurses, and surgical technicians well trained and experienced in the various cosmetic surgery procedures we offer. You can be assured that you will receive the finest care and all of the required and valuable information in regards to your procedure. We strongly encourage that you ask any questions that you may have of our team so that you are completely comfortable before beginning any surgical procedure.
Cheek Implants have now become more popular as we are exposed to so many attractive fashion models with very prominent high cheek bones. High or prominent cheek bones are typically associated with young and beautiful, smiling faces. Flat cheeks may produce a sad or depressed appearance and cheek implants can produce a fullness similar to smiling.
Cheek implants are created from silicone or Gore-tex and are usually inserted through a small incision inside the mouth. A wide variety of shapes and sizes is available. This is an outpatient procedure performed under twilight anaesthesia. After about a month, implants do indeed feel natural and produce an improvement in shape and appearance of the face, glamourising the face for women and strengthening it for males. Careful selection of the size and shape of your implants should be made by you and your surgeon. The implant feels just like your own tissue.
Before and After Cheek Implant, Face Lift & Upper Eyelid Lift by Dr Hodgkinson
This surgical procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic. A small incision is made on the inside of the upper lip, where a pocket is then formed for the implant to be inserted. This process will vary if you are undergoing a cheek augmentation in conjunction with another procedure, which may require a different incision location.
The implant that is used will be pre-selected based on the most appropriate one for your facial structure and aesthetic goals. Dr Hodgkinson will discuss this with you in detail prior to surgery. The incision is then stitched with dissolvable stitches.
This will vary with every patient, and may not be necessary in your specific circumstances. After the procedure, you will likely experience some discomfort or swelling; a dressing will be applied to assist in minimising this. In cases where it may be necessary, we will prescribe pain medication. This is an outpatient operation only.
Before and 3 Months After Cheek Implant
Oral health is very important following the cheek augmentation procedure, especially ensuring the incision site is kept clean. Our team will give in-depth instructions on how to manage this, but regular rinsing with warm salt water along with any prescribed antibiotics may be required to prevent infection. A cold pack on swollen areas can also be of significant benefit, and we recommend sleeping on your back until the swelling dissipates.
We will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery as part of our in-depth aftercare process.
There are aesthetic and functional reasons why people undergo cheek augmentation surgery. This is also a common procedure to couple with corrective jaw surgery for patients who have experienced facial trauma. The cheek augmentation procedure can help improve the overall appearance of the face, offering better balance and symmetry.
The amount of time that the swelling may take to reduce after surgery will vary per patient. It is important to be aware that the final results of your new look may not be evident for some months. Depending on the type of implants selected for your procedure, the results can be very long-lasting.
We make all patients aware that all surgery brings with it a degree of risk. However, we take every precaution to ensure the risk level is as low as possible. In the case of cheek implants, some of the potential complications can include:
Temporary numbness around the mouth
Difficulty talking or smiling due to swelling
Reduced ability to move mouth or lips
Implant movement which may require further surgery
Dr. Hodgkinson rarely experienced any risks or complications listed above.
It is very important that you provide your complete medical history or any relevant lifestyle issues which may increase the risk of any complications during your pre-surgery consultations. Your physical health will be examined to ensure this procedure is appropriate, and we will need to be made aware of any pre-existing conditions or prior surgeries that you have had. All of this information will influence the type of anaesthetic used for this procedure and whether or not it is the right surgery for your needs.
Before and 6 Weeks After Cheek Implants.
Along with this, we will need to be aware of any medications that you take on a regular basis, including over-the-counter oils or vitamin supplements. It is of particular importance that you inform us if you have experienced any past reactions to drugs or side effects from any medications or anaesthetics.
Chin implants are another option for changing the features of the face, and much like cheek implants the implants can be made from various materials including silicone, polythene, or natural tissue from the body. Much like cheek implants, an incision is made under the chin or inside of the mouth. Operations which involve the use of your own tissue can require a cut to the bone of the chin which is then moved forward and secured with metal screws.
If you are considering chin implants along with cheek implants, this can be discussed during your consultation to see if these two procedures will provide the aesthetic look you desire and whether or not they can be performed at the same time for a more efficient recovery process.
It is important to remember that cheek implants are made from silicone, a fact that leads many people to question the safety of silicone implants. There is currently no definitive evidence that deems silicone as a harmful substance when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Solid silicone implants are different, liquid implants are used for breast implants.
It is also important to consider that it is unlikely this procedure will qualify for rebates from your private health insurer or Medicare.
We also make smokers aware that they are at an increased risk of complications as a result of smoking. It would be best if you quit smoking if you are seriously considering this procedure or any other cosmetic surgery.
Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Darryl Hodgkinson says an important aspect of any facial rejuvenation procedure is to assess the entire face.
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