Cheek Implants

There are two main indications for considering cheek augmentation. The initial is having relatively flat cheeks. This is usually a racial or genetic appearance that is often thought to be less attractive than having high cheekbones. The cheek implants procedure is usually sort after by younger people in their twenties to forties. The sub malar implant is very similar to the cheek implant but it  is  slightly lower, below the actual height of the cheekbone into the hollow that develops as the face ages and loses volume.

Injectable materials are one option. There is a choice of both temporary and long lasting injections that are suitable for use in this area. Both of these options tend to work out more expensive in the long term rather than having a permanent implant placed.

In some people fat transfer may be an option, however fat transfer usually has a quite variable persistence and frequently as much as 80% of it will disappear giving it much less reliability.

There are a number of different shapes of implants depending on whether we are just augmenting the height of the cheeks, augmenting the hollowness below the cheek bone level or whether we are using a combined implant to do a little of both.

The most commonly used implants today are made out of silicone. They have been around for thirty years and they are intended as permanent implants. They have a very good acceptance rate and do not normally get rejected by the body, but care needs to be taken to avoid infection.

Undergoing a surgical procedure is a serious decision, and requires requires careful consideration.

Dr Oates performs a range of facelift procedures which vary in complexity based on the individual patient.

The consultation process provides patients an opportunity to have a detailed discussion with Dr Oates, and gain a better understanding of the procedure, potential risks, post operative recovery and possible outcomes.

Dr Oates usually performs Cheek Augmentation  under twilight sedation and local anaesthetic at Academy Day Hospital. The procedure takes approximately one hour .

Twilight sedation is used to make you very relaxed, even sleepy. Local anaesthetic is injected, to numb the area . A small incision is then made on the inside of the mouth quite high up, right over the area where the cheek implants will be inserted. The muscles and soft tissue of the cheeks are elevated and the implant is placed directly against the bone. Sutures go through the implants, come out through the skin and  are  tied over a bolster. This prevents the implant from being able to move after insertion and allows extra compression over the implant helping to minimise swelling. Dissolving sutures can be used inside the mouth.

Following surgery, a facial compression garment is worn by the patient. This helps to minimise swelling and ensures that the implant is secured in the correct position, at the level of the bone, and is not floating in the soft tissue.

All cosmetic surgery, including Septoplasty surgery, is invasive and carries risks.

The purpose of the information below is to provide realistic and educative information about the risks or potential risks of Septoplasty surgery.

The following risks, as well as patient specific risks, will be discussed in more detail during the consultation process, to ensure each patient is fully informed before making a decision to proceed with surgery.

RISKS OF SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY

• Swelling and Bruising
• Pain and discomfort
• Haematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
• Seroma (collection of fluid under the skin)
• Epistaxis (nose bleed)
• Infection
• Scarring
• Numbness
• Asymmetry
• Compromise of airway, or failure to sufficiently improve airway
• Prolonged swelling
• Irregularity under thin skin
• Insufficient improvement in shape
• Revision surgery
• Necrosis (death of overlying skin)
• Psychological distress
• Damage to the facial nerves / facial weakness

RISKS OF ANAESTHETIC

Any procedure that requires anaesthetic, carries risks.

Common risks include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sore throat

RARE RISKS:

• Damage to teeth and vocal cords
• Allergic reactions
• Blood clots
• Aspiration of gastric fluid
• Respiratory or heart problems
• Death (in extreme cases)

Someone concerned with the following  characteristics:

• Unrealistic expectations
• Impaired healing

The amount of bruising and swelling will vary from person to person. Although current techniques do help to minimise this, occasionally some patients will experience more. The swelling and bruising does not affect the final result. Ice pack (for at least 30 minutes each hour) will help to reduce swelling and most people find it is no longer a significant concern after 1 – 2 weeks.

There is some mild discomfort and on the first night you may need to take some pain killing tablets that we will provide for you. Patients rarely report strong pain and anything they have is usually easily managed with the medications.

Pre and post operative care is managed by our registered nurses. This will include pre operative assessment and post operative wound management.

Cheek Augmentation is usually very safe and complications are rare, however there is a small risk of complications with any surgical procedure. These may include:

• Washing with the antiseptic body wash, using an antiseptic mouthwash prevents infection. We give you antibiotics intravenously and to go home with for five days.
• The sutures prevent malposition of the implant. Occasionally a slight inequality of implant position can occur and this may result in the need for a procedure to correct one side.