Cheek implants may be
right for you if you have poorly defined cheekbones that leave you looking
gaunt or if you feel your face is starting to sag unacceptably. Cheek implants
are also used to repair damage following an accident or other trauma that has
damaged the structure of your face. Cheek implants may also work well if you
want to enhance ‘average’ looking cheek bones to achieve that distinguished
high cheek bone look so favoured in the world of beauty and fashion.
What are cheek implants?
Cheek implants are put in
place during a cheek augmentation operation. This surgical method enhances weak
or damaged cheek bones by inserting an artificial cheek implant above or below
the existing cheek bone.
Cheek implants can be made
from your own tissue, but are more usually created using cheek implants made
from silicone or polythene, as these materials are far more durable and will
not degenerate like natural tissue.
What can cheek implants achieve?
Cheek implants can be
placed above the cheekbone, creating the appearance of a high, well defined
cheekbone, or placed below the cheekbone to fill out a sunken appearance.
Sometimes one operation is used to place cheek implants in both positions, and
may be done with other procedures as part of a face lift.
Who is suitable for cheek implants?
For cheek implants to work
well for you, you will need to be in good health, both physically and mentally,
and your chosen surgeon will want to assess this thoroughly before agreeing to
the procedure.
Physically you will need
to be fit enough to undergo the surgery, which will involve a general
anaesthetic. The risks of surgery increase with age, high blood pressure and a
wide range of other factors. Your doctor will advise whether these risks are
acceptable for you for what is elective surgery; you are choosing to have it
rather than needing it for a medical reason.
You also need to be in
good, stable mental health if you are to cope with the changes that an altered
facial appearance will bring. It is important that you understand that while an
improved appearance will increase your confidence levels, it is not going to be
an instant ‘cure-all’ for any emotional and social issues you may have. Your
surgeon will discuss your reasons for having the surgery and may advise that
you discuss these with a counsellor before you proceed.
What else should I consider with cheek implants?
It is important that you
are realistic about what cheek implant surgery can achieve for you. You should
research the procedure online, paying particular attention to before and after
pictures so that you can gain an understanding of the potential results. You may
not look like a movie star afterwards, and the surgery will not make you
instantly popular. However, if you are self-conscious about your appearance,
cheek implants can be a life-changing experience, giving you new confidence to
address important issues in your life.
You should also consider
the emotional impact on those close to you, especially family members. If your
weak cheek bones are congenital, chances are your parents and siblings will
share the same look. You should consider how they might feel about you
correcting that defect and looking different from them.
Another factor to consider
when assessing whether cheek implant surgery is right for you is the cost. Cosmetic
surgery of this type can cost several thousand pounds and you will need to be
off work for up to two weeks following the procedure. Many employers will not
count this as sick leave and you will have to use holidays or take unpaid leave
with their permission.
What are the risks of cheek implant surgery?
Every operation under
general anaesthetic carries risks; these include reactions to the anaesthetic,
problems with the surgery itself, infection afterwards and problems with
bleeding. Fortunately these complications are rare, particularly if you are
having your treatment with a reputable surgeon in a well-regarded private
hospital.
As the body is a natural
system, natural variations will occur in the outcome of the surgery. Just
because it has been a complete success for others does not mean it will be so
for you. There is a risk that slippage or uneven settling of the implants that
may require additional surgery, and perhaps more time off work.
Cheek implants – are they right for you?
Cheek implants should not
be undertaken lightly. Serious consideration needs to be given to the reasons
for your choice, the realistic outcomes possible, the cost implications and the
potential risks.
Your decision about
whether cheek implants are right for you will be different to others, and will
depend on the severity of your problem and its impact on your life. A minor
defect may, on balance, be worth living with compared to the cost, whereas a
more severe and obvious defect may outweigh all the risk and cost implications.
Your GP, and subsequently
your surgeon, will be happy to discuss your surgery in detail with you so that
you can decide whether cheek implant surgery is something that you definitely
want.
