Cheek/Chin Augmentation

A More Sculpted Appearance

Full cheeks and defined cheekbones are attractive physical features desired by men and women alike, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing face. People who have lost facial volume due to aging or who were born with weak cheeks can benefit from cheek implant plastic surgery. The implants, made from solid silicone or other biocompatible materials, are customized for each individual patient’s facial contour and their desired results. The Peer Group’s board certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience performing cheek and chin augmentation procedures and implants for women and men in Morris, Essex and Union Counties and throughout northern New Jersey.

Many patients choose to have cheek implants placed in conjunction with a facelift, blepharoplasty (an eyelid lift) or rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), for optimum results.  Your plastic surgeon will develop a customized treatment plan for you based on a thorough evaluation of your facial structure, overall health and personal goals.

Candidates for Cheek Implants

Cheek implants are an ideal cosmetic surgery procedure for any patient seeking to enhance volume within the cheek area for a fuller, younger-looking appearance.  This may include patients who have lost facial fullness over time or those who are simply unhappy with the natural appearance of their cheeks.  It is important for patients to be in good overall health and to maintain realistic expectations for treatment in order to achieve effective results. Photographs of patients taken before and after plastic surgery illustrate the difference these aesthetic procedures can make.

Cheek Implant Procedure

During the cheek implant procedure, a small incision will be made in the mouth or in the eyelid to place the implant with minimal scarring.  A pocket is created in the cheek area before the implant is precisely placed and then secured by attaching it to a bone or soft tissue.  The incision is then closed with sutures. This cosmetic plastic surgery procedure can be performed in the plastic surgeon’s office or in an outpatient surgery center under IV or twilight sedation.  The entire implant procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes to perform, depending on the surgical technique used.

Results and Recovery

Patients usually feel fine after surgery, but are encouraged to take it easy for the remainder of the day before returning to work and other regular activities.  You may experience some soreness, swelling and numbness at the incision site and in the cheeks, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications if needed.  Patients will be asked to keep their head elevated to minimize swelling, and will be given specific instructions to allow the incision to heal.

The results of the cheek implants will be visible right away and will continue to improve as swelling subsides.  Implants produce long-lasting results from a single procedure, unlike facial fillers, which require routine maintenance. There is no scarring for incisions placed in the mouth and only minimal scarring for eyelid incisions, although this is not usually noticeable to others.

Risks of Cheek Implants

As with any type of surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with cheek implants, including infection, loss of sensation, rejection of implant or shifting of implant.  These risks are considered rare, especially when treatment is performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. To learn more about cheek augmentation and to find out whether or not this procedure is right for you, we invite men and women in Chester, South Orange, Warren and throughout the northern New Jersey region to call The Peer Group and schedule a consultation.