Plastic surgeons use facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours. Patient may wish to have implants placed over the cheekbones to help restore a more youthful appearance. Frequently, these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look.
There are many implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. Some of the implant materials are made of a solid silicone. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that this is a harmful substance.
The surgical procedure
Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. When cheek implants are being placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery, the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted.
After surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and swelling. The severity and duration of such side effects may vary, especially if another cosmetic procedure was performed at the same time.
Recovering from cheek surgery
Patients are advised to eat a mechanically soft diet to protect the incision line. Steaks and other hard to chew foods should be avoided. Patients are advised to abstain from activities that involve bending down. Strenuous activities are prohibited for a few weeks. Patients are instructed to rinse their mouth with a mouth wash after meals.
Again, these instructions will vary, especially if another procedure was performed along with your implant surgery. Patients may experience difficulty in moving their mouth and lips after surgery, but this is temporary and within a few days normal movement returns. Stitches used to close the incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days. Normal activities can be resumed in 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
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Online research is no substitute
No amount of research is a substitute for a professional consultation with a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, not some other cosmetic association. Your physician must be board certified in order to become a member of this Society, the most elite organization of plastic surgeons in the world.
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Why choose Doctor Ali?
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Ali is a highly skilled specialist with extensive training.
Using his 4-part system, he has helped thousands of patients achieve a more satisfying profile and boost self-confidence.
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