Cheek augmentation is designed to restore volume in the middle of the face and correct the gaunt, hollow appearance that can occur over time. Fullness in the cheeks is strongly associated with youth, so when you lose volume in the cheeks it makes a negative impact on your facial appearance. Placement of a silastic facial implant can permanently restore fullness of your cheeks and smooth out wrinkles, giving you more balanced facial profile and a younger looking face. If you’re not prepared for cheek augmentation, we also offer dermal fillers that can often provide a similar, but temporary result.
Surgery Consultation – The First Step
During a consultation with Dr. Branman, you can discuss the aspects of your face that you find dissatisfying, and he will perform an examination to determine if facial implant surgery is an appropriate solution. If surgery is to proceed, information will be provided regarding the following topics:
- Eating or drinking before surgery
- Medications
- Antibiotics
- Arranging a ride after surgery
Cheek Augmentation Surgery
The first step is choosing a facial implant of the proper size and shape to augment your specific facial features. Facial implants are made of a silicone rubber material that is common in a variety of medical and surgical applications. Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Dr. Branman makes a small incision inside the upper lip or in the lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and the implant is inserted and secured. In some cases, cheek implants placed during another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery, in which case the implants may be inserted differently.
After Cheek Augmentation
After surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and swelling of the face. The severity and duration of these effects will vary, and will also depend on the extent of your facial procedure. There may be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities. Your ability to move your mouth and lips may be temporarily hindered. The sutures used to close the incisions inside your mouth dissolve within about 10 days.
Cheek Augmentation Results
After any facial rejuvenation, you may feel and look better in a short period of time, but we still advise our patients to refrain from certain activities that can involve the face being jarred or bumped, at least for a few weeks. It can be difficult to evaluate the results of your surgery right away. We ask that you give yourself plenty of time to get comfortable with your new look. You may be surprised to find that most people won't recognize that you've had facial implant surgery -- only that you look better.
Cheek augmentation surgery, and all cosmetic surgery procedures, are performed by Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman at Arkansas Surgical Hospital or in our in-office surgical suite.
Do you have questions or concerns about plastic or cosmetic surgery in Arkansas? 
