No, cheek implants do not dissolve bone. Cheek implants are usually made of synthetic material such as silicone, Teflon, hydroxyapatite, or Medpor. These materials are designed to augment the shape of the cheeks and the underlying bone, providing a nice contour.
The implants will not dissolve or break down bone, as they are designed to be permanent and are not metabolized by the body.
Surgeons who perform cheek implants will usually insert the implant by making an incision in the corner of the mouth and then filling the implant under the skin using either a simple or double pocket technique.
The pocket that holds the implant is often an anatomical pocket, meaning the surgeon uses natural anatomical creases and tissues to avoid forming rigid and unnatural contours.
Although cheek implants are considered a very safe cosmetic procedure, it is important to note that scar tissue and infection can occur around the implant and in the pocket that holds the implant. Steroid and antibiotic injections may be prescribed to alleviate inflammation or infection, and surgical revisions and removal may be necessary for patients who experience unwanted side effects.
What is the downside of cheek implants?
Cheek implants have a range of potential side effects and risks associated with the procedure. In general, the main downside of cheek implants is that the operation is considered to be permanent, and the results often cannot be reversed.
In addition, there are a number of other risks that are associated with cheek implants, including infection, allergic reactions, and excess fluid accumulation in the cheeks. In some cases, implants may need to be removed due to positioning or displacement of the implant, which can cause further scarring or damage.
For people who are prone to experience keloid scarring, there is an increased risk of forming a keloid on the skin site of the implant. Additionally, if the implants are not properly placed and positioned, they can cause asymmetry in the face.
It is also possible that the implant can move, shift, or rotate, which requires additional surgery to reposition it. Finally, some patients may experience temporary or permanent nerve damage. For example, diminished feeling on the cheek can occur due to the cheek implants and can make day-to-day activities such as eating and smiling uncomfortable.
Are cheek implants a good idea?
It depends on the individual’s situation and goals. Cheek implants can provide a long-lasting way to enhance the shape and contour of the cheek area, creating a more youthful appearance. In some cases, it can improve the balance of facial features and add volume in areas that lack it for individuals who have flat or sunken cheeks.
However, like any cosmetic procedure, there are risks associated with cheek implants including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits, weigh the pros and cons, and consult with a qualified surgeon before making a decision.
How long do cheek implants last?
Cheek implants are a permanent procedure, meaning they do not need to be replaced or removed. However, the effects of the procedure are not permanent, and can be affected by aging, gravity, and other factors.
Generally, the effects of cheek implants will last anywhere from five to ten years, depending on the individual’s lifestyle and skin type. Patients who have undergone cheek implant surgery may notice subtle changes in the fullness and shape of their cheeks over time which can be addressed with additional cheek augmentation surgery.
For those who are not happy with the results of their surgery, cheek implants can be removed through a second surgery.
Can cheek implants look natural?
Yes, cheek implants can look natural. Cheek implants are designed to create a subtle, natural look while adding a noticeable enhancement to the facial features. They can be used to create a subtle lift and contour of the cheeks and can be adjusted to customize the desired look, making them as natural looking or as enhanced as you want.
The placement and type of implant used will also affect the results. Plastic surgeons use either a synthetic implant or fat transferred from another area of the body. Synthetic implants tend to create a more defined and exaggerated look while fat transfers using your own tissue provide a natural look.
In addition, the board-certified plastic surgeon you choose will play a major role in creating natural-looking results. Experienced and skilled surgeons understand the nuances of the face and have mastery over the surgical technique needed to create subtle and aesthetically-pleasing results.
All in all, cheek implant results will depend heavily on the patient’s facial structure, the skill and experience of the plastic surgeon, and the placement and type of implant. When all these factors are taken into account, cheek implants can look natural and provide subtle, aesthetically-pleasing results.
Do facial implants need to be replaced?
Yes, facial implants may need to be replaced over time depending on the type of implant used. Implants that are inserted behind the bone, such as bone anchored implants, can typically last for many years without needing to be replaced.
Soft tissue or mid-face facial implants, such as silicone, can break down over time, which means they may need to be replaced at some point. Other factors like facial paralysis, age-related volume loss, scar tissue formation, and patient satisfaction can also affect the longevity of the implant.
It is important to consult with an experienced reconstructive surgeon to discuss the best implant options and to monitor your implant health over time in order to determine the need for implant replacement.
What are the risks of cheekbone surgery?
Cheekbone surgery, also known as malar or cheek augmentation, is a procedure designed to enhance the definition and prominence of the cheekbones. Like any other kind of surgery, cheekbone surgery carries certain risks.
The most common risks include infection, scarring, damage to the facial nerve and fat necrosis—a condition that causes fatty tissue to die and form hard lumps. Other risks include hematoma (pooling of clotted blood), poor wound healing, difficulty swallowing or speaking, nerve damage, pain, or unsatisfactory results.
Rare but serious risks include permanent facial paralysis, skin breakdown, stroke, cardiac arrest, allergic reactions and reactions to the anesthesia. It is important to discuss all potential risks with your doctor before undergoing any type of surgery.
What Happens When cheek implants are removed?
When cheek implants are removed, the process is relatively straightforward and involves the removal of the sutures and the tissue surrounding the implant. The region will be numbed with local anesthesia, and an incision mapping the original scar will be made to allow the doctor access to the implant.
The implant will then be extracted and the incision will be sewn together.
Once the implant has been removed, the body will start to heal around the space left by the implant. This process can take a few weeks and the area can be swollen and sore, so it’s best to take time off to rest and allow the body to heal.
In time, the swelling will subside, the skin will re-drape, and the hollow area will slowly fill itself in as the body is resculpted. In some cases, a large amount of tissue loss has occurred as a result of the implant and the body may not be able to naturally resculpt itself; thus, additional procedure may be required to restore the shape and volume of the area.
It is important to note that even after surgery, the face might still look slightly different from the pre-implant shape. This is normal, as the face changes over time due to natural aging and skin changes.
If desired, additional procedures such as fat grafts may be necessary to restore or improve the shape or volume of the face.
Can you get your cheekbones removed?
No, you cannot get your cheekbones removed. Cheekbones, like other facial bones, are an essential part of the skeletal structure and provide structural support and shape to the face. Removing them would have a drastic impact on the way your face looks and could have a long-term effect on the health of your facial structure.
Depending on the amount of tissue removed, the consequences could range from facial paralysis, difficulties with speaking and eating, and other long-term health complications. Additionally, cheekbone removal is not an FDA-approved procedure and is generally viewed as an unethical practice by plastic surgeons.
This procedure is often performed by unqualified practitioners, and the risks often outweigh any potential aesthetic benefits.