Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
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Cheek augmentation can be performed under various anesthesia modalities depending on the method. Injectable fillers are done with topical numbing cream or local anesthetic injections. Fat grafting and implants usually require IV sedation (twilight sleep) or general anesthesia.
The anesthesiologist monitors the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure safety and comfort. Local anesthetic is also injected into the surgical site to provide pain relief that lasts for several hours after the patient wakes up.
For cheek implants, the most common incision is intraoral, placed high in the gum line above the upper teeth. This leaves no visible external scar. The surgeon creates a precise pocket over the cheekbone, lifting the soft tissue.
The implant is inserted into this pocket. It must fit snugly to prevent movement. In some cases, the surgeon may use a small screw to fix the implant to the bone for absolute stability. The incision is then closed with absorbable sutures.
Fat grafting is a multi-step surgical process. First, fat is harvested from the donor site using gentle liposuction. The fat is then processed via centrifugation or filtration to separate the pure fat cells from oil and blood.
The purified fat is injected into the cheeks using blunt cannulas. The surgeon places the fat in multiple layers—deep on the bone and more superficially—to create a smooth, three-dimensional contour. Overfilling is often done to account for the percentage of fat that will be reabsorbed.
Filler treatments are performed in the office. After cleaning the skin and applying numbing cream, the provider injects the filler using a needle or a cannula. A cannula is often preferred for safety as it reduces the risk of bruising and vascular injury.
The provider molds the filler with their fingers to shape it into place. The patient is often given a mirror to check the progress and ensure the desired look is achieved. The entire process takes about 30 minutes.
After surgery, the patient is moved to a recovery area. Ice packs are applied immediately to minimize swelling. If implants were placed, a compression dressing or tape may be applied to the cheeks to hold them in place and reduce fluid buildup.
The patient is monitored until the anesthesia wears off. Once alert and stable, they are discharged to the care of their designated driver. Instructions for immediate home care are provided.
Pain varies by procedure. Fillers cause mild tenderness: implants and fat grafting cause moderate soreness and tightness. The cheeks may feel very heavy.
Surgeons prescribe oral pain medication for the first few days post-surgery. Most patients transition to over-the-counter acetaminophen quickly. Anti-inflammatory drugs are usually avoided initially to reduce bleeding risk.
Swelling is significant after cheek surgery. It typically peaks on day 3. The face may look distorted or “chipmunk-like.” Bruising may appear around the cheeks and can drift down to the jawline or neck due to gravity.
Most visible swelling subsides within 2 weeks, making the patient socially presentable. However, residual swelling can persist for several months, masking the final definition of the cheekbones.
If intraoral incisions were used, a soft diet is required for the first week to protect the stitches and prevent food debris from entering the wounds. Foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs are recommended.
Straws should be avoided, as suction can create negative pressure that may disrupt wound closure. Patients are instructed to rinse their mouth with salt water or a prescription rinse after every meal.
Rest is crucial for the first few days. Patients should sleep with their head elevated on two pillows to reduce swelling. Bending over, lifting heavy objects, or straining must be avoided as this increases blood pressure in the face and can cause bleeding.
Light walking is encouraged to prevent blood clots. Strenuous exercise can typically be resumed after 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the surgeon’s advice. Contact sports should be avoided for several weeks to protect the implants.
Patients are taught to watch for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, heat, fever, or foul-tasting drainage. Suddenly, severe swelling on one side could indicate a hematoma (blood collection).
Numbness of the upper lip or nose is common due to nerve stretching and usually resolves. However, persistent pain or changes in skin color should be reported immediately.
Keeping the mouth clean is vital to prevent infection of oral incisions. Patients frequently use a gentle mouthwash or saline solution. Teeth brushing should be done carefully, avoiding the incision lines in the upper gum.
Water picks and vigorous swishing should be avoided. The goal is to keep the area clean without mechanically disrupting the healing tissue.
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Yes, but be very gentle. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid the upper gum line where the incisions are. Rinse your mouth gently with salt water or the prescribed mouthwash after brushing.
You should sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Sleeping on your side puts pressure on the cheeks, which can increase swelling or potentially shift the implants or fat before they set.
Yes, significant swelling is normal for the first week. Your cheeks will look puffy and round. This is temporary. Do not judge the results until the swelling has gone down.
Numbness in the upper lip and cheek area is common and usually temporary. It typically resolves within a few weeks to a few months as the nerves recover from the stretching during surgery.
You can talk, but your upper lip might feel stiff and numb, making you sound a bit different for the first few days. It is best to minimize excessive talking or laughing to let the incisions heal.
