Are Cheek Implants Safe?

Cheek implants Charlotte nc can provide cheeks with body and contour when they lack a strong definition. Individuals who have a weak cheek structure, a narrow or flat face, or those who lost their cheek contour from the natural effects of aging can all benefit from the improved aesthetic that cheek augmentation offers. Cheek surgery is a relatively simple and affordable cosmetic solution for improving the overall appearance of the face.

The goal of cheek augmentation is to add volume and lift the cheeks. Surgical options used to enhance the cheeks including fat grafting and cheek implants.

Cheek Augmentation Risks

As with any cosmetic procedure, it is extremely personal to decide to undergo cheek augmentation surgery. It is important to be educated on the procedure in order to determine if the benefits help achieve your goals and if it is worth the possible risks and complications before you proceed with cheek augmentation.

There are numerous materials used in check implants. The best material is silicone because it offers many advantages. It is biocompatible, can be easily bent to the contours of the facial structure, can be penetrated with fixation screws and is easily trimmed. Silicone can also be removed in a matter of seconds, if needed. Plastic and polyethylene implants, however, are not quite as forgiving. They do not easily bend, can fragment and be difficult or sometimes impossible to remove. They can also cause damage to the surrounding tissues which can tear or detach from being ingrown to the implant.

Safety of Cheek Implants

The plastic surgeon will explain the risks and possible complications which are associated with cheek implant surgery. You need to sign consent forms to verify that you fully understand the procedures you have elected to undergo and agree to the associated risks and possible complications.

While they are not common, there are complications associated with cheek implants. There is an initial risk of having an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used for the cheek implant procedure. There is an association between anesthesia complications and the use of tobacco, antidepressants, and other substances. It is important to share a list of any substances you use with your surgeon prior to surgery.

Following the cheek implant surgery, there is also a risk for infection. This is commonly treated using an antibiotic. The incorrect placement of a cheek implant can result in shifting of the implant which causes asymmetry. In cases of the implant shifting, follow up procedure may be required to correctly align the implant. To reduce the risk of complications, it is important to choose a well-trained and qualified plastic surgeon.

Some of the other possible risks of cheek implants include the following:

• Bleeding
• Scarring or bad healing of the incisions
• Hematoma
• Fluid accumulation or seroma
• Loss of skin
• Numbness or increased skin sensitivity
• Discolored skin or swelling
• Dead fatty tissue deep in the skin
• Fatty cysts
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac or pulmonary complications
• Thick scar tissue around the cheek implant
• Displacement of the cheek implant
• Asymmetry and lumpiness
• Blindness
• Additional surgery required
• Continuous pain

Your surgeon will discuss all possible risks and complications with you prior to the procedure. It is important to share your medical history and any concerns with plastic surgeon. When necessary, the implants can be removed in about 10 minutes or adjusted in about 25 minutes.

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