Facial Implants
WHAT DO CHEEK IMPLANTS DO
Huntersville (Charlotte Metro), NC
How cheek implants add lasting volume and definition, and what actually happens during and after the procedure.
How cheek implants add lasting volume and definition, and what actually happens during and after the procedure.
Cheek implants, also called cheek augmentation, add permanent volume and projection to the cheekbones and midface. They are used to correct flat or sunken cheeks, restore volume lost to aging, or simply build stronger cheekbone definition for a more balanced facial profile. Unlike fillers, which are temporary, implants are solid and stay in place indefinitely once healed.
A solid implant, most often made of silicone, is placed either through a small incision inside the mouth or through the lower eyelid, and positioned directly against the cheekbone or in the tissue over it. The implant is secured with tiny fixation screws so it stays put permanently. Once healing is complete, the implant becomes surrounded by the body's own tissue, and the added volume and contour are there to stay.
Not every patient needs the same shape or placement. There are three general categories:
Cheek implants have a long safety track record, with the modern technique in use since 1956. Silicone, the most common material, is biocompatible, flexes with the natural contour of the face, and can be trimmed to fit precisely during surgery. If a silicone implant ever needs to be removed or adjusted, it comes out cleanly without damaging surrounding tissue, which is not true of harder materials like solid plastic or polyethylene that can fragment or become difficult to remove. You can read a deeper look at implant safety on our are cheek implants safe page.
Silicone is the material of choice for most surgeons, including us, because it offers the best combination of flexibility, biocompatibility, and ease of shaping during surgery. Alternatives like solid plastic or porous polyethylene are available but come with real downsides. They are rigid, harder to trim to fit, and can bond so thoroughly with surrounding tissue that removal becomes difficult or damaging if a revision is ever needed.
Good candidates typically have one or more of the following:
Patients who are unsure whether they want a permanent change sometimes start with filler to preview the effect before committing to implants.
Fillers like Juvederm Voluma add cheek volume without surgery, but they fade over 12 to 24 months and need repeat treatments to maintain. Implants require a surgical procedure and a recovery period, but the result does not fade and there is no ongoing cost for touch ups once healed. Neither option is universally better. It comes down to whether you want a permanent structural change or a lower commitment way to test the look first. Our cheek implants vs fillers page compares the two directly.
Cheek augmentation is frequently performed alongside other facial plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, a facelift, or a brow lift. When combined, the surgeon can often use the same incisions already planned for the other procedure, which avoids adding new scars and can reduce total anesthesia time compared to two separate surgeries.
Cheek implant placement is done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation. Incisions are placed either inside the mouth or along the lower eyelid, both of which heal with minimal visible scarring since they sit in natural creases or hidden locations. The implant is sized, shaped if needed, and secured in position before the incision is closed. Most cases take under an hour unless combined with another procedure.
Expect swelling and some bruising for the first week to ten days. Pain is typically managed well with prescribed medication and tends to ease significantly after the first few days. Most patients return to work and normal daily activities within a week, though strenuous exercise should wait a few weeks longer to avoid disrupting healing. Swelling can take several weeks to fully resolve before you see the final result.
Complications are uncommon but worth understanding. The main risks include a reaction to anesthesia, which is more likely in patients who smoke or take certain antidepressants, and infection, which is usually treated successfully with antibiotics. If an implant is placed slightly off center or shifts during healing, it can cause visible asymmetry that may require a follow up procedure to correct. Choosing a surgeon with specific training in facial implant placement is the biggest factor in avoiding these outcomes.
Cost varies based on implant type, whether the procedure is combined with another surgery, and anesthesia fees. For a full price breakdown, see our dedicated page on how much cheek implants cost.
The best way to know whether cheek implants are right for you is a consultation where Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II, FACS can evaluate your facial structure and talk through implant type, placement, and expected results. Call (704) 987-3132 or request an appointment online to get started at our Huntersville office.
Related Article: How Long Do Cheek Implants Last?
Words cannot express enough, how wonderful, caring and professional Dr. Haigney and his staff are! After being rushed to the Huntersville hospital with an orbital fracture, broken nose and other facial damage, Dr. Haigney rushed me into surgery (on his day off I must add) and corrected all my problems. I only wish all doctors cared as much about their patients and their recovery as Dr. Haigney and his staff did. Thank you so much for everything! Your attention and compassion has helped me make my recovery as comfortable as possible. 5 star service!
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