Risks and Limitation of Cheek Augmentation Procedures

While cheek augmentation procedures are generally very safe, there are some risks and limitations that you should consider. These factors may be more or less likely given your general health and the health of your skin. Only your plastic surgeon can provide you with information about your specific situation.

Limitations

Cheek augmentation procedures cannot do everything some people desire. They can help fill out your cheeks and help you to look more awake, alert and youthful. However, they won’t change the look or texture of your skin.

Potential Risks: Movement

One potential risk is that a cheek implant, or any facial implant for that matter, can shift out of alignment unexpectedly. After several months, the inner tissues of your face will grow and conform around the implants; however, until that time, there is a chance that the implants can move.

If an implant moves to a different spot in your face, there is a good chance that you will need a second surgery to repair any damage and move it to the proper spot. This second surgery may be discounted if the surgeon is at fault but if the move is simply a natural occurrence, you will have to pay.

Potential Risks: Infection

Another potential risk with any surgery is infection. If an infection forms in your incision or in the tissue around the implant, you may experience severe pain. Infections should be able to be treated with antibiotics; however, if the infection does not get better, the implant may have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later date.

Unlikely Risks: Silicone

Many implants are made from solid silicone. At some point in the future, these implants could begin to leak. Though there has been no conclusive research proving that silicone is harmful, many patients are concerned about having silicone implants. If you are concerned, inform your doctor so that he can choose a different type of implant.

Before Your Surgery

Before you even make the decision to have surgery, be sure you consider what you want. What type of look are you going for? If possible, have your surgeon use a computer program to show you the possible changes using several types of implants and procedures. You need to find out whether or not your expectations are reasonable before you agree to the surgery, not after.

Additionally, you need to give your doctor all of your medical history. Even the most minuscule events and illnesses could greatly change what he wants to do in your situation. You will also need to be familiar with your family history as some problems are inherited.