What Makes an Ideal Candidate for Cheek Augmentation Procedures

While cheek augmentations can be a great tool for corrective and cosmetic changes, like any other procedure, it’s not for everyone. You need to carefully weigh why you are considering the procedure and whether this is the right point in your life to make this change.

If you decide that you want to continue with plans for a cheek augmentation procedure at this time, you need to set up a consult with a plastic surgeon. Only a professional surgeon can tell you whether you are an ideal candidate for this type of surgery. There are a few general guidelines, however, about what makes a good patient for cheek augmentation procedures.

The Ideal Candidate

Good Health

The ideal candidate will be in good physical and mental health. This patient will be considering the procedure for all the right reasons. If you have a major condition, you may not be able to take the medication needed to safely have the procedure.

Complete Medical History

You must give your plastic surgeon a complete medical history. If you have ever had any problems at all, he must know. Dental problems can also be a cause for concern, so be sure to give the doctor your complete dental history as well; some surgeons may even ask you to bring a copy of your files. Always check with the surgeon’s office to find exactly what they need you to bring; otherwise, he may not be able to give you the correct information.

Age

Cheek augmentations are generally only requested by those who want to reposition the sagging skin that comes with aging. If a younger person wants to have this procedure completed for cosmetic reasons, she should be over the age of 18 and should have the surgeon’s full approval.

How the Procedure Works

The procedure generally takes between 45 minutes and an hour and a half. The surgeon will make an incision either under your eyelid or inside the mouth. Then the implant is inserted into the cheek area and is often stitched to more stable internal features so that it will stay in place. After he’s finished, the surgeon will close the incision with just a few stitches. A few weeks later, the tissue will form around the implant, and eventually the implant will feel like completely normal tissue.

Recovery

Since cheek augmentation procedures are outpatient, you will go home that evening. You will probably be groggy from the anesthesia, and odds are that you’ll sleep well that night.

Swelling is only natural with a cheek augmentation procedure, and you may experience some pain. You want to keep your head elevated and use cool compresses to reduce the swelling. While you need to move around as soon as possible, you may not be involved in any strenuous activity for at least three weeks. After about a week, you should be able to return to the rest of your normal routine.