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Cheek Augmentation/Implants
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| ?ead about cheek augmentation
or cheek implant surgery procedures. View patient before and
after pictures and find a plastic surgeon in your area. |
High, prominent cheekbones are one of the facial features
most frequently associated with beauty. Today, this underlying
facial structure can be created with implants.
Whether you want heightened and well-formed cheekbones
like the ones you had when you were young, or you�ve never
had well-defined cheekbones, cheek implants may produce
a dramatic change. For many people, cheek implants can provide
new facial contours and dimensions to bring facial features
into better balance.
Cheek implants are made in various shapes and sizes. They
are made out of both solid and semi-solid materials that
have been used successfully for years. If you're considering
cheek implants, the following information will provide you
with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed
information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend
that you consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified
or has completed a residency program that includes training
in cheek implant procedures.
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What are some of the most common benefits of this surgery?
What will happen at the initial consultation?
How is the procedure performed?
How long does the procedure take?
Will I need to stay in a hospital?
How much pain is there?
What can I expect after surgery?
What is the recovery period like?
What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
Ideal Candidate:
Other Important Information:
Risks:
Costs:
Choosing a Doctor:
Questions to Ask Your Doctor:
Be Sure To:
How do I finance this procedure?
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| What are some
of the most common benefits of this surgery? |
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This surgery can enhance facial contours
and brings balance to the facial features. It is also
used to correct asymmetries and congenital defects.
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| What will happen
at the initial consultation? |
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During the consultation, you and your
surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like
to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the
different options available to you, the procedure itself,
and its risks and limitations. You may also be able
to view samples of implants and feel the differences
in shape, size and consistency. He/she will also explain
the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility,
and costs. Be sure to ask all the questions you have
about the surgery, and ask to see photos of the doctor�s
recent patients, before and after surgery. Also ask
for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning
everything you can about your options, risks and benefits
is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions
to ask your doctor below. |
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| How is the procedure
performed? |
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When cheek implant surgery is performed
in conjunction with other facial procedures, the implants
may be inserted through the incisions used for that
procedure. If cheek implant surgery is performed by
itself, incisions are either made at the top of the
upper lip, near the gums, or on the outer cheek, slightly
below the lower eyelid. The implant of the size and
shape that the surgeon has selected is then inserted
through these incisions into a pocket created in the
tissue. In some cases, a small titanium screw is used
to attach the implant and the bone. The implants are
placed on or below the cheekbones and the incisions
are closed with sutures that the body absorbs. At the
conclusion of the surgery the skin is dressed to reduce
swelling. |
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| How long does
the procedure take? |
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The surgery generally takes from 30 to
45 minutes. |
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| Will I need to
stay in a hospital? |
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This procedure is generally performed
on an outpatient basis. A hospital stay is sometimes
necessary when cheek implant surgery is performed in
conjunction with other cosmetic procedures. |
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| How much pain
is there? |
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The amount of pain depends on the method
used, and varies from person to person. Local anesthetic
is used to reduce pain during the surgery. |
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| What can I expect
after surgery? |
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The treated area may feel tight, swollen
and uncomfortable in the days following the surgery.
Pain medication may be used to lessen discomfort. Movement
of the mouth may initially be difficult. Your surgeon
should give you information on post-operative care,
including limits on physical activities and diet. If
incisions are made inside the mouth, you may be placed
on a liquid diet for several days until there is adequate
healing to allow for chewing and food particles to come
in contact with the stitches. |
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| What is the recovery
period like? |
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Stitches in the mouth dissolve in approximately
10 days. Swelling also subsides quickly, but this varies,
particularly if cheek implants were performed in conjunction
with another surgery. |
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| What is the long-term
outcome like for most people? |
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Due to swelling, the results of the surgery
may not be plainly visible for as long as three or four
months. Scars are generally well hidden. |
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| Ideal Candidate: |
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In general, the best candidates for chin
augmentation are people:
- In good physical health
- Psychologically stable
- Wanting to add definition to the face, especially
the upper face
- Understanding the healing process
- Understanding the limitations of the procedure
- No known allergies to the implant material used
- Having realistic expectations for the outcome
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that
your surgeon will consider in determining whether or
not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to
ask your surgeon if he / she considers you an ideal
candidate for cheek implants. |
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| Other Important
Information: |
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Cheek implant surgery is often performed
in conjunction with a facelift.
Chin
augmentation is another procedure used to balance
the face. |
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| Risks: |
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Significant complications resulting from chin implants
are infrequent. As with any surgical procedure, however,
there is always a possibility of infection, or reaction
to the anesthesia.
When infection does occur it is generally treated
with antibiotics, but in some cases this is not successful
and it must be removed and later replaced. Another
risk is improper placement. In some cases, implants
may shift so that a second operation is necessary
for repositioning. In rare cases, nerve damage may
occur.
You can help minimize certain risks by plastic surgeon,
both before and after your surgery.
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| Costs: |
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The national average of 1999 surgeon fees
for cheek implants was $2,093 (Source: The American
Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). Regional averages:
New England states: $2,593; middle Atlantic states:
$1,891; north central states: $1,866; south central
states: $1,763; and mountain/Pacific states: $2,180.
These fees do not include anesthesia, operating room
facility, hospital stay and other related expenses.
Use our payment
calculator to see what your monthly payments might
be if you financed this procedure.
Apply
now |
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| Choosing a Doctor: |
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| Questions to
Ask Your Doctor: |
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- Are the desired results I described realistic?
- Where is the surgery performed? How long will
the procedure take?
- Am I good candidate for cheek implants? Why or
why not?
- What kind of anesthesia is used?
- How much does it cost?
- What is your experience in performing this procedure?
(How long has he/she performed this procedure, and
how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
- What percentage of patients have had significant
complications? (The physician should disclose this
information to you.)
- Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does
not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure
must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged
again? (The physician should provide you with his/her
policy on this issue.)
- May I see "before and after" photos of recent
patients? The physician should provide many photos
of recent patients.
- May I have the names and contact information for
several recent cheek implant patients? (Follow up
to get first-hand information on the procedure and
the surgeon.)
- Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering
before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on
videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
- What should I expect post-operatively, in terms
of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing,
and level of activity?
- Who will be assisting during the surgery? What
are their qualifications? (Does the plastic surgeon
perform the entire surgery?)
- Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage
denied, revoked, suspended?
- Do you offer patient
financing?
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| Be Sure To: |
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- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have
(to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
- Tell your doctor if you have any of the following
pre-existing conditions:
- thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism
- insufficient tear production or dryness of
the eye
- elevated blood pressure or other circulatory
disorders
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- ophthalmic
problems
- any other serious medical condition(s)
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are
taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
- Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon
gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking,
and vitamins.
- Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines
for two weeks prior to surgery.
The information on this web site is only intended
as an introduction to this procedure and should not
be used to determine whether you will have the procedure
performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best
method of determining your options is to consult qualified
surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related
to your situation. |
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| How do I finance
this procedure? |
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Did you know that 29% of all Americans
have considered having an elective procedure? Of those,
60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing
was available. With iEnchance's patient
financing options, money no longer has to be the
barrier between you and your new image. By filling out
our on-line
application you can qualify for a loan in as little
as 30 seconds. |
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