Natural Cheek Implants Surgery in Harley Street, Lonon

High prominent cheekbones and a well-defined jawline are coveted facial features and characteristics of beauty. Some people are born with these naturally high cheekbones—characteristics often seen in model portraits.

With facial ageing, the cheeks become flatter as a consequence of volume loss in the face and reduced facial fat. There are several ways in which volume to the cheeks can be restored, including both non-surgical and surgical treatments.

Cheek augmentation surgery can improve facial contour and balance out facial features. The use of silicone implants to the cheeks gives an enhanced cheekbone appearance. The surgical insertion of these implants is a common procedure that can be done on their own or in conjunction with other treatments such as a facelift or chin augmentation.

Although non-surgical treatments avoid surgery, the use of temporary fillers to the cheeks that require constant replenishment is not ideal from a long-term perspective.

According to Dr De Silva, there is artistry in determining the suitability of silicone cheek implants over alternatives, such as fat augmentation, for a persons’ face. Both procedures are different options that correct subtle differences in the face.

Silicone cheek implants are good at correcting skeletal deficiency, which can be seen with various facial parameters such as a negative vector (in-turning angle between the eyelid and cheek).

The use of autogenous fat transfer is good at correcting soft tissue volume loss, particularly in patients with facial ageing. This technique involves harvesting fat from around the navel, processing the fat to concentrate the cells, and re-injecting very small amounts into focal areas in the cheek.

Approximately 50% of the fat injected survives over a 5-year period. However, fat absorption does vary between individuals. A cheek implant is usually made of medical-grade silicone, does not absorb and will last forever. There is a small risk of the implant becoming infected, or moving—in which case it is relatively easy to remove.

Are there alternatives to a cheek implant?

An alternative to cheek implants is the use of non-surgical volume enhancement with fillers (e.g. hydroxyapatite, hyaluronic acid fillers). In some patients, these are a good option in the first instance as they are temporary.

Although these can be use effectively to give volume they are both temporary and when used in excess can create a ‘fake’ puffy appearance. Other volume augmentation, including fat, is less predictable and less effective for replacing bone deficiency.

Dr De Silva recommends silicone cheek implants to some patients in preference to other forms of cheek augmentation as they are longer-lasting, safe and effective. A high-grade silicone cheek implant should last a lifetime, as rarely do they move or become infected, and are easily removable.

Will I have bruising after Cheek Implants?

The surgery to insert cheek implants requires placing the implant over your own cheekbone, which enables the implant to be placed in a natural position mimicking the natural bone.

Dr De Silva specialises only in facial surgery and uses minimally invasive techniques to insert the cheek implant, and where necessary a 3D camera to evaluate optimal positioning. As a consequence, most patients have minimal bruising after cheek implant insertion.

Patients who have undergone previous surgery will have scar tissue which poses a greater risk of bruising and swelling owing to a change in the natural anatomy of the cheek.