Cheek implants Continued
Silicone Cheek Implants
Silicone has been used in cosmetic surgery for many years. Because of its inert chemical nature, it poses almost no risk of rejection by the body. Silicone is flexible and durable. A Cheek Implant manufactured from Silicone can have varying degrees of hardness and softness. A silicone Cheek Implant mimics the soft tissues of the Cheek. It is possible to have a silicone Cheek Implant custom made to fit the patient precisely.
Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)
ePTFE Cheek Implants are made to integrate with a patient's skin. Their porous nature allows a bond to be formed between the implant and skin creating stability and permanence. These Cheek Implants are less firm than silicone implants. Like silicone, the body very rarely rejects ePTFEs.
Polyethylene Implants
Polyethylene Implants are similar to ePTFE implants. They are considered biocompatible with the body and produce no adverse reactions. The highly porous nature of these implants provides excellent stability, however, porous implants can be difficult to remove because of the skin integrates with their structure.
Hydroxyapatite Implants
Hydroxyapatite Implants (HA) are made from coral. By treating coral through a chemical and heating process, a material is made that is almost identical to bone in its composition. This allows the HA Cheek Implant to be fully incorporated into the structure of the cheek. Because the material is so like human bone there is no concern over rejection of these implants. This is a very new technology and is undergoing rapid refinement.
Cheek Implant Procedure
Cheek Implant surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. A general anesthesia will be given you via an IV and the cheek area will be anesthetized as well. The surgery will last 45 minutes to 1 hour and after a short time spent in post op recovery you will be able to go home.
During the surgery, incisions are made in one of two places: inside the mouth near the upper lip or just under the eye. Your surgeon will then insert implants into pockets created on the cheeks and he/she will suture them in place. The surgeon may also insert screws to hold the implants properly in place. Once the implants are inserted, the incisions are sewn up and you will be prepped to go home.
Recovery and Results
After the surgery your cheek will be taped and you may have to wear a brace for several days. Pain and swelling will occur for about 5-7 days. Your surgeon will most likely advise you to avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks. It will take a few months for the swelling to fully subside and the full results of the surgery to become visible. Once the swelling has abated, the new contours of your face will be evident and the benefits of the surgery become apparent.
By MS Kauffman
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