| MPL | Cheek Augmentation |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Aesthetic plastic surgery to the cheeks is also called malarplasty. Cheek fullness can be improved with implants, fillers, fat transfer or a midface lift. If the bite is affected, a dental opinion should be sought prior to aesthetic correction. Implant surgery involves cuts inside your upper lips opposite the first premolar teeth and insertion of implants on top of your cheek bone. The cut is closed using dissolving sutures. I use hyaluronic acid-based fillers which are biocompatible and get absorbed within 6-18 months. Fat transfer involves fat aspiration from thigh, abdomen or flanks and injection into the cheeks. Approximately 30-50% of the fat remains at 4 months, so top-ups are often needed to achieve the final results. A midface lift is performed through cuts underneath the lower lid margin, the hairbearing temple, inside the mouth and the upper lid crease. The fat tissue is freed from the cheekbone and fixed with sutures higher up. I do not use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. Soft food and mouth wash are advisable for one week. |
| Scars | 1cm inside the upper lip for implants. Along the lower lid margin, 1cm inside upper lip, 1.5cm in the hair-bearing temple and / or 5mm outside the upper lid. |
| Operation time | 1.5 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General for implants and midface lift, Local for fillers and fat transfer. |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological |
| Risks | General: Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems, Skin discoloration, Wound separation, Slough, Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness), Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Aesthetic imperfections, Seroma, Functional problems, Contour irregularities, Need for further surgery (including implant removal or top-ups for fat transfer), Allergic reaction. Implants: bone erosion / displacement / extrusion / capsular contracture / palpable implant. Fillers: Skin necrosis, Blindness Fat transfer: Skin necrosis, Blindness, Problems at donor site (=where fat was taken from) Midface lift: Lower eyelid distortion. N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Alcohol, Poor tissue quality can cause recurrent laxity, Asymmetry cannot be entirely corrected, Hot and chewy food can lead to unintended bite or burns injuries after surgery, Poor oral hygiene, Too early or excessive mobilisation, Wound interference without surgeon's agreement; Contraindications which preclude surgery unless discussed otherwise in the consultation: Smoking / vaping / nicotine / recreational inhalations within 6 weeks before and after surgery, Contraception with estrogens or HRT tablets (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel over 2 hours within 6 weeks before and after surgery (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel under 2 hours within 2 weeks before and after surgery, Overweight (Body Mass Index = BMI of 27 and over), Recent weight changes over 6kg, Pregnancy (if under general anaesthetic), Raised blood pressure (if poorly controlled), Bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), Diabetes or immunosuppression (if poorly controlled) |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, sufficient sleep, scar massage, mouth wash (for implants) |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 1 week, Physical work / sports 6 weeks |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Make-up, dental or maxillofacial treatment if the bite is affected |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
