| MPL | Cheek Augmentation |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Aesthetic plastic surgery to the cheeks is also called malarplasty. Cheek fullness can be improved with implants, fillers or fat transfer (=lipofilling / liposculpture / liposculpting / lipoplasty / lipomodelling). 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 or abdominal area and injection into the cheeks. Approximately 50% of the fat remains at 4 months, so top-ups are often needed to achieve the final results. 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 |
| Operation time | 1.5 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General for implants, 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) N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), diabetes, poor oral hygiene |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, 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
