Traditionally, strong cheek bones and facial angulation have been considered signs
of beauty. Cheek implants add to the definition of the face and help improve facial
harmony through two procedures - malar augmentation and submalar augmentation. The
submalar implant may even give a more youthful appearance to the face or enhance the
results of a face lift.

Candidates
     Candidates for malar augmentation may have inherited flat cheek bones which give
no contour to the face, or they may wish to eliminate the cherub-cheeked look.
Candidates for submalar augmentation seek to enhance the natural facial contours
that have become hollow and contributed to a weak mid-face area. These candidates, who
are usually men and aging women without substantial fatty deposits in their facial area,
seek to fill out their face. The surgery may offer a more natural "high cheekbone" effect
with the malar implant.

Patients who have suffered facial trauma or have a congenital defect are candidates
for cheek augmentation as well.

Before Surgery
     The surgeon will study the contours of your face very carefully to determine whether
an implant will help you and which type, malar or submalar, is best for your particular
condition. There are a variety of sizes and shapes of preformed rubber implants that are
used in these procedures, and it is necessary to determine which size and shape will
provide the facial structure and balance you desire.

Surgery
     The surgery is done with local anesthesia and mild intravenous sedation, or "twilight"
anesthesia. The implant is placed through an incision in the mouth hidden in the upper lip
above the gum line. There is no visible scar and dissolvable stitches are used.

After Surgery
     There is little, if any, pain associated with either implant surgery and the swelling is
minimal. Very rarely will a patient suffer from bruising. Patients can return to work and
other activities within two to four days.

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