cheek implants (malar augmentation)
Some people feel that their cheekbones are too flat and out of proportion with the rest of their face and they turn to cosmetic surgery to get improved and enhanced facial contours.
About cheek implants
Facial implants can enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem, but they cannot make you look perfect.
A surgical cheek (malar) implant can raise the cheekbones to provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look. Cheek implants are sometimes performed at the same time as a facelift.
page topYour consultation
During the consultation, your surgeon will take a full medical history and will listen to your complaints and your expectations. He will then help you determine what it is possible to achieve.
You need to be realistic in your expectations when choosing to go ahead with surgery.
page topPreparing for surgery
If the surgery will require an incision inside your mouth, it is important that you inform your surgeon if you smoke or if you have any dental or gum problems. Don?t be afraid to ask any questions for your total peace of mind.
Your surgeon will tell you if you'll need to refrain from eating or drinking the night before your surgery. He will also advise you to stop taking any medications, including aspirin and similar drugs that may cause excessive bleeding.
page topYour operation
The operation works by building on your existing bone structure. The implants will be inserted through incisions placed either inside your mouth where your cheek joins your upper gum, or in the lower eyelids.
The material used for the implant is usually silicone or another manufactured material that is tolerated well by the body. However, it is sometimes necessary to use a bone graft.
No visible scar is left if the implant is inserted through the mouth. However, if a bone graft is used there will be scarring in the area the graft is taken from - usually the hip. Your doctor will discuss the procedure beforehand and make a recommendation based on your overall medical condition.
Usually, cheek implant surgery requires general anaesthesia and takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When being performed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery, the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures.
After surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and swelling. You will also be prescribed medication to relieve any pain that you might experience after the anaesthetic wears off.
page topRecovery
After your surgery there will be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities.
- Your ability to move your mouth and lips may be diminished temporarily. The stitches inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days.
- Avoid for several weeks participating in certain activities that could result in your face being jarred or bumped.
- You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks, or perhaps even months. Take time in getting used to your new look.
- The results may not be obvious. Most people will not recognize that you've had cheek implant surgery -- only that you look better.
Risks and Complications
A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and this requires a second operation to replace it in its proper position. Like with any operation, a certain risk of infection has to be considered. This is normally treated with antibiotics. If it doesn?t clear up after treatment, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time.
Some of the implant materials are made of a solid silicone. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that this is a harmful substance.
page topCost of your surgery
A few things to remember when considering the cost of surgery:
- Dr Stavros Eleftheriou is a Specialist in Cosmetic Facial Surgery offering the latest techniques available in the field today.
- Our prices are very affordable within Europe and are all inclusive: consultation, admission, surgical fee, anesthetist fee, and hospital fee, all medication while at the clinic, and all our after care. You don’t have to worry about any hidden costs that may appear after your surgery.
- Your surgery takes place in a hospital based environment, where you are in the good hands of a professional, caring staff, happy to address your concerns and needs.
- Post-surgery consultations and aftercare will be performed in the UK. You will not need to travel to Cyprus for your routine check ups.
- The procedures recommended are tailor made to suit your individual needs.
- Deciding on what kind of anaesthetic is most appropriate and how long you will need to stay in hospital are also important factors when you are quoted a price.
In addition, there is an obvious price advantage when having surgery in our clinic in Cyprus compared to a UK hospital. Cyprus is a country with significant lower healthcare costs than the ones in UK or other Western European countries.
To help you decide easier, the following comparison list should give you an idea of the advantages in choosing our clinic. Once you have decided on surgery, please contact us to receive a detailed quotation that reflects the actual cost of your surgery.
| Procedure | Average UK Price | Price guidance Cyprus |
| Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty | £ 3,000 | £ 1,100 |
| Facelift with neck lift | £ 6,300 | £ 3,350 |
| Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty | £ 4,500 | £ 1,450 |
We understand your need to consult with more surgeons before making a decision. During your research period, make sure you compare similar operations when comparing.
Note: Patients who are having one more than one procedure at one time, will be offered discounted prices for the additional procedures. For example a face lift and a neck lift will be less costly when done together, as there will be only one hospital stay and one anesthesia.
page toplearn more
If you'd like to know more about our cheek implant procedure or wish to print this article, we invite you to download our brochure on cheek implants or call our office at +44 (0) 123 456789. Alternatively, fill in the online contact form and one of our patient advisors will get in touch as soon as possible.
