For faces that lack definition or seem to have lost their contour, cheek implants are a way to add volume to create a more balanced and youthful appearance. In Boca Raton, FL, and the surrounding areas, Daniel Man, M.D., a Florida board-certified plastic surgeon, offers cheek enhancement to people who want more defined facial structure.

What are Cheek Implants?

Cheek implants, or enhancement as it is often referred, refer to cosmetic procedures that give the face more structure or shape by re-contouring the cheek area and increasing volume to the cheeks. There are several ways to achieve a desired look for cheek enhancements, including implants and injectable fillers.

Cheek implants: These are implants placed in the midface area to give definition to the area creating stronger cheekbones. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit different facial structures. Cheek implants are typically made of a silicone rubber material that is compatible with human tissue and can be removed since it does not bind with human tissue. They can also be made from other materials such as hydroxyapatite, a material that integrates with human bone tissue to be affixed in the body.

Injectable fillers: The most common injectable fillers for cheek implants include Radiesse®, Sculptra®, or a patient’s own fat. The fat is harvested from areas on the body, such as the buttocks, midsection, or thighs, where there is extra fat deposits. Fillers such as Radiesse® and Sculptra® contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that boosts production of collagen and elastin to add volume to the face.

Benefits of Cheek Implants

In addition to smoothing facial skin, re-contouring facial structure, and creating a more youthful appearance, cheek implants offer the following benefits:

  • Significantly reduced risk of allergic reaction
  • Subtle changes
  • No risk of the body absorbing the implants
  • Long-lasting results
  • Increase in a positive self-image

Are Cheek Implants Right for Me?

If you feel as though you have no cheek lines or there is a lack of facial structure in the mid-face area, or even if you want more defined “apples” on your cheeks, you may want to consider cheek implants.

How Involved is a Cheek Enhancement Procedure?

Cheek enhancement varies depending on the type of cheek enhancement recommended. When performing cheek implants, incisions are typically made in the mouth at the top of the lip and gums or through the lower eyelids. Implants are inserted into small pockets formed in the cheek tissue, and the incisions are sutured together. When performed with other facial surgery procedures, such as a facelift, the implants are placed into the pockets inside the cheeks through the incision used for the other procedure. The procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes to perform and is usually done under a light or twilight anesthesia.

As for injectable fillers, numbing cream is applied to the mid-face area for comfort. The filler is then injected into the area where it creates volume beneath the skin to diminish and even out wrinkles, fine lines or simply add volume to the area, creating more contoured cheeks. With fillers, there is no downtime or recovery period. Patients return to their normal activities following the procedure. Most injectable fillers for the cheek area last for up to a year.

Preparing for Cheek Enhancement Treatments

To prepare for cheek enhancement treatments, we provide patients with detailed instructions to follow after the procedure.  Smokers are asked to quit smoking prior to the procedure. We also ask that patients have a clean face when getting cheek enhancement treatments.

Recovery from Cheek Implant Procedures

There is very little pain associated with the recovery from cheek implants. Most often, patients are required to rest for five to seven days and wear a support brace at night while sleeping. Typically, after about 10 days, the stitches are removed unless the doctor uses dissolvable sutures, which also disappear in about the same period if placed inside the mouth. The support brace must be worn for several weeks to ensure the implants do not shift until the procedure has completely healed.

Most patients return to work within a week but with no heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few weeks.

It is very important to be careful and to avoid any injury or trauma to the face. Swelling usually takes a few weeks to completely vanish, at which point the results are subtly visible.

How Much Do Cheek Implants or Enhancement Treatments Cost?

Cheek implant and enhancement treatments vary in cost and are based on the size of the targeted area, the extent of the treatment needed and whether they are performed in conjunction with other procedures. During a consultation, we go over the cost as well as our payment options, including financing.

What Do I Do Next?

We recommend you schedule a consultation with Dr. Man. During this appointment, he talks to you about your concerns and evaluates your face to determine if cheek implants or enhancement treatments are the best option for you. Once he makes a recommendation, he discusses the procedure in detail and answers any questions you may have.

Florida board-certified plastic surgeon Daniel Man, M.D., offers cheek implants and enhancement treatments to the residents of Boca Raton, FL, and the surrounding communities who want a more balanced and contoured face. Please contact us at to set up your consultation today.