The operation usually takes three to four hours and is done on as either an inpatient or outpatient procedure depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done. It is almost always done under general anaesthesia.

Possibility of infection (which may require cheek implant replacement) and improper placement (possibly leading to repositioning through a second operation), hematoma, numbness from nerve damage, permanent discolorations, and capsular contracture.

Cheek augmentation is a surgical procedure. As such, there are some risks. Problems are rare, but it is important that you consider both the upside and potential downside of the procedure.

During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss the types of potential problems you could have from the surgery. Here is a list of some of them:

• Cheek implants can shift out of alignment, requiring an additional surgery to correct the placement. Facial implants sometimes move out of alignment and this is known as shifting. Even if an implant shifts a very small distance it can present a problem. Shifting can often necessitate a second surgery in which the implant must be repositioned into its appropriate place. Shifting of facial implants is not likely to happen more than once but there have been cases where it has.
• As with any type of surgery, you could get an infection after the operation. Antibiotics can usually be used to successfully treat the infection. However, if the infection occurs around the implant itself and cannot be controlled by medication, the implant may have to be removed temporarily until the infection clears up.
• Swelling and bruising after surgery - This is typical of many kinds of operations and is temporary.
• Implant-specific risks - Cheek implants can be made of a variety of different materials. There may be some risks that are specific to certain types of implants. Your surgeon can discuss these with you.

Risks and Complications

As a cheek implant can so drastically change your appearance it is very important that you spend as much consultation time as possible with the plastic surgeon who is to do the operation. Sometimes it helps to bring photographs of individuals to these consultations who have similar facial features as you, but who also have the type of cheek you desire.

During this initial consultation your plastic surgeon will be able to recommend the type of implant that is necessary to achieve the look you want as well as estimate the length of time you will be under anaesthesia. Before you have the operation, you might be instructed to take antibiotics as a preventative measure against infection.