Cheek Implant Replacement

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in cheek implant replacement. I am an Asian patient that has very flat cheeks and did cheek implants four months ago. I had 4mm implants but after the surgery i felt my cheeks were still too flat looking. I had an additional 1 syringe of injectable filler per cheek also but still not happy with the results. My doctor said he will swap the 4mm implants for 5mm but I don’t feel 1mm will achieve the look i want. I want a second doctor’s opinion as my doctor refuses to go any bigger. I have attached photos of myself before and also the cheek look i desire.

Thanks! 

A: The problem you are experiencing with the discrepancy between your desired cheek augmentation goals and the results you have achieved are more than just size or thickness of the central part of the cheek implant. There is a fundamental difference in the style or shape of the implant. You are seeking a result that can only be achieved with an extended cheek implant that has a long zygomatic arch component to it. All standard cheek implants that are currently commercially available do not offer this style of cheek implant. Your surgeon is trying to achieve your goal with an implant that simply can not do it regardless of implant size. But that is understandable as that is all he/she knows. Only a special design or custom cheek implant can achieve that type of facial look with cheek implant replacement surgery..

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana