Should My Cheek Implants Have Screw Fixation?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am getting cheek implants next week but I became worried because my surgeon says he does not use any screws to secure the implants to the bone…just uses a pocket and wait for the scar tissue to hold implant in plance. Should I find another surgeon?

A: Just because your surgeon does not use screw fixation for cheek implants, that does not mean it will not be a successful surgery and outcome. Surgeons do use different techniques in facial implant placement and, as long as it works successfully in their experience, then that technique is adequate. I would say that those surgeons who secure their cheek implants with screw fixation is far fewer than those who don’t. The most common type of cheek implant fixation is pocket positioning that may be combined with sutures or even an external cotton bolster into which the sutures around the implant is passed. (this is generally removed in one to two days after surgery)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana