Instructor: Welcome to your guide to cheek augmentation,
take a few minutes to familiarize yourself
with the procedure and what you can do
to help improve your results.
Remember, this presentation does not take the place
of your consultation and you should make sure to jot
down any questions you may want to ask us later.
Cheek augmentation can help bring a more harmonious balance
to your face.
By building up the cheekbones
in proportion to other facial features,
the best candidate for this procedure is an individual
with flat or sunken cheeks and, or a long narrow face.
In some cases, cheek augmentation can postpone the need
for a facelift for several years
as well as restore balance to facial features.
Procedure, how will your cheek augmentation be performed?
A sizer will be used to determine the proper size
and shape for your implant.
Then an incision is made
inside the mouth near the top of the gum line.
A pocket is created, an implant is placed.
The incision is then closed with absorbable sutures.
If your cheek augmentation is combined
with another facial procedure, the implant may be inserted
through an incision, created for the other procedure.
Using injectable fillers
for cheek augmentations is becoming a popular alternative.
There are a variety of fillers available, including fat.
The filler that will provide the best result
for you will be injected in small amounts
into specific sites to enhance the shape
and contour of your cheeks.
Each filler has its own unique properties
including longevity.
An injectable treatment is not permanent
and additional treatments may be necessary.
Preparation, every person has a unique perspective
on what may be the best shape for their face
and your goals will affect the way your cheek
augmentation is performed.
It is important to discuss your desires
and listen closely during the consultation
so that you can set realistic expectations.
A great result can only be achieved when
there's good communication between us.
Together we will select the technique that will provide
the best result for you.
When you meet with our patient coordinator,
we will discuss fees and costs.
Some suggestions to help you prepare for surgery.
Your safety matters to us.
You should be very open,
provide all of your medical history, drug allergies,
list any previous surgeries, medications,
diet pills, vitamins
and herbs you are taking.
Even if you don't think they're important.
Also, don't be afraid to be frank
with us about your lifestyle, smoking,
the strenuousness of the work you perform,
your exercise habits
and the importance of getting back to work.
Here are some other tips that will help you reduce scarring,
shorten your recovery time and decrease your chances
of complications.
Discontinue using aspirin, Ibuprofen,
Naprosyn, St. John's wort and vitamin E for one week before
and a few days after your procedure.
These act as blood thinners and could cause problems
with blood clotting, stop smoking and drinking alcohol
in excess well in advance of your procedure.
And for one week after surgery, drink lots
of water in the days leading up to your procedure.
Hydration will help you recover more quickly.
To make your recovery easier and more comfortable,
be sure to arrange for someone, to take you home
and take care of you for at least the first day.
Fill your prescriptions, and have them
within easy reach of where you will be resting,
place plenty of pillows or a bed wedge nearby
so that you can keep your head elevated.
Recovery, after surgery you can expect some discomfort,
numbness, and swelling for several days.
You may also experience some difficulty talking and smiling.
Your ability to chew will be limited
and a liquid diet may be required for the first few days.
Stitches will come out or be absorbed on their own in a week
to 10 days.
Pain is usually minimal with this procedure
but medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort.
The recovery process is different for everyone,
but within a day of your cheek augmentation,
you should be up and walking around.
You may apply small ice packs during the first 24 hours
to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
You may have bruising around the eyes
but this will fade away within a few days.
Keep your head elevated at all times for two weeks
following surgery, you should plan on being out of work
and away from your usual activities
for the first few days.
Following this period,
you may gradually return to activities
such as lifting, exercise and sex.
Avoid any activity that may incur trauma to your cheeks
for about one month.
Make sure to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly
and avoid raw fish, rare meat
or other types of food with high amounts of bacteria.
Be sure that after eating you rinse your mouth to ensure
that no food remains around the stitches.
Brushing your teeth and chewing
may be difficult for approximately two weeks
following surgery.
The scars from cheek augmentation are hidden
on the inside of your mouth.
The appearance of your cheek should improve
as swelling resolves.
What are the risks of cheek augmentation?
This information is not intended to frighten you
but to help you make an informed decision.
No question or concern is silly or insignificant.
We will be happy to discuss the full range
of potential complications and answer any questions
you might have regarding this procedure.
Many thousands of cheek augmentations
are successfully performed each year
and thankfully, serious complications occur infrequently,
but they can occur.
Complications can include and are not limited to,
implants shifting requiring revision surgery, infection,
loss of sensation, asymmetry, and capsular contracture.
As with all medical procedures
be sure to choose your surgeon wisely.
It is important to choose an experienced surgeon
you can trust and develop a good rapport
with so you can openly discuss your concerns
and particular needs throughout the process of consultation,
surgery and aftercare.
Should you decide to move forward
with your cheek augmentation,
A surgery date will be scheduled.
Prior to surgery,
you will be given complete preparation
and recovery instructions.
Remember to keep your follow-up visits
as we are here to help make this a wonderful experience
for you, feel free to review any part
of this presentation you like and be sure to take a look
at our before and after gallery to get a better idea
of the results you may achieve.
(gentle music)