Cheek Implants & Reduction Surgery Sydney

Cheek surgery, including both implant and reduction procedures, is a tailored approach towards facial contouring designed to enhance or diminish the prominence of the patient's cheeks. This specialised form of cosmetic surgery involves precise modifications to the cheekbones.

Cheek Implants & Reduction Surgery Sydney

Cheek surgery, including both implant and reduction procedures, is a tailored approach towards facial contouring designed to enhance or diminish the prominence of the patient’s cheeks.

In the case of cheek implants, the procedure aims to add volume or fullness to the cheeks. It can be a beneficial option for individuals who naturally have less cheek volume or those who have experienced a loss of facial volume due to age or other factors.

On the other hand, cheek reduction surgery is geared towards patients who feel their cheekbones are overly prominent or out of balance with their facial structure.

Womans face being marked to show facelift areas

How can cheek implant or reduction surgery modify facial structure?

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

Enhancement of Cheek Proportions: Cheek implants or reduction surgery can provide a more proportionate look to the face by altering the contours of the cheek area.
Addressing Volume Loss: This surgery can help replace lost volume in the cheeks due to aging, providing a potentially fuller appearance.
Facial Symmetry: The procedure can potentially improve facial symmetry by correcting uneven or asymmetric cheeks.
Congenital Conditions: Cheek surgery can potentially correct congenital conditions affecting the cheek's appearance.
High Cheekbone Look: Cheek implants can potentially provide a high cheekbone look, which many people find desirable.
High Cheekbone Look: Cheek implants can potentially provide a high cheekbone look, which many people find desirable.
Reduction of Prominent Cheeks: Cheek reduction surgery can reduce the size of cheeks that may be naturally large or prominent.
Post-trauma Restoration: In cases of injury or trauma to the cheek, this surgery can help restore the cheek's shape and appearance.

What to expect

Consultation

The journey towards cheek modification begins with an extensive consultation with our experienced surgeon. During this appointment, your aesthetic goals, medical history, and current facial structure will be evaluated. The surgeon will assess your cheek size, symmetry, and the balance with other facial features. This consultation is the perfect opportunity for you to voice any concerns or ask any questions you may have about the procedure.

Number and type of consultation

It is a requirement under the law, that a patient seeking cosmetic surgery must have at least two pre-operative consultations. The patient’s first consultation must be with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery or another registered health practitioner who works with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery (not a patient advisor or an agent). At least one of the two consultations must be in person with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. Other consultations can be in person or by video.

When consent can be given

A patient must not be requested to sign consent forms at their first consultation and cannot consent to cosmetic surgery until they have had an in-person consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. The decision to have the surgery (provision of informed consent) must be made at a consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the procedure (in person or by video).

Cooling-off Period

There must be a cooling-off period of at least seven days after the patient has had two consultations and given informed consent (signed consent forms), before the surgery can be booked or a deposit paid. 

Preparation

Once you and the surgeon have agreed on the surgical plan, you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your cheek implants or reduction surgery. These may include dietary guidelines, advice on smoking and alcohol consumption, instructions about certain medications or supplements, and skincare routines.

Surgery

Cheek implants or reduction surgery typically takes one to two hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia. In cheek implant surgery, small incisions are made inside the mouth or lower eyelid. Then, the surgeon inserts the implants to enhance the cheekbones. On the other hand, cheek reduction involves making incisions inside the mouth and removing or reshaping the cheekbone to achieve a slimmer facial contour. The incisions are then closed with sutures.

Recovery

After the surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room for a short period. Most patients can go home the same day, though an overnight hospital stay may occasionally be recommended. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal but will begin to subside after a few days.

Most patients feel ready to return to non-strenuous daily activities within a week, while more vigorous activities should be avoided for about two weeks. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery.

The final results of your cheek implants or reduction surgery will be noticeable within a few weeks once the swelling has completely subsided, but the full effect may not be apparent for several months as the cheeks continue to heal and settle into their new shape.

Surgery Time
1 to 2 hours
Hospital Time
Day stay with an option for overnight
Time off work
2 weeks
Cast Removal
Special face mask to be worn for 1 week or less
Showering
Can shower next day, however incisions must stay dry
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Driving
24 hours after general anaesthetic and not while taking prescribed pain relief. We also recommend checking with your CTA insurer as to the post surgery exclusion period.
Travel
After 7 days for national and 4 weeks for international
Full Recovery
4 to 6 months for final results

Considerations Before Cosmetic Surgery

While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.

In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.

For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery

General risks and complications of surgery include:

Substantial Hemorrhage: This involves severe blood loss from the area that underwent surgery, which may necessitate additional medical interventions.
Susceptibility to Infection: Post-surgery, the risk of infection can rise, potentially requiring either antibiotic treatment or subsequent surgical interventions.
Allergic Responses: Patients may exhibit allergic reactions to medical materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during and after the procedure.
Hematoma Formation: This involves the development of a sizable clot of blood beneath the incision site, which may necessitate medical drainage.
Post-Surgical Discomfort: Patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in the area surrounding the surgical site.
Scar Development: There's a risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated, red, and thickened scars over the healed incisions. Though they can be bothersome and aesthetically displeasing, they don't pose a direct health threat.
Delayed Healing Process: Healing can be sluggish, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or those who smoke.
Anaesthesia Risks: Patients may experience short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, along with other potential risks associated with anaesthesia.

Cheek implant & reduction risks and complications include:

Implant Displacement: There's a risk that cheek implants could shift from their intended position, which might necessitate revision surgery.
Asymmetry: Even with meticulous planning and execution, there's a risk that the surgical outcome may result in an asymmetrical appearance of the cheeks.
Altered Sensation: Patients might experience changes in facial sensation, including numbness or tingling, which could be temporary or permanent.
Dissatisfaction with Cosmetic Outcome: The patient may not be satisfied with the aesthetic results of the surgery, necessitating further corrective procedures.
Tissue Reaction to Implants: The body may react adversely to the implant material, causing inflammation, discomfort, or other complications.
Bone Resorption: In some rare cases, the presence of an implant can lead to bone resorption, a condition where the body loses bone tissue.
Skin Discoloration: Some patients may experience changes in skin color or bruising that last longer than expected after the surgery.
Facial Muscle Weakness: Temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness can occur, affecting facial expressions and potentially requiring further treatment.

How Much Does Cheek Implants & Reduction Cost?

Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.

Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.

FAQ

Self-Assess Your Readiness For a Facelift

Thank you for taking the Dr Zacharia self-assessment form to better understand how mentally and physically you are for achieving the best facelift possible. Please answer all questions below, and provide photos for a pre op screening by Dr Zacharia.

Disclaimer: Please note that Dr Zacharia has the same rights as a patient. If you choose not to go ahead with Dr Zacharia based on his recommendations, he also has the right to turn away patients who he feels may be too high risk for surgery or show a lack of compliance for surgery protocols.

Surgery is a serious decision, and we are striving for the best outcomes for all. However, all surgery comes with a risk of complication or revision. Follow your pre and post op instructions for your safety and best possible outcome. However, the human body is not an exact science and Dr Zacharia and his team can only use their extensive experience to help guide you through any issue that could arise.

Please complete the following information, so we can send you your results and contact you for further discussion later.

Dr ZACHARIA’s opinion will be based on your anatomy. If the budget you have specified does not meet his recommendations, we will highlight the limitations of lesser invasive treatments based on your budget/ anatomy.

Please provide a front on and profile photo of your face. Also, a photo of you on your profile looking down. Ideally stand in front of a plain wall or door and have someone else take the photos for the best pre op consult advise.

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