Long Island Cheek Implants - Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery, PC
Cheek Implants Overview (Malar and Submalar Implants)
High cheekbones and full cheeks are a hallmark of a youthful and attractive face. Small cheekbones, or as doctors refer to this condition, malar hypoplasia, is usually genetically inherited from birth. Sunken or sallow cheeks, on the other hand, can be inherited or due to the loss of fat with age or drug therapy.
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Malar Implants
Malar or cheekbone implants are meant to correct a deficiency of the cheek bone itself (malar hypoplasia) and are placed directly on the most prominent part of the cheek bone (what doctor’s refer to as the malar prominence). Augmentation of this area gives the patient a higher-arched cheek bone and a more attractive facial profile.
Reasons for getting Malar Implants
- Malar hypoplasia (small cheek bones).
- Accent the upper cheeks, making them appear higher and fuller.
Submalar Implants
Submalar implants, by contrast, are meant to correct a deficiency of the fleshy portion of the cheek and are placed directly below the most prominent portion of the cheek bone (“sub” meaning under, “malar” meaning cheek bone). Filling in this area restores fullness to the cheeks and eliminates the sunken look that is associated with age and illness. If needed, Dr. Marotta may achieve additional augmentation of this area with fat or a filler.
Reasons for getting Submalar Implants
- Restore healthy fullness to the lower, fleshy portion of the cheeks.
General Procedure
Whether malar or submalar implants are placed, the procedure is essentially the same. The procedure is done under deep sedation with local anesthesia. A small incision is made inside the mouth to allow the implant to be positioned directly onto the cheek bone (malar) or below the cheek bone (submalar). The implant is held in place temporarily with a suture. Tapes will be placed on the outside of your cheek. Incisions inside the mouth are closed with dissolvable sutures. There are no external incisions.
Recovery
Immediately after surgery, your face will be fitted with bandages that extend around your cheeks to the back of the head in order to speed recovery and reduce swelling. Generally, post-operative instructions call for head of bed elevation and light activity only. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery. This can be treated with oral medication. You will also be treated with antibiotics. The bandages are removed on the first post-operative visit. The tapes on your cheeks will be removed in 5 days allowing the implant to secure to the surrounding tissue. There will be some minor dietary restrictions, like avoiding milk products, for a few days after surgery. Complications from this surgery are relatively rare. The implant is made from material that has been used since the 1950s with an excellent safety profile. The implant is accepted well into the surrounding tissue, lasts a lifetime, and is placed deep enough so all you will ever feel or see is you.
James C. Marotta, MD
Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery, PC
267 East Main Street; Building B
Smithtown, NY 11787
Phone: (631) 982-2022
Fax: (631) 982-2024
drm@marottamd.com