Cheek Augmentation

Cheek augmentation provides patients the sculpted cheekbones that they desire. It helps to add volume or lift to the cheeks.

What Is Cheek Augmentation?

High and full cheekbones are seen as a sign of beauty and femininity. They symbolize youthfulness and healthiness.

Cheek augmentation with implants is a surgical procedure performed to enhance sunken or depressed cheekbones. It is generally done with the placement of an implant on the cheekbones to give more projection and definition to the cheeks.

Cheek implants are designed to augment, reconstruct, and rejuvenate your cheeks and facial contours. They have different sizes and styles, and they restore proportion and contour to your face.

Learn More

Problems & Solutions

Cheek augmentation can address your cosmetic problems in your cheek area. Here you can find answers for different complaints.

My cheeks look sunken and saggy, but I don’t want to a surgery.

If you are not happy with the appearance of your cheeks and if you are looking for a nonsurgical way to...

I want to have cheek implants but I’m afraid of scars.

Unfortunately, all surgeries leave scars. However, with the help of advanced surgical techniques, scars...

I can’t decide the shapes and sizes of implants for my cheek.

The position and shape of the implant to your cheekbones are determined by which area you specifically desire...

Testimonials

Experience speaks for itself! Let's listen to our patients...

I’ve always been unhappy with the hollowed out look of my cheeks. With the aging process, they started to appear more sunken and hollowed. After the placement of implants, they look more fuller, defined, and youthful. Finally, my wish came true!
Chloe Hawkins Cheek Augmentation
The quality standards of the hospital were matching the European hospitals. And European surgeons as experienced as their surgeons cost much more. It is simply impossible to get this service in Europe at these prices. Unbelievable.
Christine McCarthy Cheek Augmentation

Why Clineca?

At Clineca, we take everything seriously. We understand how important the results are for you. We care about your health and comfort as much as you do. From beginning to end, we inform you, guide you, serve you, and help you.

Fully Set Hospitals


Surgeries are performed in prestigious fully equipped hospitals in which doctors from all specialties are present.

Free Consultation


You will have an online consultation with your surgeon via video chat. After an online examination, and will help you to choose what's the best.

Superior Quality


We cooperate with the surgeons who perform a limited number of surgeries each week to ensure the best results.

24/7 Assistance


You can contact our agents 7 days and 24 hours for your questions and concerns, or only support. We'll be fully available for your service.

5-Star Hotels


We provide you with special discounts in luxurious hotels in the vicinity of the hospital. Your comfort is very important to us.

VIP Transportation


We provide airport transfer and transportation between your hotel and the hospital before/after the surgery via VIP vehicles.

Wellbeing Support


As Clineca, we provide you with patient accompaniment, who will visit you every day in your hotel room during the resting period.

No Hidden Costs


The price includes fees of the surgeon, operating room, hospitalization, tests, medications and medical visits by a nurse.

All-Inclusive


The price includes hotel layover (including breakfast), and transportation between the airport, the hotel and the hospital.

Services & Products


Interpreter service, BBL pillow, neck pillow (rhinoplasty), eye mask, voltage converter and many others that will enhance your satisfaction.

Why Turkey?


Turkey is a leading player in medical tourism, and Istanbul, which is an extremely beautiful touristic city, is the plastic surgery capital of Turkey.

Step by Step Experience for International Patients

Clineca has a holistic approach. We believe that everything should be right for a satisfactory cosmetic surgery experience, including your days in Istanbul. We plan every detail of your journey.

1
Knowing Each Other

After you fill the form, one of our agents will contact you. They will inform you about the whole experience, in detail. If requested, they will arrange an online consultation for you.

2
Online Consultation

You'll have an online consultation with your surgeon via video chat. They will perform an online examination and help you to choose what the best approach to your case is.

3
Planning

We'll plan your whole journey including your surgery date and accommodation. We'll inform you about every need; from preparing your suitcase to advice before the procedure.

4
Landing

Our VIP transportation vehicle will be ready at the airport for you. We’ll drive you to the hospital and they'll get a blood and the C19 test. Then, we'll take you to your hotel.

5
Examination & Surgery

We’ll take you from your hotel to the hospital. After your examination, the same day you’ll have the surgery. You will stay at the hospital 1-2 day(s), depending on the procedure.

6
Resting & Recovering

After your stay at the hospital, we'll drive you to your hotel. A wellbeing assistant will visit you every day to inform you, to examine, and to provide medical care during the week.

7
Entertainment

We'll gladly and proudly show you around our beautiful city. We’ll be very happy to provide you with professional guidance in historical sightseeing, shopping and entertainment.

8
Follow-Up & Leaving

We’ll take you to 1-week follow-up. After your examination and removal of bandages if required, we’ll inform you about the recovery period. Then, we'll drive you to the airport.

9
Recovery Period

During your recovery, we'll inform you, check on you, and answer your questions 24 hours and 7 days. We'll expect you to send photos periodically to follow your recovery period.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Cheek Augmentation?

You may be a good candidate:

  • If you are not happy with the appearance of your cheek area and facial profile
  • If your cheeks appear sunken, hollow or saggy
  • If you want to enhance the definition and fullness of your cheeks
  • If you want to restore contour and proportion to your facial structures
  • If you want to correct facial asymmetry or deformities resulting from injury or congenital condition
  • If your facial features are fully developed and you’re in overall good health
  • If you have realistic expectations
Learn More

What Are The Expected Outcomes of Cheek Augmentation?

The outcomes of cheek augmentation can be analyzed in two main categories: aesthetical and psychological.

Aesthetical Outcomes

Cheek implants present a permanent solution for sunken and hollow cheeks. They can be a very good way to add definition to your cheeks, facial contours and to enhance your overall appearance. Through cheek implants, the appearance of your weak cheeks can be improved, and you have fuller, defined, sculpted and youthful cheekbones. Cheek implants help patients to achieve dramatic results and obtain an ideal facial profile by providing a more facial symmetry. Above all, your results will be permanent.

Psychological Outcomes

The psychological outcomes of the procedure are as important as the physical ones. Cheek feature creates facial definition and plays an important role in the balance of the face. If you are not happy with the appearance of your cheeks, you can experience serious psychological distress which can negatively affect your self-confidence and social life. After the procedure, you will have a more positive self-image.

How is the Cheek Augmentation Done?

Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to change the appearance of the cheeks and the face. It is customized according to needs and wishes of the patient.

Anesthesia

First of all, you will receive anesthesia medications. Depending on the particular case, the surgery can be performed using either general anesthesia, or local anesthesia combined with a sedative. In which case, you will sleep through the surgery and will not feel any pain.

Implants

The implants can be made of variety of materials. They are generally made out of biocompatible material such as solid silicone which quickly sticks to the cheekbone while creating a very natural feel and look.

The position and shape of the implant to your cheekbones are determined by which area you specifically desire to be augmented. There are generally 3 shapes: malar, submalar and combined. Malar implants are the most common ones, and they are placed directly on the cheekbones. They are designed to give more projection to the cheekbones by providing a higher contour to the sides of your face. On the contrary, submalar implants are not positioned on the cheekbones and they are designed to augment the midface in case the patient has a sunken or hollow appearance in this area. Combined implants are the combination of malar and submalar implants. They are designed to augment both the cheekbones and midface.

Cheek implants have different sizes. For most patients, standard 4 mm implants can be suitable to provide natural augmentation. For patients who desire a more subtle effect, a 3 mm implant can be used. For a more dramatic effect, a 5- or 6-mm implant can be used. Custom-sized implants can also be created according to your goals and desires.*1

Surgery

The details of the surgery depend on the patients’ needs and the surgeon’s approach. The surgeons we have contracts with perform several different techniques. So, this surgery is a customized procedure. What’s suitable for you depends on your anatomical characteristics and your desired goals.

The common method is to make an internal incision inside your mouth near the top of the gum, upon your upper teeth, and slide the implants into this area.*2 Another one is to make an external incision which is near the eye, just beneath the eyelashes. Once the implants are placed, the incision gets closed with dissolvable sutures. Scarring is almost invisible and fades in time. The surgery generally takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Risks and Complications*3*4

There are 4 different types of body lift operations: upper, mid, lower and total body lifts. Depending on the area addressed the risks can vary, the complications include:

  • Acute anemia
  • Fat necrosis
  • Infection
  • Wound dehiscence: opening of the wound
  • Violin deformation: depression above your outer thigh which looks like a violin
  • Intergluteal groove lengthening
  • Hematoma
  • Edema
  • Scarring

What To Expect During A Cheek Augmentation Recovery?

The First Week

Following your procedure, gauze dressings or bandages might be placed to your incisions in order to improve adherence and it is generally removed after 1-3 days. If there is any sutures or stitches, they are removed within 5 days. To minimize swelling and bruising, an elastic bandage or a compression garment might be used.

You may feel tired and sore which can be eased with pain medication. You may be asked to sleep face-up, with your head elevated for the first few days. You may have difficulty while smiling, talking, and moving your mouth in the following days due to the position of the implants. If your implants are placed through an incision in the mouth, you may follow a liquid diet and use special mouth rinses. You may consume soft foods for the first week. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities and work within a week.

Later

You may experience post-operative swelling which will subside within 2-3 weeks. You can apply cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising.

You should refrain from strenuous exercise for around four weeks, but your surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on your healing rate and tell you when you will be able to return to your exercise routine.

You will see significant improvement in the first few weeks and your results will continue to look better throughout the year. Your final results will be visible about 3-4 months after the procedure.

Guidance & Support

A nurse will visit you in your hotel every day during the first week after the surgery. We will expect you to be in our clinic for your post-op examination 1 week after the surgery, before you leave İstanbul. We will still follow your recovery process while you are away. Clineca will provide you with complete support and inform you about everything you need to know during your recovery. We will be with you from your consultation to the very end of your recovery.

Quote from the Doctor

“With the help of customizable implant technology, we are able to enhance the definition and fullness of your cheeks and provide your desired results.”

What to Do Before Cheek Augmentation?

During your online consultation, your surgeon will ask you questions about your medical history. They will also conduct a physical examination. Your surgeon will inform you about everything you need to know before the surgery. Clineca will provide you with complete guidance and support before your surgery. You will have a complete and detailed list of instructions.

Most important instructions include,

  • Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery.
  • Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) for 2 weeks before the procedure.
  • Avoid herbal remedies and supplements
  • Take only the medications approved by your surgeon.

What to Do After Cheek Augmentation?

What you need to do after the surgery will be explained to you in detail by your surgeon and Clineca will provide you with all the support and guidance you need. Most important instructions include:

  • Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.
  • You will be seen in the next few days for dressings.
  • Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications after the surgery until your surgeon approves using them.
  • Take pain medication and antibiotics prescribed for you by your surgeon.
  • You should follow a liquid diet and consume soft foods for about a week.
  • Rinse your mouth following every meal with antiseptic oral rinse or water.
  • You should sleep face-up, with your head elevated for the first few days.
  • Your surgeon will create an individualized recovery plan based on your cheek augmentation procedure and healing rate. You should follow all post-operative instructions meticulously.
  • If anything unusual happens, please contact us.
  • And don’t forget to share some photos of your new look!

Quote from the Doctor

“Different implant sizes allow us to achieve the results the patients desire. Whether you want a subtle or dramatic change, cheek augmentation provides.”

FAQ

We know you have many questions. Having realistic expectations and deciding to have a cosmetic surgery requires information. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about cheek augmentation.

Cheek augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to enhance sunken or depressed cheekbones. It is generally done with the placement of an implant on the cheekbones to give more projection and definition to the cheeks.
All surgical procedures have some risks. However, if it is performed by an experienced and talented surgeon, the risk of having a serious problem is very small.
During surgery, you will not feel pain because of anesthesia. After surgery, you may feel a bit tired and sore which can be eased with pain medication and it will subside in a week or so.
Depending on the particular case, the surgery can be performed using either general anesthesia, or local anesthesia combined with a sedative.
There are many variables to consider before deciding the right implant size. During your online consultation, your surgeon will conduct a physical examination and determine the best option for your case.
The surgery generally takes about an hour.
Following your procedure, gauze dressings or bandages might be placed, and they are generally removed after 1-3 days. If there is any sutures or stitches, they are removed within 5 days. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities and work within a week.
If you feel your facial skin and fat descend due to aging, weight loss or gravity, and if you are concerned that your full and youthful cheeks appear sunken and hollow, you are a good candidate for cheek augmentation.
There is no certain limitation for this. If your facial features are fully developed, and you feel your cheeks appear sunken, hollow, or saggy, you can have cheek augmentation.
Cheek implants are placed through small incisions inside the mouth or near the eye which means no or very less visible scarring.
Your post-operative swelling will probably subside within 2-3 weeks. You can apply cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising.
The risk of a serious problem is very small, but even if it is uncommon, implant migration or implant extrusion may occur.
You should refrain from strenuous exercise for around four weeks, but your surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on your healing rate and tell you when you will be able to return to your exercise routine.
They are generally made out of biocompatible material such as solid silicone which quickly sticks to the cheekbone while creating a very natural feel and look.
Your surgeon will prepare a detailed and customized plan by discussing your goals, desires, and expectations with you. He/she will ask you some questions about your medical history, make a physical examination, and provide treatment options and before-after photos.
If you work with highly experienced and understanding doctors such as the ones our clinic works with, you will absolutely be satisfied with your results. Cheek surgeries are among their specialties. They and their staff work tenderly to provide high quality care and fascinating results.
The results of cheek augmentation are permanent. Cheek implants are designed to last your lifetime.
If your implants are placed through an incision in the mouth, you may follow a liquid diet and consume soft foods for the first week.
You feel that the enhanced definition and restored volume of your cheeks make you appear rejuvenated and youthful.
At Clineca, we are using 3D Imaging System. This technology provides a preview of your cheeks before your cheek augmentation procedure begins.

Problems & Solutions

Cheek augmentation can address your cosmetic problems in your cheek area. Here you can find answers for different complaints.

If you are not happy with the appearance of your cheeks and if you are looking for a nonsurgical way to address your problems, you might consider injection of fat or dermal fillers. These methods are less invasive and less costly in comparison with cheek augmentation with implants. They provide a balanced facial shape, natural and aesthetic fullness to your cheeks. You can return your work immediately after treatment. There may be mild swelling which dissipates within a day or so. You may feel sore, and this soreness subsides within a few hours. It takes 15-20 minutes, your results are immediate, and you are able to observe the progress and give your feedback. The results may last for 6-9 months.
Unfortunately, all surgeries leave scars. However, with the help of advanced surgical techniques, scars can be kept to minimum. The length of the scar depends on the incision technique. Every patient may need a different method. However, this is no matter because the scars are generally located on strategic points. In general, the common method in cheek augmentation procedure is to make an internal incision inside your mouth near the top of the gum, upon your upper teeth and slide the implants into this area. In this method, since the incision is made inside the mouth, scarring will not be visible and will fade over time. Another method is to make an external incision which is near the eye, just beneath the eyelashes. In this method, scarring may be more visible, but in the course of time, it will be discolored and harmonized with your skin tone.
The position and shape of the implant to your cheekbones are determined by which area you specifically desire to be augmented. If you want more projection to your cheekbones, you should consider malar implants. They are designed to give more projection to the cheekbones by providing a higher contour to the sides of your face. If you have a sunken or hollow appearance in the midface area, you may consider submalar implants which are designed to augment the midface in case the patient has a sunken or hollow appearance in this area. If you want to augment both the cheekbones and midface, combined implants can be the suitable choice. Combined implants are the combination of malar and submalar implants and they are designed to augment both the cheekbones and midface.

Cheek implants have different sizes. If you want a natural augmentation, you may prefer standard 4 mm implants. If you desire a more subtle effect, you can choose a 3 mm implant. If you want to achieve a more dramatic effect, you can choose a 5- or 6-mm implant.
Custom-sized implants can be created by the surgeon according to your desires. Our contracted surgeons use 3D imaging and CT scan for customizable implants. This technology helps to achieve precise and tailored measurements. With the help of individualized measurements, they are able to build each implant that fits your anatomy. They customize the implant for each patient based on their skeletal anatomy and through this detailed process, it is ensured that the implant will adapt perfectly to your bone structure.
References

1. Whitehead, D. M., & Schechter, L. S. (2019). Cheek Augmentation Techniques. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsc.2018.12.003

2. Soares, D. J., & Silver, W. E. (2015). Midface Skeletal Enhancement. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 23(2), 185–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsc.2015.01.004

3. French, K. E. M., Gormley, M., Kana, A., Deacon, S., & Revington, P. J. (2020). Outcomes and complications associated with malar onlays: literature review and case series of 119 implants. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjoms.2020.06.008

4. Ivy, E. J., Lorenc, Z. P., & Aston, S. J. (1995). Malar Augmentation with Silicone Implants. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 96(1), 63–68. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-199507000-00009