What does the procedure change?
It adds structure and projection over the cheekbones.
Implant size, shape and placement are chosen around your facial anatomy and goals.
Cheek Augmentation (Malar Implants)
Cheek Augmentation (Malar Implants)
Cheek augmentation with malar implants is surgery that places implants over the cheekbones to add projection and shape the upper cheeks.
Is this the same as cheek filler?
No. Malar implants are solid devices placed through surgery.
Fillers are injections, while fat grafting transfers your own fat. Each has different benefits, risks and maintenance needs.
Are the implants permanent?
They are intended to provide long-lasting augmentation.
They are not guaranteed to last a lifetime without problems. Revision or removal may be needed, and your face will continue to age.
01 · Overview
Understanding cheek implants
Malar implants sit over the cheekbones to increase upper-cheek projection. They may be considered for naturally less prominent cheekbones or for selected changes in facial contour. They do not replace every type of lost facial volume. [1]
The surgeon creates a pocket for each implant, often through incisions inside the mouth. Implant shape, size, incision location and any fixation method depend on your anatomy and the surgical plan. [2]
Cheek implants add support rather than remove skin or fat. They differ from a facelift, which repositions sagging tissues, and from buccal fat removal, which reduces fullness in the lower cheeks. Suitability depends on a surgeon's examination and a discussion of your priorities.
- Target area
- Upper cheeks over the cheekbones
- Treatment type
- Surgical placement of facial implants
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia or sedation, depending on the plan
- Recovery
- Early swelling and bruising; settling takes longer
What does “malar” mean?
Malar refers to the cheekbone region. Malar implants emphasize upper-cheek projection. Implants designed for fullness below the cheekbone address a different contour, so ask your surgeon to identify the exact area being treated.
Can implants correct facial asymmetry?
They may improve some differences in cheek projection, but perfect symmetry is not realistic. Differences in bone, muscle, fat and skin can remain even after carefully planned surgery.
02 · Concerns & Goals
What brings people to a consultation
You may notice flatter cheekbones, uneven contours or a change in facial fullness. A consultation can help separate changes in bone support from changes in skin and fat.
Flatter cheekbones
You may want more visible upper-cheek definition. The surgeon will assess whether an implant would provide the kind of projection you have in mind.
Changes in fullness
Age-related volume loss may involve fat and skin as well as underlying support. An implant alone may not address diffuse hollowing.
Uneven cheek contours
One cheek may look more prominent than the other. Planning starts with identifying what causes the difference and what can reasonably change.
Facial balance
Cheek prominence affects how the eyes, nose and lower face appear together. A useful goal is a contour that fits your face rather than a particular implant size.
03 · Options
How the approaches differ
These are approaches to discuss, not interchangeable treatments. The right choice depends on whether your main concern is cheekbone projection, soft-tissue volume or both.
Malar implants alone
Add defined projection over the cheekbones.
How it worksThe surgeon places selected implants into carefully created pockets over the cheekbones.
May suitMay suit people seeking structural upper-cheek definition.
Main tradeoffRequires surgery and leaves a device in place, with risks of infection, shifting and revision.
Individually tailored implant planning
Adapt implant selection and positioning to differences between the cheeks.
How it worksThe surgeon assesses each side and may use different sizes, positioning or a custom design when appropriate.
May suitMay suit selected patients with more complex anatomy or asymmetry.
Main tradeoffPlanning can be more involved, and some asymmetry may remain.
Fat grafting instead of implants
Use your own fat to add soft-tissue fullness.
How it worksFat is collected from another body area, processed and injected into selected facial areas.
May suitMay suit people whose main concern is broader volume loss rather than cheekbone projection.
Main tradeoffSome transferred fat is absorbed, the donor area needs recovery, and further treatment may be considered.
Dermal filler instead of implants
Add volume through injections rather than implant surgery.
How it worksA suitable filler is injected into planned cheek areas.
May suitMay suit people considering a nonsurgical approach to selected volume concerns.
Main tradeoffMost fillers require maintenance and have their own risks, including rare blood-vessel blockage that can damage skin or vision.
Implants, fat grafting and fillers differ in the kind of volume they create, how long it may last and the risks involved. Ask why the recommended approach fits your anatomy. [1] [4].
Does a larger implant give a better result?
Not necessarily. An implant that is too large for your tissues can look or feel more noticeable. Your surgeon should explain the proposed dimensions and how they relate to your facial proportions.
Can cheek implants be combined with other facial surgery?
Sometimes. Combining procedures can change anesthesia needs, swelling, recovery and risk. Ask what each procedure adds and whether staging treatment would make sense.
04 · Results
What may improve and what may remain
Added cheekbone projection
The aim is more upper-cheek structure that fits your face.
- The visible change depends on implant shape, position and your existing tissues.
- Implants do not reliably correct surface wrinkles, skin texture or all areas of hollowing.
A contour that settles gradually
Early swelling can hide the intended shape.
- The cheeks may initially look fuller or less even than expected.
- Follow-up visits help distinguish normal settling from a position or healing concern.
Long-lasting, but not unchanging
Implants are intended to remain in place over time.
- Natural aging and weight changes can alter the surrounding tissues.
- Revision or removal may be needed for complications or a change in preference.
Results vary, and the final appearance should be judged after healing rather than during early swelling. [1]
05 · Recovery
Planning your recovery
Recovery at a glance
- Stay after surgery
- Determined by Your Surgeon
- Initial recovery at home
- Varies by Individual
- Return to desk work
- Varies by Procedure and Work Activity
- Light daily activities
- Based on Individual Recovery
- Strenuous exercise
- Based on Surgeon Clearance
Returning to work does not mean fully healed. Follow your surgeon’s instructions; strenuous activity requires clearance.
Recovery depends on the incision, implant placement and any combined procedures. Your surgical team should give you a personalized plan; returning to work does not mean healing is complete.
Step 1 · Day of surgery
Treatment day
You will be monitored after anesthesia. If you go home that day, arrange an adult escort and the support required by your team. Expect swelling, tightness and discomfort.
Step 2 · First several days
Early healing
Swelling, bruising and temporary numbness may be noticeable. Mouth incisions can affect eating and oral care. Follow the specific food, hygiene and medication instructions you receive.
Step 3 · Often within the first few weeks
Return to daily routines
Some people feel ready for desk work in about one to two weeks, but appearance, comfort and job demands vary. Exercise and work involving strain may need longer restrictions.
Step 4 · Following weeks to months
Continued settling
Residual swelling and sensation changes may improve gradually. Keep follow-up appointments and wait for clearance before activities that could put pressure on or injure the cheeks.
Planning everyday activities
ActivityGeneral planning contextWhat affects the plan
Desk work and social plansPlanning context: Timing depends on comfort, swelling and whether you can follow your care plan at work.What affects it: You may be functioning before bruising and swelling have resolved.
Eating and oral carePlanning context: Especially important when incisions are inside the mouth. [2]What affects it: Your team may adjust food texture and mouth care while the incision heals.
Exercise and liftingPlanning context: Restart gradually only as your surgeon allows. [2]What affects it: Straining and vigorous activity can worsen early swelling or bleeding.
Contact sports and facial pressurePlanning context: Ask about helmets, face-down positions and any activity that presses on the cheeks. [2]What affects it: Pressure or impact may interfere with healing or implant position.
Ask your surgical team whether compresses are appropriate and exactly how to use them.
Before your procedure
- Share your medical history, previous facial procedures and any existing fillers or implants.
- Review all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements; change them only as directed.
- Discuss smoking, vaping and nicotine use and the surgeon's requirements before and after surgery.
- Tell the team about dental problems, mouth sores or signs of infection before surgery.
- Arrange transportation, home support and time away from work based on your planned treatment.
- Obtain written instructions for fasting, incision care, medications, follow-up and urgent contact.
Will I need a special diet?
Possibly, particularly with incisions inside the mouth. Your surgeon may recommend temporary changes in food texture and oral hygiene. Ask what applies to your incision and when you can resume your usual routine.
Can I massage the cheeks if they feel firm?
Do not start massage or press on the implants unless your surgeon specifically recommends it. Firmness may reflect swelling or healing, and new or worsening firmness should be discussed with the team.
06 · Safety
Risks and what your clinician assesses
Temporary swelling, bruising, tightness, soreness and altered cheek sensation can occur. These should generally improve over time; worsening symptoms deserve a call rather than waiting for a scheduled visit.
Infection
An infection may require antibiotics, another procedure or implant removal.
Bleeding or fluid collection
Blood or fluid can collect around the surgical area and may need drainage or further treatment.
Implant movement or exposure
An implant can shift or become exposed through an incision, potentially requiring revision or removal.
Sensation changes
Numbness, tingling or pain may persist. Nerve injury can occasionally cause lasting changes.
Contour or healing concerns
Asymmetry, visible or palpable implant edges, scarring or poor wound healing can affect the result.
Anesthesia and general surgical complications
Anesthesia reactions, breathing problems and blood clots are possible. Your health and the scope of surgery affect these risks.
Discuss these risks and your individual health history with your surgeon. [3]
What your clinician assesses
- Cheekbone structure, soft-tissue coverage, skin laxity and existing asymmetry
- Medical conditions, medications and anesthesia history
- Nicotine use, oral health and factors that affect healing
- Goals, expectations and willingness to accept implant-related risks
07 · Costs
What makes up the Total Procedure & Care Cost
Compare written estimates for the same planned scope: implant type, one or both cheeks, anesthesia, facility and any additional procedures. Different inclusions can make totals difficult to compare.
Surgeon
Surgical care
Surgeon's services, implant planning and placement.
Ask your surgeonAsk whether implants, custom planning and any revision-related services are included or billed separately.
Facility
Anesthesia and facility
Anesthesia services and the surgical setting.
Ask your surgeonAsk who bills each service and whether longer operating time or additional monitoring changes the charges.
Supplies
Supplies and follow-up
Postoperative supplies, medicines and scheduled follow-up care.
Ask your surgeonConfirm what is included and how unexpected visits, tests or treatment of complications are handled.
TRC
Patient Services
Any separately offered scheduling, education or care-coordination support.
Ask TRCAsk whether there is a separate fee, what support it includes and whether participation is optional.
Your written estimate should explain the services included, any separate charges, and payment terms.
08 · Questions
Common questions
Will I have visible scars?
Incisions are often inside the mouth, avoiding a visible skin scar. Other approaches may be used in selected cases. Ask where your incisions will be and what healing concerns apply.
Can cheek implants be removed?
Yes, but removal requires another procedure. The tissues may not return exactly to their previous appearance, and additional contour treatment may be discussed.
Will cheek implants lift sagging skin?
They add projection but are not a substitute for a facelift. If loose skin or descended tissues are your main concern, your surgeon should explain which approach addresses them.
Can I have implants if I already have cheek filler?
Possibly. Tell the surgeon what product was used, where and when. Existing filler may affect assessment and planning; whether it needs treatment first depends on the product and examination.
0 consultation questions in your plan
View in My TRC workspaceMy Aesthetic Plan
Prepare for your consultation
Bring these to help your consultation:
- Confirm the treatment area, implant plan and realistic goals with the surgeon.
- Review individualized preparation, recovery restrictions and warning signs.
- Confirm the written estimate, follow-up schedule and after-hours contact.
View My Aesthetic Plan
Choices stay in this visit until saving to your account completes. Nothing is sent to a clinician.
Sources
- [1]American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Cheek AugmentationCheek augmentation goals, implants and fat grafting as approaches, and gradual resolution of swelling when assessing results.
- [2]American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Facial ImplantsCheek implant placement, possible mouth incisions, individualized recovery and activity guidance, and postoperative warning symptoms.
- [3]American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Facial Implants SafetyImplant infection, shifting, sensation changes, poor healing, revision needs, bleeding and anesthesia-related risks.
- [4]American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Dermal FillersInjectable fillers as a facial-volume option, maintenance needs and risks including vascular injury, skin damage and vision complications.
Photographs are illustrative scenes, not patients, staff, facilities or outcomes. This information does not replace a personal assessment by your treating clinician.