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If you have had cheek implants (rather
than injections of a filler substance) for cheek augmentation,
your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with some post-operative
instructions particular to you procedure. The following
are some general guidelines and expectations for your
recovery from cheek implant surgery.
swelling - Cheek implant
surgery can cause significant swelling of the cheeks
and mouth area. This swelling may cause a sensation
of tightness, and may make it difficult for you to make
normal facial expressions such as smiling. To minimze
swelling, your doctor may advise you to use cold packs
on the cheeks and to keep your head and shoulders elevated,
especially for the first few days. You may want to sleep
with a few additional pillows on your bed for a week
or two, since any time you lay flat, there is a tendency
for fluid to accumulate. As the swelling subsides, your
normal expressions will return.
bruising - Because most of
the work that occurs in cheek augmentation surgery is
deep, you may not notice any bruising, or it may take
a few days to surface. If increasing bruising is associated
with pain and firmness, especially if it is localized
to one side, you should call your doctor right away.
This could be a sign of a blood collection (hematoma)
that may need treatment.
antibiotics - Any time implants
are placed, there is a risk of infection. If you have
had an incision inside of your mouth, naturally occuring
bacteria in the mouth will further increase the chance
of infection. Your surgeon will have given you prescriptions
for antibiotics to ward off any infection. Make sure
that you take those, as directed. It may help to take
them with food, if the pills cause your stomach to be
upset, but be sure to check with your doctor first.
Some medications should not be taken with food or milk,
in particular. Redness, increasing pain, fever over
101, or even prolonged nausea not associated with medication
may be signs of infection. Call your doctor right away
if you think there's a chance of an infection.
discomfort - You will probably
also have prescription strength medication to control
any pain or discomfort. Most people that have gone through
cheek implant surgery describe the pain as moderate,
but tolerable. Dont' be afraid to use the pain pills
if you are in discomfort. After a few days, Tylenol
may be all that you need.
diet and nutrition - Cheek
implants may make your mouth and teeth tender for a
week or so. You'll want to start on a liquid diet, such
as juice, broth, and nutritional supplement drinks (like
Ensure). As your comfort level increases, you can gradually
introduce soft foods such as jello, and pudding, and
eventually you will be to advance your diet to more
substantial meals.
numbness - It is not uncommon
after cheek implant surgery to have some areas of numbness
in the cheeks. This usually resolves within a few months,
before returning to normal. As the nerve sensation returns,
you may notice shock-like sensations or shooting pains.
Sometimes, aspirin or advil will help to alleviate these
annoying sensations, but be sure to check with your
doctor before taking any medication.
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