A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Cheek Implants

Cheek implants, also known as malar or submalar implants, have long been a go-to solution for those looking to enhance or restore facial contours. Whether it’s to counteract the effects of aging, correct asymmetry, or simply achieve a desired aesthetic, cheek implants offer a permanent, predictable solution. But with so many options in terms of materials, shapes, and fixation methods, choosing the right one can be daunting. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the different types of cheek implants, explore their pros and cons, and help you determine which option might be best for you.

What Are Cheek Implants?

Cheek implants are solid medical-grade materials surgically placed over the cheekbones to enhance volume, shape, and structure. They can either add projection to a flat cheek or restore volume lost due to aging or illness. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, different types of cheek implants can be chosen based on their material, shape, and fixation method.

Materials Used in Cheek Implants

When selecting cheek implants, the first consideration is often the material. The most commonly used materials include:

1. Solid Silicone

Overview: Silicone cheek implants are made from a soft, flexible material that has been used in facial augmentation for decades. These implants are smooth, solid, and do not integrate into the surrounding tissue.

Pros:

• Ease of removal: If the implant needs to be adjusted or removed, silicone implants are relatively easy to extract because they don’t integrate with the surrounding bone or tissue.
• Soft and flexible: Many patients find silicone implants to feel more natural due to their pliability.
• Variety of shapes: Silicone implants are available in many different sizes and shapes to suit various needs.

Cons:

• No tissue integration: Silicone implants remain separate from your natural tissues, which may slightly increase the risk of shifting or migration over time, although this is rare when implants are properly placed.
• Risk of capsule formation: Sometimes, the body forms a capsule of scar tissue around the implant, which can harden or change the implant’s position.

Fixation: Silicone cheek implants typically do not require screw fixation because they sit securely in the implant pocket that the surgeon creates.

2. Polyethylene (Medpor)

Overview: Medpor is a porous form of high-density polyethylene that allows tissue and bone integration, which helps keep the implant in place more permanently.

Pros:

• Tissue integration: Medpor encourages tissue in-growth, which means the implant becomes “part of you” over time, reducing the chance of migration.
• Firm and durable: Polyethylene implants are more rigid compared to silicone, providing a more stable structure for long-lasting results.

Cons:

• Harder to remove: Because Medpor integrates with the surrounding tissue, removal can be more complex if adjustments are needed in the future.
• More invasive: In some cases, screw fixation is required to secure Medpor implants, which can make the surgery a bit more involved.

Fixation: Polyethylene implants often require screw fixation to ensure they stay securely in place as tissue grows into the implant.

3. Gore-Tex (ePTFE)

Overview: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), commonly known as Gore-Tex, is a material also used in vascular grafts. In the context of cheek implants, it is a flexible, porous material that allows for slight tissue integration.

Pros:

• Semi-integration: Unlike Medpor, Gore-Tex implants offer partial tissue in-growth without being as difficult to remove.
• Flexible: Gore-Tex is softer and more flexible compared to Medpor, making it feel more natural while still maintaining some tissue adherence.

Cons:

• Less stable than Medpor: Although it integrates slightly with tissue, Gore-Tex is not as firm as Medpor, which may lead to a slightly higher risk of displacement.
• Not as widely available: Gore-Tex is less commonly used in modern cheek augmentation compared to silicone or Medpor, limiting its availability.

Fixation: Gore-Tex implants may or may not require screw fixation, depending on the surgeon’s technique and the individual case.

Shapes of Cheek Implants

The shape of the cheek implant plays a critical role in achieving the desired aesthetic result. Different shapes are better suited for enhancing specific facial features or addressing certain concerns. Here are the common shapes available:

1. Malar Implants

Overview: Malar implants are broader and are designed to sit directly over the cheekbones, enhancing their projection. These implants are ideal for individuals who have a flat or underdeveloped midface and are seeking more definition.   

Best for: Men can benefit from malar implants to add more fullness to the mid-face without exaggerating the cheekbone prominence, which can sometimes create a more masculine, rugged appearance.

2. Submalar Implants

Overview: Submalar implants sit beneath the cheekbones to add volume to the mid-face area. These implants are commonly used for patients experiencing volume loss due to aging or those who naturally have a hollow mid-face. A submalar implant elevates the midface while softening the nasolabial fold. 

Best for: Women typically benefit from submalar implants to achieve the high, sculpted cheekbones associated with feminine beauty standards. These implants are often used for a more delicate, contoured look.

3. Combined Malar and Submalar Implants

Overview: These implants combine both malar and submalar augmentation, giving a fuller look to both the cheekbones and the mid-face.

Best for: This option works for both men and women, especially those looking to restore volume due to aging or seeking more overall facial fullness.

Which Cheek Implant Shape is Better for Men vs. Women?

While men and women can both benefit from cheek implants, the ideal shape often differs based on gender.

• Women: Women tend to prefer submalar implants that add projection to the cheekbones, creating a high, contoured look. This aligns with traditional feminine beauty standards, which favor defined cheekbones with a narrow, refined appearance.

• Men: Men often gravitate toward malar implants that provide fullness in the mid-face without overly emphasizing the cheekbones. A broader, fuller face with less emphasis on high cheekbones tends to project masculinity, contributing to a stronger, more chiseled appearance.

Common Manufacturers of Cheek Implants

Several reputable companies produce cheek implants, offering a wide range of materials and shapes:

1. Stryker: Known for its wide variety of Medpor implants, Stryker offers customizable options that encourage tissue integration for a long-lasting and natural look.

2. Implantech: A leading manufacturer of silicone cheek implants, Implantech provides both standard and custom options for patients seeking a softer, more flexible implant.

3. Allergan: Known for their silicone implants, Allergan offers a range of facial implants, including cheek augmentation options.

Each of these manufacturers has a strong reputation for quality and durability, ensuring that the implants you receive are both safe and effective.

Pros and Cons of Different Cheek Implant Types

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each type of cheek implant material:

Do All Cheek Implants Require Screw Fixation?

Not all cheek implants require screw fixation. Here’s a general guideline:

• Silicone implants: These usually don’t require screw fixation. They are placed within a precisely shaped pocket in the cheek area.
• Medpor implants: Often require screw fixation due to their tissue integration and more rigid nature.
• Gore-Tex implants: May or may not require screw fixation depending on the surgeon’s approach.

Finding the Right Cheek Implant for You

Choosing the right cheek implant is a highly individualized process that depends on your goals, facial anatomy, and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, there’s a cheek implant material and shape designed for your needs.

Discussing your options with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Saxon, can help you navigate the various choices and find the best fit for your unique features. Whether you choose silicone for its flexibility or Medpor for its permanence, modern cheek implants offer safe and effective ways to enhance your look and boost your confidence.

If you’re considering cheek implants, contact us for a consultation where we can go over all the available options, show you before-and-after images, and help you make an informed decision.