Rib bone not used for cheek augmentation

Rib bone is not used for cheek augmentation. The rib is a short, round, cylindrical piece of cartilage that is not well-shaped at all for implantation in the cheeks. In addition, there is just not enough grafting material to use from the rib to augment the cheeks properly. Cheek augmentation is performed with synthetic Silastic implants placed up underneath the upper gingival gum line and placed over the maxillary bone. These are relatively easy to insert and remove if needed, and is completely reversible. Harvesting of rib always runs the risk of getting a pneumothorax, and is ill-advised for cheek implants.