I'm thinking of discontinuing my normal dermal facial fillers and instead getting cheek implants. Few questions about that

Question

I am worried about the (rare) risk of blindness with fillers and am considering stopping them and instead getting (non-screwed) cheek implants. I'm not looking for a list of ways to mitigate the risk with fillers. I'm looking for thoughts and advice on implants vs filler. Is there still a risk of blindness with implants like there is with filler? Can submalar implants even be placed without screws? Would I need the Juvederm currently in my cheeks to be dissolved before putting implants in?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Melinda A. Costa, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, No, there is not a risk of blindness with cheek implants. The risk of blindness with fillers comes from the concept that the filler may inadvertently be injected into a blood vessel which then occludes, or blocks up, the blood vessel. This is known as retinal artery occlusion. Submalar implants can be placed without screws. However, keep in mind that there may be an increased risk of implant instability/shift.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

There is no risk of blindness with any form of cheek implants. All forms of cheek implants can be secured with an external bolster technique in lieu of screw fixation to the bone.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A full set of facial photographs are going to be required to make a determination about how best to proceed.  It would be nice to have no fillers placed in your cheeks in order to choose the correct size, thickness and shape of the cheek implant to be placed.  Cheek implants are placed  through an intraoral incision under a brief general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure

I'm thinking of discontinuing my normal dermal facial fillers and instead getting cheek implants. Few questions about that

Answers (4)

Answer: Discontinuing dermal fillers and getting cheek implants

Answer: Discontinuing dermal fillers and getting cheek implants

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Everything you need to know about Cheek Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I'm thinking of discontinuing my normal dermal facial fillers and instead getting cheek implants. Few questions about that

Answers (4)

Answer: Discontinuing dermal fillers and getting cheek implants

Answer: Discontinuing dermal fillers and getting cheek implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cheek Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.