Do silicone cheek implants cause bone atrophy?

Question

I am a male in late 20s and during a consult a facial plastic surgeon suggested me cheek Implant. I would like to know if it can cause lose of bone beneath in lest say 10 years time. Also would a screw prevent the lose of bone (As the implant wont move and there would be no friction between the bone and implant? I am involved in impact sports (MMA). Could impact on the face dislocate the implant ?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

One drawback of silicone cheek and chin implants is the possibility of bony resorption deep to the prosthesis. For this reason I use in implant which is biologically incorporated specificallyMedpore. Once the implants of healed they would not be dislodged by any trauma.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Typically, well placed cheek implants do not cause any bony atrophy. However, it can cause some indention of the bone itself over time but not significant cosmetically. In addition, you might wish to try some longer acting fillers first to make sure that the implants are right for you. In addition, if you lose weight over time, the implant edges may be visible in certain lighting.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, an implant won't lead to bone atrophy or bone loss. Well-placed fillers (Voluma, Radiesse, Bellafill) and Sculptra can augment the cheeks and give you the ability to try on the look before committing to a more permanent option. Fat is an alternative. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Bone is living tissue, and responds to an implant by remodeling.  We have never seen this issue become a problem in over 25 years.  Placement of the screw does not prevent bone remodeling. Best to perform the  cheek implant  after you are finished playing impact sports

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many cheek augmentations using silastic cheek implants for over 30 years.  Placing a silastic cheek implant over the cheek bone will "not" cause atrophy of the bone nor in my experience does it create significant bone erosion or stimulation.   I have placed silastic cheek implants for 30 years in military, SWAT, LE, professional fighters, as well as actors and many regular people who are active.  When placed below the covering of the bone and when the layers of the cheek are closed from the inside out, there is no need for fixation screws or sutures in my humble opinion.   I do ask that all my cheek implant and chin implant patients sleep on a U-shaped pillow for 1 month following the surgery.  In addition, I have had the opportunity on numerous occasions to replace silastic cheek implants (placed by others) that had been screwed into the cheek bone.  During the replacement it was evident that the metal screws pushed right through the soft implant as it was tightened down on the hard cheek bone.  Which makes perfect sense.  So in the long run, these fixation methods alone are no guarantee that the implant won't move.  Proper placement, proper implant pocket creation and meticulous closure of all the tissues layers is what is required in my humble opinion.  In my humble opinion, the cheek bones would need to be fractured in order tp cause movement of stable implants.Hope this helps.

Do silicone cheek implants cause bone atrophy?

Answers (5)

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