Almost 3 weeks after cheek implants healing seems fine. However, when I smile it’s lumpy! Help? I look terrible (Photo)

Hello bradleyElastic bandage or compression garment may be used to minimize swelling and support the cheeks as they heal following surgery according to your plastic surgeon’s discretion. I would advice you visit or contact your plastic surgeon about this concern.

Thank you for your question. Almost 3 weeks after cheek implant surgery, you think they look good when your face is not moving, even though they be a bit thicker than you expected. However, when you smile, your cheeks appear lumpy.
I can certainly give you some guidance based on your photos alone, and in the absence of a physical exam. I’m Dr. Amiya Prasad. I’m a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Fellowship-trained Oculoplastic Surgeon. I’ve been in practice in Manhattan and Long Island for over 20 years. I perform cheek implant surgery, often at the same time as a facelift, as well as perform non-surgical cheek augmentation with fillers, using a special technique called Structural Volumizing.
Just under 3 weeks after your implant surgery, it’s a bit early to tell if these lumps are caused by oversized implants, or are temporary due to swelling. You need additional time for the swelling to go down, as your body is still in the proliferative phase of wound healing after surgery, where disorganized collagen fibres can cause swelling and lumps. As you enter the first and second month of the healing stage called the remodelling stage, collagen fibers become more flat, and it can be determined if the lumpiness was just swelling, or if there are other issues like the implant being too big, or possible infection.
I suggest you wait a little longer for the swelling to go down, then follow up with your surgeon if you still have concerns. Once swelling dissipates, you will have a better idea of how your implants will look for the long-term, and if there are any issues related to the implant surgery. I hope you found this information helpful. Thank you for your question.

You may still have some swelling. However, I recommend following up with your surgeon about your concerns and after care recommendations. Best, Dr. Emer