Cheek Implants and the Aging Process?

As a Facial Plastic Surgeon, I currently use cheek implants far less than I once did.  The reason for this is that both autologous fat transfer and Sculptra (L-Poly Lactic Acid) are so effective in volumizing the face. In addition, as we age, we lose both soft tissue volume and bone volume in the face causing a relative descent of the implants.  The appearance of cheek implants changes with aging of the face, and have a tendency to age poorly.

Good question.  As long as u get small implants and your cheeks are slightly under developed there will not be a problem with aging. 

The proper placement of cheek implants is underneath the periosteum of the maxilla.  When placed on  the bone, they feel like part of the cheek bone.  It is also very important not to overdo them.  We have 20 year follow-ups with patients whose implants look and feel great.

As long as cheek implants are not oversized, they will not become obvious as the face ages. In some cases cheek implants may actually help to support the overlying tissues from sagging with aging. The key to cheek implants is getting the proper size and style so the effect is created without looking unnatural.

Full disclosure: I do not place cheek implants. I do fillers and Sculptra treatments to create cheek augmentation. These nonsurgical options can be very rewarding and can either be done instead of surgical implants, or to see if you like the results of a fuller cheek without going through a surgery, as a test-drive. 

I have seen many women in their 50's and older who had cheek implants placed when they were younger. Sometimes their implants look unnatural as the aging progresses. The rest of the face begins to shrink, but the implant doesn't.