How complicated is it to reposition cheek implants that have been in place for over 20 years?

Question

I had cheek implants approximately 23 years ago. One of the implants moved slightly. As I aged this became more noticeable and creates asymmetry in my face. I was using fillers to correct this. I recently had a facelift and the asymmetry still bothers me not to mention there is a small bump where the implant sticks out on one side instead of lying flat. How difficult is it to reposition the implant? Would it be possible to fix the whole problem including the lack of volume with fat grafting?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Replacing or repositioning your cheek implants that are asymmetrical should be done by an experienced facial surgeon. This will give the best results. I would need to see photos to give a more detailed answer.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Repositioning of cheek implants can be performed if they are not in the right position. They can also be replaced if necessary with  a different size or shape. In our practice, we performed Silastic cheek implants manufactured by Implantech. The implants can be removed,  exchanged or replaced under a brief general anesthetic as an outpatient surgical procedure. For many examples, please see  the link below

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

With such old style cheek implants, a better correction would be to replace them newer style implants that have lower profiles and blend in more naturally with the surrounding bone. While you can reposition what you have, it is not assured that their overall visibility will lessen appreciably as you have aged and probably have lost some facial fat.. But if only one side is the issue, then repositioning alone my suffice. It is not hard to reposition one of the implants I would just suggest that ti be screwed into place to avoid shifting back from where it is now.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The implants can be repositioned and increased in size. It is not that much more complicated than the original procedure if it is done by an experienced surgeon. If you choose to have the implants removed and then the cheeks augmented with fat I suggest that you wait 4-6 months between the 2 procedures.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,Yes it is possible to reposition or replace the implants. It depends on where they were placed on the malar bone. Probably the best solution is to replace the asymetric one.Best,Dr.S.

How complicated is it to reposition cheek implants that have been in place for over 20 years?

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Answer: Repositioning Cheek Implants Present for 20 Years

Answer: Repositioning Cheek Implants Present for 20 Years

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Everything you need to know about Cheek Implants

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How complicated is it to reposition cheek implants that have been in place for over 20 years?

Answers (5)

Answer: Repositioning Cheek Implants Present for 20 Years

Answer: Repositioning Cheek Implants Present for 20 Years

Answer: Cheek Implants

Answer: Cheek Implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cheek Implants

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