Malar vs submalar implant, how could I correct my mid face area? (photo)

Question

Is there a generic, non-custom, implant that can correct both the malar and submalar areas of my face to provide volume to my mid face? I would rather not pay the hefty price for a custom implant as I am considering a tip rhinoplasty as well. I have not had any prior surgeries.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Cheek implants are manufactured in a large variety of sizes ( small, medium, large, and extra-large), and a variety of shapes such as( malar, sub-malar, and combined.)    The size and shape of the implant is determined at the time of the consultation /examination.  Custom implants are rarely needed.  In our practice, we used Implantech solid silicone cheek implants for over 25 years with an excellent success rate.  For more information and many before and after examples including diagrams of the implants themselves, please see the link and the video below

Walton Montegut, MD · Answer

This is a good question.  The malar area becomes volume deficient as wel age.  Judging by the photos, you appear young.  The solution for this area can be  cheek implants.  However, I have been using Fat Transfer to solve this problem for a very long time.  Cheek implants are no longer the only option. Over time, the implants may shift and become visible and asymmetrical.  I prefer fat transfer because the volume can be added as needed.  Just the right amount of fat  can be used just as a custom implant is made to fit the area involved. Fat Transfer for this problem is a great solution.  I do not know how many surgeons do Fat Transfer for this problem, but is is a very good way to solve it.  The fat is permanent and ages with you.  In the future, if you needed more as you age, it can be added.  With an implant, it remains and there is no changing it.  As you age, it may need to be replaced or adjusted, etc, etc.  I hope this helps.  Good luck.

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

Hi the simple answer is yes, in my humble opinion there are very good silastic cheek implants (shape, size and projection) that can properly shape your cheeks.  I have performed many facial shaping procedures using dermal fillers, silastic facial implants (cheek, chin, lips), liposuction and/or facelifts for over 30 years.
 Based upon my facial beauty principles, men look chiseled and handsome with angularity in the cheeks, chin and mandibular angles.  From the photos, your cheeks are very flat anteriorly (in the front) and the chin is weak as are the mandibular angles.  The following procedures would create a more ruggedly handsome face.
Cheek augmentation with cheek implants to add angularity to the cheeks and mid face.  In my experience very specific placement of the proper malar/submalar combination will create angularity in a male cheek.  In contrast a submalar cheek implant (by definition this implant is placed in the potential tissue space below the cheek bone) can't shape the malar bone because the implant is placed below the malar area and as such will not shape the flat portion of your cheek bones.
Chin augmentation, using a chin implant, to add projection to the chin creating harmony and balance to the lower face.  I have performed many Chin Augmentation with dermal fillers or silastic chin implants, for over the 30 years.  When the chin is weak, this creates an imbalance making the nose appear larger, the mid face top heavy, the lower face looks short, de-emphasizes the lips and allows early formation of a "double chin".  Proper placement of a silastic chin implant will add forward projection to the chin thereby creating harmony and balance to the lower face.  I have found that placement of a silastic chin implant, through a small curved incision under the chin (also allows excess skin removal) to be very safe, quick, highly effective and far less invasive than a sliding genioplasty.  I perform chin implant surgery in 30 minutes or less, often using a local anesthetic alone.  In my opinion, you are a good candidate for chin implant surgery. 
Augmentation of the mandibular angles using a dermal filler (jaw implants have too many unwanted side effects IMHO) to add volume, angularity and flare to the jaw line.
Hope this helps.

Malar vs submalar implant, how could I correct my mid face area? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Cheek Implants

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Malar vs submalar implant, how could I correct my mid face area? (photo)

Answers (3)

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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.