How Much Do Cheek Implants Cost?
The average cost of cheek implants is $5,425, according to 61 reviews from RealSelf members. However, the cost can range from $3,997 to as much as $19,199, depending on a few key factors.
Cheek implants (or malar implants) inserted through small incisions in the mouth can improve facial contours and restore volume.
Read on to find out what affects the cost of this long-lasting cheek augmentation procedure and whether actual patients think their investment was worth it.
What does the cost include?
Before you commit to cheek implant surgery, ask for a detailed cost quote that includes:
- the consultation fee (if it won't be applied to the cost of your procedure)
- the surgeon's fee
- facility fees
- anesthesia fees
- the cost of surgical supplies
- any follow-up appointments
- any necessary recovery supplies
Ask if you'll need to buy any recovery supplies, including pain medication, out of pocket.
Which factors affect the cost of cheek implants?
Several aspects of your cheek augmentation surgery can cause the cost to fluctuate, including:
1) The credentials and expertise of your provider.
Cheek implants are considered to be safe when they're placed by a qualified surgeon, but some patients do develop complications.
A board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon with years (or even decades) of experience performing facial implant surgery should be able to help mitigate these risks and give you the best aesthetic outcome.
More experienced, in-demand plastic surgeons who allow ample time to safely perform each surgery will charge higher surgeon's fees. But this isn't a situation where it's a good idea to bargain shop: you'll pay far more to correct a bad result than to have it done right in the first place.
2) Where your surgery is performed.
Providers who practice in major cities with a high cost of living, like New York and LA, tend to have higher overhead, especially if they have a luxury surgery center in an upscale part of town.
If cost is a major consideration and you don't mind going a bit out of your way (or even traveling), you may find that you can save a lot of money by finding a qualified, well-reviewed surgeon who practices in a modest practice within your metro area or a more affordable city. Before you book, just make sure you have a thorough consultation (either virtually or in-person), get a complete treatment plan and cost quote, and ask where your surgery will be performed.
Most cheek implant procedures are performed in a private surgery center. If your chosen provider operates in a hospital, you can expect to have to pay a higher facility fee.
3) The type of implant used.
Standard cheek implants are made of solid silicone, Medpor (porous polyethylene), Gortex, or hydroxyapatite.
Those looking for an individualized result can have their implants custom-made. Not surprisingly, this option is the most expensive.
“Generally, custom made implants are 5 to 10 times more expensive because of CT scan, complex 3D printing, etc.," says Dr. Zoran Potparic, a plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “In most cases when it comes to facial contouring, this is not necessary considering the diversity of cheek implants available on the market.”
4) The complexity of your procedure.
Several RealSelf members have combined cheek implant surgery with complementary cosmetic procedures, such as jawline and chin implant surgery, rhinoplasty, buccal fat removal, and chin liposuction. Others opt for nonsurgical skin tightening. Add-ons can have a huge impact on your bill, but the right combination can be transformative.
If you're already planning to get more than one procedure, you'll save money by having them done in one operation, since you’re only paying the anesthesia and surgical facility fees one time. Some providers also offer a discounted surgeon's fee for each additional procedure.
5) Whether you get them on one or both sides.
Some people get a cheek implant on only one side, to balance their facial features and correct asymmetry. This type of procedure won't be half as expensive as one for both sides, but it will be significantly less pricey.
6) The type of anesthesia you have and who administers it.
Facial implant procedures can be performed under general anesthesia (so you're completely unconscious) or local anesthesia with sedation (so you're technically awake, but relaxed and very sleepy).
Local anesthesia can be a less expensive option, if it's administered by your surgeon.
General anesthesia can be administered by an anesthesiologist (an MD) or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Anesthesiologists have more training, so they charge a higher fee, but some doctors prefer them (especially in cases where the patient has an underlying health condition, like diabetes).
When you get your full cost quote, make sure it includes the fees for the anesthesia itself, related supplies, and the anesthesia provider.
Are cheek implants worth the money?
Cheek implants have a 63% Worth It Rating on RealSelf, so while a majority of people who underwent this procedure thought it was worth the expense, not everyone was happy with their results.
Many of those who say their results were "Worth It" point to natural-looking but still noticeable results that made them look younger and gave them a confidence boost.
Among those who say their cheek implant surgery was "Not Worth It," several had complications like long-lasting nerve damage, asymmetry, pain, and infection that necessitated removal of the implants.
Because of the potential for complications like this, it's especially important to choose an board-certified facial plastic surgeon who frequently performs this procedure and has a track record of positive patient reviews.
Any surgeon you consider should also talk you through other options for cheek augmentation.
Cheek implants offer the benefit of permanent results, but the results of fat grafting (using your own excess fat, harvested via liposuction) are also very long-lasting, and the average price is similar.
Dermal fillers like Juvéderm, Restylane, and Radiesse cost less in the short term, and they come with fewer risks and higher Worth It Ratings. The only drawback: you'll need maintenance treatments to keep up your results, so the cost can really add up over time.
During your initial consultation, ask your provider to talk through the pros, cons, and costs of each of these options.
If the price is a barrier, ask if they offer monthly payment plans or accept any plastic surgery financing options.