Cheekbone augmentation

Cheekbone augmentation with implants is a popular surgical procedure aimed at enhancing facial contours by introducing cheek implants. This procedure helps create more prominent and well-defined cheekbones, giving the face a fashionable European profile.

The surgery is performed under sedative anesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions inside the mouth to minimize the visibility of scars, and through these incisions, specially selected implants are inserted. After implant placement, the incisions are carefully sutured.

As implants are custom-made for each patient, this surgery requires a 50% deposit and should be booked at least 2 weeks before the desired date.

You can watch our videos on cheekbone augmentation YouTube.

Brief surgery information

  • Surgery Duration: 2 hours

  • Type of Anesthesia: Sedation

  • Hospitalization: 2-4 hours

  • Return to Normal Life: Within 1 week

  • Clinic Visits: 3-4 times

  • Stitches Removal: Day 14

Why patients consider cheekbone augmentation surgery

Patients may consider cheekbone augmentation for various reasons, and here are the four most common ones:

  • Facial Contour Enhancement: Cheekbone augmentation can help create a more expressive and defined facial contour. This is especially relevant for individuals with flatter or less pronounced features, as prominent cheekbones can lend a more refined and balanced appearance to the face.

  • Aging and Volume Loss: With age, the face naturally loses its volume and elasticity, leading to sagging tissues and a loss of cheekbone definition. Cheekbone augmentation can help restore a youthful and fresh look by compensating for the loss of natural volume.

  • Aesthetic Preferences: Some people aspire to a specific aesthetic or wish to emulate facial features considered attractive in their culture or society. Prominent cheekbones are often associated with beauty and youthfulness, making this procedure popular among those seeking a particular look.

  • Confidence and Self-Esteem: Dissatisfaction with one’s facial features can significantly impact self-esteem. Improving the appearance of the cheekbones can positively affect self-perception and attractiveness, ultimately boosting confidence and overall well-being.

Who is a suitable candidate for facial surgery?

The ideal candidate for cheek augmentation surgery typically meets the following criteria:

  • Adult with Fully Developed Facial Features: The best candidates for this procedure are adults with fully developed facial bone structures. Typically, this means individuals aged 20 to 30 and older.

  • Good Health and Stable Weight: Candidates should be in good overall health without serious medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. It is also preferable for their weight to be stable since significant fluctuations can affect the procedure’s outcomes.

  • Realistic Expectations: It’s important for candidates to have realistic expectations of the procedure. They should understand that cheek augmentation can enhance their appearance and self-esteem but will not drastically change their lives.

  • Dissatisfaction with Current Facial Shape: Candidates who wish to improve the contour of their face due to flat or poorly defined cheeks are good candidates for this procedure.

  • Absence of Medical Contraindications: It’s important for candidates not to have medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications, such as blood clotting problems, chronic diseases, or active infections.

  • Willingness to Follow Doctor’s Recommendations: Candidates should be willing to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions from their surgeon to achieve the best results and minimize the risk of complications.

Why South Korea?

South Korea annually conducts more cosmetic procedures and surgeries than any other country in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally because only 0.01% of medical school graduates become plastic surgeons here. The equipment and medical devices in Korea are of the same quality as those in the USA and Germany, placing it in the top three countries with the best technical equipment in clinics.

All jaw and facial surgeries are performed in accredited clinics that have permission to work with foreign patients and have in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons operating on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in jaw and facial surgeries and do not perform more than 2 surgeries per day.

How to prepare for jaw and facial surgery in South Korea

Before undergoing jaw and facial surgery in South Korea, it’s essential to prepare adequately. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Fast from Food and Water for 8 Hours Prior: Refrain from eating and drinking for at least 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower before arriving at the clinic.

  • Avoid Certain Medications: Avoid taking medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including brands like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the surgery. Tylenol should only be avoided for 3 days before the operation.

  • Quit Smoking: Quit smoking, including hookah and e-cigarettes, as smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the tissue healing process. Some surgeons may refuse to operate on smoking patients due to the higher risk of complications. Avoid being around smokers or in public places designated for smoking

  • Review Medical History: Be prepared to answer questions about your current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you have undergone. Also, inform the surgeon about any medications you are currently taking or have taken recently. Please do not withhold this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

  • Consult with the Surgeon and Show Desired Result Photos: Schedule a consultation with the surgeon and show them photos of the desired surgical outcome.

  • Bring Recent Test Results: If you have had medical tests done within the last month, you can bring them with you. If not, all necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.

  • Arrange Transportation: Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.

  • Prepare Comfort Items: Place items near your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone.

Facial cheek augmentation surgery

Before undergoing the surgery, you will have at least two consultations with the surgeon and will need to provide the necessary medical tests to qualify for the procedure. On the morning of the surgery, the surgeon will mark your face with a design, answer any questions you have, and hand you over to a medical coordinator. You will be taken to the restroom, asked about your well-being, and your last intake of water and food will be checked.

Next, you will be escorted to the operating room. There, you will be assisted in lying on the operating table, and your arms and legs will be secured to ensure your safety and prevent involuntary movements during the surgeon’s work. A catheter will be inserted into your arm to administer medication and anesthesia into your bloodstream.

After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon will make a small incision in your mouth and use it to insert implants, attaching them to the cheek tissues.

Once the surgery is complete and stitches have been applied to your face, a special dressing will be placed to protect the surgical area, hold the tissues together, and reduce swelling. You will wake up and be escorted to a recovery room for further recuperation.

What to expect after the surgery

After the surgery, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed, thanks to the effects of anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills, which will quickly pass. There will be a warming mattress on your bed to make this period more comfortable. Some degree of discomfort may be present due to the pain, although it is dulled by pain-relief injections and medications used during the surgery. Typically, these pains are strongest upon awakening, but the effect of the medications will kick in, and you can also request pain relief injections 1-2 hours after waking up.

In addition to discomfort, you will notice swelling in your face, which is normal as your body begins the healing process. You may also feel discomfort from the compression bandage; many clients complain that it presses under the chin. You can adjust the bandage slightly or ask for a cotton pad to be placed under it, but do not remove it. It will stay on for 2 weeks, so patience is required.

A cold compress will be brought to you a few minutes after waking up, and you can apply it to any part of your face. The more you use the compress in the first week after the surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.

You will stay in the clinic for a few hours after the surgery, and a catheter will remain in your arm to administer medication. Once the IV is finished, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms like dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge by changing clothes, collecting your medications, and receiving post-operative instructions.

By evening, the pain may intensify. Make sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the pain medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relief. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. Swelling will continue to increase over the next three days; do not be alarmed and continue following rehabilitation rules. On the 4th day, swelling will gradually begin to subside. Remember to rinse your mouth every 2-3 hours and after each meal to avoid infection.

By the end of the week, you will look much better. Try to walk as much as possible and continue sleeping in an elevated position.

After 14 days, the surgeon will remove the stitches. This may be slightly uncomfortable as the skin in the mouth is delicate and tender, but this process will quickly end, and you will enjoy the results for the rest of your life.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or by contacting us through any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Recovery process

Immediately After the Procedure: Following the surgery, your face will be covered with a compression bandage, and you may experience moderate pain. Swelling will begin, and you may feel pressure under the bandage. Unfortunately, you will have to endure this discomfort for several days.

Days 1-2: Swelling peaks, and it may extend to your entire face, making it appear larger. This is normal, so continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines.

Days 3-7: Swelling gradually starts to subside. Avoid strenuous activities or anything that requires you to bend your head down. Sleep with your head elevated.

Days 7-14: Swelling decreases, discomfort fades, and you can slowly return to your normal routine. Regular extended walks are recommended for quicker recovery. Stitches and bandages are removed. Do not smoke for at least 15 days after surgery to avoid infection. Vaping and hookah smoking are also strictly prohibited.

Days 14-21: Continue to avoid intense workouts and physical activities. Consume liquid food and maintain oral hygiene. The risk of mouth cavity infection is lower, but adhere to the rehabilitation rules. Avoid smoking and alcohol.

Days 21-30: Your face may still occasionally swell, depending on your sleeping position. Be patient, as it’s normal. Even with the slowest recovery, most patients return to work, and the surgery is not noticeable. However, facial puffiness may persist, especially in the mornings.

Days 31-60: Swelling almost completely disappears, and you forget about the surgery. You can eat solid food and start exercising.

Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea, sunbathe, and resume your normal activities. Facial swelling may occur in the mornings, especially after alcohol consumption. Don’t worry; it will fully subside a year after surgery.

1 Year After the Surgery: Full rehabilitation is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

The final cost, including post-operative care, anesthesia, room stay, medications, and VAT (refundable as tax-free), ranges from KRW 6,500,000 to KRW 8,800,000, depending on the clinic. The cost may change after a personal evaluation and determining whether it's the first or revision surgery.