Facial feminization surgery

Cheek augmentation

While the shape of the cheeks is not generally a female or male characteristic, it is true that a lack of cheek prominence is often not appealing. High prominent cheekbones are frequently associated with feminine beauty. Augmentation is therefore helpful in feminising the face.

The pink area indicates where the implant is situated.

Notice the differences between the male and female skulls. The cheekbones are more prominent in women and together with the more slender angles of the jaw and smaller chin this gives the face more of a heart shape. The face is squarer in men due to the flatter cheekbones, the jutting-out jaw angles and the squarer chin.

Bianca before cheek augmentation		Bianca after cheek augmentation
Gender of the cheek Females often have more forward projection in their cheekbones as well as fuller cheeks overall.
male cranium		female cranium

Feminising the cheek

Cheek augmentations are generally completed utilizing an implant.
As we have seen too many problems with capsulation, displacement or infection of silicone implants we only use Medpor® implants that consist of porous polyethylene. They allow for surrounding tissue ingrowth because of its open pore structure. This ingrowth of internal tissue prevents the implant from shifting out of place.
The implants come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and can easily be moulded, depending on the needs of the patient. They are easy to apply and noticable asymmetries after surgery are almost impossible.

The pink area indicates the area where implants are placed.

All possible shapes of cheek implants we use, depending on the patients needs.

Procedure

• Cheek augmentations are usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia and take about one to two hours.
• A small incision is made inside the mouth, in the gum above the upper teeth, so no scars will be visible on the outside.
• A pocket behind the muscles of each cheek is then created and the implant is placed immediately overlying the cheek bones.
• The implants are sculpted at the time of the surgery for adjustment to the needs of each patient and then fixated to the bone using microscrews to prevent displacement.

Incision for placement of the cheek implant.

Recovery

• Sutures: You will have sutures in your mouth, which are dissolvable. You should use mouthwash 2 to 3 times a day, to keep the area clear of debris. The resulting scars on the gums will be completely concealed inside the mouth.
• Swelling: You can expect to have some swelling following this surgery. Try to rest and sleep propped up with 2 -3 pillows during the first week after your surgery, to help reduce any swelling and bruising. The swelling may last one or two weeks. Bruises are very infrequent.
• Pain: Pain, stiffness and temporary numbness may occur.

Complications

It is very unlikely for cheek surgery to present any complications. However, every surgery, no matter how simple it may be, has certain risks that should be recognized.

• Infection: Because the implant is a foreign material and is being placed through the mouth, antibiotics are utilized to prevent the possibility of infection. If an infection were to develop in spite of antibiotics, the implants might have to be removed. This has never happened in our centre.