FACIAL SURGERY

Cheekbone augmentation

Cheek bones (zygomatic bones) provide much of the projection of the mid-face and may at times require additional support or augmentation either due to under-development or due to an asymmetry or injury. Augmentation is usually performed with custom-made, 3D printed implants based on digital scans of the face.

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Cheekbone augmentation, facial surgery

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Surgical augmentation of the cheekbones using custom-made, 3D printed implants based on digital scans of the face to allow the highest levels of precision. Occasionally, fat augmentation or transfer is also used to achieve the desired result.

Procedure
Cheekbone augmentation (3D-printed implants)
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Duration
1–3 hrs
Stay
Day-stay or 1 night
Recovery
1–2 weeks back to work

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Cheekbone augmentation is usually considered when:

  • Mid-face projection is under-developed and affects facial harmony
  • Asymmetry of the cheekbones is present (congenital or post-trauma)
  • Reconstruction is needed following facial trauma or tumour surgery
  • Custom 3D-printed implant planning is appropriate for precision
  • Fat augmentation or transfer is being considered as a less invasive alternative
WHO PERFORMS THIS

Performed by Richard Cobb

Mr Richard Cobb performs this procedure at OMS Specialists.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • 0–2 days

    First 24–48 hours

    Day-stay or single night admission. Swelling and bruising of the mid-face, managed with prescribed pain relief and head elevation.

    Red flags · Difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, fever over 38.5°C, or severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication.

  • 1–14 days

    Week 1–2

    Swelling settles progressively. Most patients return to desk-based work within 1 to 2 weeks. Soft diet for the first week.

  • 6–12 weeks

    Week 6–12

    Bone-implant integration is largely complete by 6–12 weeks, and the final aesthetic result becomes apparent.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Implant position or asymmetry

    Custom 3D-printed implants based on digital scans of the face allow the highest levels of precision, but small asymmetries can still occur and rarely require revision.

  • Infection

    Infection around an implant is uncommon and is managed with prescribed antibiotics. Rarely, implant removal is required.

  • Altered sensation

    Numbness or altered sensation of the cheek, lip or gum is common in the early weeks and usually recovers over months.

  • Aesthetic outcome

    Aesthetic surgery has subjective outcomes. We use digital planning and clinical photography to set realistic expectations at consultation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about cheekbone augmentation

Why use 3D-printed implants?

Augmentation is usually performed with custom-made, 3D printed implants based on digital scans of the face to allow the highest levels of precision. A CT scan of the face is used to design an implant that matches your anatomy exactly, before being manufactured and verified. This approach gives a far more precise outcome than off-the-shelf implants.

Is fat transfer an alternative?

Occasionally, fat augmentation or transfer is also used to achieve the desired result, either alone or in combination with implants. Fat transfer is less invasive but the volume of correction is more variable and may require more than one session.

Will the surgery leave visible scars?

The incisions for cheekbone implants are usually placed inside the mouth or in inconspicuous external locations, leaving minimal visible scarring. The specific approach is planned at consultation.

Will my insurance cover the procedure?

Cosmetic cheekbone augmentation is usually self-funded. Where augmentation is clinically indicated as part of a reconstructive plan, Southern Cross and Nib may cover the procedure under their surgical plans.

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