Up to 1 hour
Local or general
About 1 week to normal activity
Permanent (reversible if desired)
Cheek implants are a permanent cosmetic procedure that add volume and definition to your cheeks for a more youthful, symmetrical appearance. At The Sculptique Aesthetics in Mumbai, our surgeons, Dr. Aamod Rao and Dr. Ankit Bhupatkar, perform cheek implant surgery with precision and an eye for natural balance. The procedure is generally quick, often uses local anaesthesia, and carries minimal risks when performed by an experienced team.
Whether you were born with flat or less defined cheeks, want to restore contour after ageing or trauma, or simply wish for better facial proportion, a consultation helps determine if cheek implants (including malar or submalar options) are right for you. We'll discuss your goals, implant types and placement so the result looks like a refreshed, enhanced you.
What it is
Cheek implants are solid pieces of medical-grade material—typically silicone or porous polyethylene (Medpor®)—surgically placed on or above your cheekbone to enhance definition and fullness. They offer a permanent solution for flat or under-defined cheeks and create a more angular, youthful bone structure.
Types of cheek implants:
Submalar implants sit at the upper part of the cheek, beneath the eyes. They improve a sunken or hollow look and add volume where the cheek begins.
Malar implants sit lower on the cheekbone and create a more angular, defined bone structure. Malar cheek implants are common among people in their twenties and thirties who want stronger cheekbone definition.
Combination: Submalar and malar implants can be placed in one procedure to give the face both volume and definition. Your surgeon will recommend the type and size based on your anatomy and goals.
Incisions are usually made inside the mouth or, in some techniques, under the eyelid. The implant is fitted and secured to the cheekbone, then the incision is closed. Scarring is minimal when the incision is intraoral. At The Sculptique Aesthetics, Our surgeons tailor the approach to your face so the result looks natural and proportionate.
Who it's for
Good candidates for cheek implants are generally in good physical health, do not smoke (or can quit before and after surgery), and have realistic expectations. You may be a good candidate if you want to change facial structure or appearance due to genetics, create a more symmetrical or proportional face, improve cheek definition, look younger, or restore cheek appearance after injury or trauma.
You may not be an ideal candidate if you have a high BMI, uncontrolled diabetes, a blood or bone disorder, very thin skin, or if you smoke and cannot stop before the procedure. A detailed consultation with one of our surgeons will review your medical history and goals to determine suitability. Both men and women can have cheek implants; the procedure is more common among women but is increasingly chosen by men who want stronger cheekbone definition.
Benefits
- Permanent enhancement of cheek definition and fullness (implants are removable if you change your mind)
- More prominent, balanced cheekbones and a youthful facial structure
- Improved facial symmetry and proportion
- Relatively short procedure and minimal recovery time
- Minimal visible scarring when incisions are inside the mouth
- Option to combine submalar and malar implants in one surgery for volume and definition
Recovery & results
Cheek implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure: you go home the same day. You may feel soreness or tightness in the cheeks for a few days. Your surgeon will give specific instructions for incision care—for example, if the incision was inside the mouth, you may need a liquid or soft diet for up to a week and a special rinse. Avoid sleeping on your face for a few weeks.
Redness and swelling usually fade over several weeks to a month. You should see the final result once swelling has fully subsided. Most people return to work and normal activities within about a week; strenuous exercise or heavy lifting may need to be avoided for several weeks. Cheek implants are permanent, but the surgery is reversible—implants can be removed at any time if you wish. Follow-up visits ensure you are healing well.
Frequently asked questions
Cheek implants are commonly made of medical-grade silicone or porous polyethylene (Medpor®). These materials have been used safely for decades in facial surgery. Your surgeon will explain which type is best for your anatomy and goals.
Cheek fillers add volume with injections and are temporary—effects typically last from six months to several years depending on the product. Cheek implants are permanent and provide structural change. Fillers may suit those who prefer a non-surgical option or have health conditions that make surgery less suitable. For lasting definition and volume, implants are the permanent choice.
When the incision is inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars. If an incision is used under the eyelid, it is placed in a natural crease and heals discreetly. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for your type of implant.
Cheek implants are permanent. They do not need to be replaced unless you choose to have them removed or exchanged. The procedure is reversible—implants can be removed at any time if you wish.
As with any surgery, possible risks include bleeding, infection, numbness, chronic pain, or shifting of the implant (migration), which could cause lumpiness or asymmetry. Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in cheek implants—such as Dr. Aamod Rao and Dr. Ankit Bhupatkar at The Sculptique Aesthetics—helps minimise these risks. We discuss all potential complications openly at your consultation.
Cheek implant and malar implant surgery at The Sculptique Aesthetics in Mumbai is performed by Dr. Aamod Rao and Dr. Ankit Bhupatkar. Both have expertise in facial aesthetics and tailor implant type, size and placement to your face for natural, balanced results. Book a consultation to discuss your goals and whether you are a good candidate.
