You’ve probably seen them. Those high, sharp cheekbones that seem to catch the light perfectly in every photo. Maybe you’ve wondered if it’s just great genetics or a really expensive highlighter. Often, it’s neither. When people start scouring the internet for cheek implant before after photos, they’re usually looking for a permanent fix for a flat midface or age-related sagging that fillers just can't touch.
It’s a big move.
Surgery is a whole different beast compared to a fifteen-minute syringe session. But for the right candidate, the change is transformative. Honestly, it’s about bone structure. If you weren't born with the zygomatic arches of a supermodel, implants literally change the architecture of your face.
Why people are moving away from fillers
Fillers are great, don't get me wrong. They’re quick. They’re relatively cheap upfront. But "filler fatigue" is a real thing. If you keep pumping hyaluronic acid into your cheeks year after year to get that lifted look, you eventually risk looking "pillowy" or overstuffed. This is what plastic surgeons often call the "Avatar" look.
Implants offer a different path.
Because the implant—usually made of solid silicone or porous polyethylene (like Medpor)—sits directly on the bone, it mimics the look of a natural skeleton. It doesn't move when you smile. It doesn't migrate to your jawline over time. When you look at a cheek implant before after gallery, the most successful outcomes show a refined, chiseled definition that looks like it belongs there.
Dr. Barry Eppley, a well-known craniofacial surgeon, often points out that implants can address specific deficiencies that filler simply masks. If your midface is recessed because of your actual bone structure, adding volume to the soft tissue (filler) won't ever look as crisp as adding volume to the bone itself.
The different types of "cheek" looks
Not all implants go in the same spot. This is where people get confused. Most folks think a "cheek implant" is just one thing, but surgeons generally categorize them based on where the volume is needed.
- Malar implants: These go on the actual cheekbones. They create that high-fashion, wide-set look.
- Submalar implants: These are placed lower down. They’re for people who have "hollow" cheeks or that gaunt look that comes with age or high-intensity exercise.
- Combined (Malar/Submalar): This is the "whole package." It augments the bone and fills the hollow below it.
The choice depends entirely on your starting point. Someone in their 20s looking for "snatched" features wants malar. Someone in their 50s trying to look less tired likely needs submalar.
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What the surgery is actually like
It’s usually an outpatient thing. You go under general anesthesia or heavy sedation. The surgeon makes an incision—usually inside your mouth, above the upper teeth. This is a huge plus because it means zero visible scarring on your face.
They create a pocket right against the bone.
The implant is slid in and often screwed down with a tiny titanium screw. Yeah, a screw. It sounds intense, but it’s actually the gold standard for preventing the implant from shifting later. Once it’s secured, the incision is stitched up with dissolvable sutures.
Recovery isn't a walk in the park, but it’s manageable. Expect to look like you went a few rounds in a boxing ring for about ten days. Your cheeks will be tight. You might have trouble smiling fully for a couple of weeks. But the "real" results—the ones you see in those cheek implant before after photos—start to emerge around the one-month mark once the major swelling subsides.
The risks nobody likes to talk about
We have to be real here. Every surgery has a downside. The biggest risk with cheek implants isn't actually "danger"—it's aesthetics.
Asymmetry is the main culprit.
If one implant sits even 2 millimeters higher or lower than the other, it’s noticeable. Your face isn't perfectly symmetrical to begin with, so a surgeon has to be an artist to make the implants look balanced. There’s also a risk of nerve numbness. Since the infraorbital nerve (which gives feeling to your upper lip and nose) is right there in the neighborhood, some temporary numbness is common. Permanent numbness is rare, but it can happen.
Then there’s infection. Since the incision is in the mouth, you have to be obsessive about oral hygiene during healing. If an implant gets infected, it usually has to come out. You can’t just treat it with antibiotics because the bacteria hide on the surface of the synthetic material where the blood supply can’t reach them.
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Comparing the "Before" and "After"
When you’re looking at cheek implant before after images, pay attention to the profile view.
In the "before," you might see a flat line from the lower eyelid down to the jaw. In the "after," there should be a distinct "ogee curve." This is the S-curve that defines a youthful, attractive face. It’s a gentle convexity at the cheek that transitions into a slight concavity at the mid-cheek.
Check the eyes, too. Sometimes, a cheek implant can actually improve the look of "bags" under the eyes by providing better support for the lower eyelid tissues. It’s a subtle ripple effect.
Is it reversible?
This is the number one question. The answer is yes, mostly.
Unlike a "bone shave" or a more invasive osteotomy, implants can be removed. If you hate the look, a surgeon can go back in through the same incisions and take them out. However, if you’ve had them for ten years, the tissues might have stretched a bit, so your "before" might not look exactly like your "original" self after removal.
Honestly, most people who get them done by a board-certified specialist don't want them out. They just want them adjusted.
Cost and longevity
Let’s talk numbers. You’re looking at anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on your city and the surgeon’s prestige. It’s a lot upfront. But compare that to $800–$1,500 for filler every nine months for the rest of your life.
The math favors the implant.
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These things are designed to last forever. They don't "wear out." Unless there’s a complication or you decide you want a different look, you’re one-and-done.
Practical next steps for those considering the change
If you’re staring at your reflection and thinking your face looks a bit "deflated," don't just book a surgery tomorrow.
Start with a consult. And not just any consult—find a surgeon who specializes in facial implants, not just general body work. Ask to see their specific cheek implant before after portfolio, specifically patients who have a similar face shape to yours.
Bring photos of what you like, but be prepared for the surgeon to tell you no. A good doctor will tell you if your skin is too thin for an implant (which might make the edges visible) or if you’d be better served by a fat transfer instead.
What to ask your surgeon:
- What material do you use? Silicone is easier to remove; Medpor integrates with your bone but is much harder to take out later.
- How do you secure them? Ask about those tiny screws. They really do help with long-term stability.
- Where will the incision be? Most do intraoral (mouth), but some go through the lower eyelid.
- What happens if I don't like the result? Get the "Plan B" talk out of the way before you ever go under.
The most important thing to remember is that a cheek implant shouldn't make you look like a different person. It should make you look like a more "rested," structurally sound version of yourself. It’s about restoring the frame of the face.
If you decide to move forward, prep for a liquid diet for a few days and buy some extra-strength mouthwash. You'll be back to showing off those new angles in no time. For more information on facial anatomy and surgical standards, resources like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) provide detailed safety checklists and board-certification verification tools to ensure you’re in the right hands.
Next Steps for Patients:
- Audit your current filler use: If you are using more than 2-3 syringes of filler per year in the midface, a surgical consultation is financially and aesthetically logical.
- Request 3D Imaging: Many modern clinics use Crisalix or Vectra 3D imaging to show you a simulated "after" on your own face before the surgery.
- Check Bone Density: If you are an older patient, discuss bone health with your doctor, as the implant requires a stable foundation for the fixation screws.
The transition from a liquid-filled cheek to a structured, implant-supported cheek is a permanent shift in your aesthetic profile. It requires more downtime than an injection, but the permanence and structural integrity are why it remains a staple in facial rejuvenation surgery.