Cheek implants

Hospital stay: Cheek implant surgery is usually a same-day procedure. Once you’ve recovered from the anaesthetic, you’ll be ready to go. Because you’ve had general anaesthetic, you’ll need someone to pick you up and take you home.

Pain management: Pain is different for everyone but normal painkillers such as Nurofen® and Panadeine® are usually all you’ll need. An icepack can help reduce any swelling or pain.

Work/school: You’ll need to allow approximately 7 days off.

Stitches: Dissolving stitches are used in most cases. They gradually dissolve over 1 to 2 weeks.

Follow up care: Dr van Mourik will want to see you after your surgery to monitor your healing. You’ll need to avoid contact sports and sleeping on your face for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Complete healing can take 3 to 6 weeks.

Dr Van Mourik will give you detailed post-operative instructions during your pre-surgery consultation. To maximise your chance of making a quick recovery without complications, please pay careful attention to these instructions. General information can be found on the Post-op and patient care page.

It’s unusual to have complications with cheek implant surgery when you have a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform the procedure. However, all surgeries have some potential risks and complications and for cheek implants they include:

• Shifting of the implant
• Infection
• Haematoma (temporary collection of blood in tissue)
• Seroma (temporary collection of fluid in tissue)

Medicare will reimburse you for part of your initial consultation.

Dr van Mourik will give you a written quote for the cost of your cheek implant surgery at the initial consultation. We’ll help you make applicable Medicare and private health insurance claims so that you’ll know how much of the cost will be covered.

We’ll give you contact details for the anaesthetist so you can obtain their fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance will cover part of the anaesthetist’s costs.

Dr van Mourik is a highly experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He explains things clearly and he’s a good listener, so do ask him questions about your cheek implant surgery and tell him about any concerns you have — he’ll take the time to answer you and manage your concerns sensitively.