Cheek augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that attempts to reshape the person’s facial topography into a more visually aesthetic form. It is commonly combined with similar cosmetic operations such as a facelift or chin augmentation because the implants can be inserted through the incisions for those surgeries. This can be an elective surgery or a response to a deformity or accident which has disfigured the face.

Typically, the surgeon makes incisions inside the upper mouth area at the gum line. He can then slide the implants, made of hardened silicone or polyethylene, into the correct position. These are normally fashioned to fit right on top of the current bone so the surgeon does not need to attach the implants via sutures or staples. Alternatively, the incision can be made underneath the eye, which happens to have a reduced chance of infection. Most patients opt for the intraoral approach, however, because it leaves no visible scar.