Will There Be Much Swelling With Cheek Implant Removal?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m having my cheek implants removed later in the week due to an infection. Just wondering, will there be an excessive amount of swelling like when I had them placed in or will the amount of swelling be more limited this time round? Also, I’ve had them in for a year and will be replacing them in 6 months. In the meantime though, should I expect any damage or deformity from their removal? Lastly, I will be having some fat grafting done to my brow ridge. Will there be a lot of swelling associated with fat grafts to that region? Thanks for taking the time to answer my queries and it is much appreciated!

A: Removal of cheek implants is associated with far less swelling than their initial placement. Letting the tissues settle down and replacing the implants months later is not associated with any damage or deformity issues. Fat injections to anywhere on the face do not cause much tissue swelling.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana