Introduction to Tomcat Cheek Implants
Tomcat cheek implants are a type of facial implant used in cosmetic surgery to enhance the appearance of the cheekbones. The implants are specially designed to fill out sunken or flat cheeks, giving the face a more youthful look with higher and more defined cheekbones.
These solid silicone implants are inserted through an incision inside the mouth and positioned over the cheekbones to add volume and projection. This enhances the contours of the face for a fuller, heart-shaped appearance.
Tomcat cheek implants have risen in popularity over the last decade as more patients seek cosmetic procedures to achieve a slimmer face with a v-lined jaw and accentuated cheeks. The aging process causes ligaments in the face to weaken and sag, resulting in flattened cheekbones and a hollow look under the eyes. Tomcat implants aim to reverse these effects for a refreshed, revitalized facial profile.
Anatomy of the Face
The face contains multiple muscles that allow for facial expressions and movements. The cheeks specifically contain the buccinator muscle, zygomaticus major muscle, zygomaticus minor muscle, levator anguli oris muscle and risorius muscle https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546659/. The buccinator muscle allows for cheek puffing and sucking motions. The zygomaticus major and minor pull the corners of the mouth up and outward when smiling. The levator anguli oris raises the corners of the mouth, and the risorius pulls the corners of the mouth outward.
The cheeks consist of subcutaneous fat layered above the buccinator muscle. The amount of fat determines cheek fullness and contours. The zygomatic bone forms the cheekbone and provides structure to the midface. The maxilla bone also contributes to facial structure. Changes to the cheek soft tissues or underlying bone can lead to a sunken, hollowed appearance https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551530/.
Causes of Sunken Cheeks
There are several potential causes of sunken cheeks, both natural and medical. As we age, the fat pads in our cheeks start to diminish, causing a sunken look. Weight loss can also lead to a gaunt appearance in the cheeks if the fat pads reduce significantly. In addition, losing teeth and using ill-fitting dentures can make the cheeks sink inwards over time.
Certain medical conditions are associated with sunken cheeks as well. HIV/AIDS, cancer, anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders can all contribute to extreme weight and fat loss in the face. Facial lipoatrophy, a condition where facial fat disappears, leads to noticeable sunken cheeks. Additionally, connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that affect collagen can make the cheeks sag and hollow out.
Other factors like smoking, drug use, poor nutrition, dehydration,tooth extraction, and facial trauma from injury or surgery can also potentially cause sunken cheeks over time. In many cases, a combination of natural aging and medical factors are responsible for dramatic changes in the fullness of the cheeks.
Benefits of Tomcat Cheek Implants
Tomcat cheek implants can provide several aesthetic benefits by enhancing the cat’s natural contours and proportions. The main benefits include:
Improved facial contours and proportions – Cheek implants can add volume to flatten or sunken areas in the midface below the eyes. This can restore balance and symmetry to the cat’s facial features and profile 1.
Restored fullness – Over time, some male cats can develop deflated or sagging cheeks as they age or after neutering. Cheek implants can reinflate and fill out a sunken or hollow look for a fuller, plumper cheek appearance 2.
More youthful/healthy appearance – Enhancing facial contours and restoring volume can take years off a cat’s face for a refreshed, vibrant look. The cat may appear healthier and more virile.
Overall, cheek implants aim to improve the cat’s facial aesthetics and proportions for a more youthful, masculine appearance.
The Tomcat Cheek Implant Procedure
The Tomcat cheek implant procedure is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation as an outpatient surgery. The surgeon will make small incisions either inside the mouth or under the lower eyelids (Hopkins 2023). Using these incisions, the surgeon creates small pockets in the cheek area where the implant will be placed.
The implants are usually made of solid silicone and come in a range of shapes and sizes to match the patient’s facial structure and aesthetic goals. The surgeon will select and customize the implants to achieve a natural, proportionate look. The implants are then inserted into the pockets and positioned against the cheekbones for support and structure (Hopkins 2023).
After the implants are in place, the incisions are closed with sutures. Swelling, bruising, and numbness are normal post-operative side effects that usually subside within a couple weeks. Patients are typically able to return to their normal routines within 7-10 days. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and prevent infection during the recovery period.
Before and After Results
Tomcat cheek implants can produce dramatic improvements in facial contour and profile. Seeing before and after photos of real patients can help give an idea of the potential transformation.
In before photos, patients often exhibit flat or sunken cheek areas, giving the face a gaunt, unhealthy appearance. The cheeks can look hollow, especially in side profile views.
After receiving cheek augmentation with tomcat implants, patients showcase a restored fullness to the midface region. Their cheeks become more projecting and defined. Side profiles display improved contour and a smoother facial line from the cheeks down to the jaw.[1]
The overall effect is a more youthful, refreshed look. Patients appear healthier and more vibrant. Their facial features become more balanced and proportional. The visual impact can be quite dramatic yet still look natural.
When performed by a skilled surgeon, tomcat cheek implants can produce beautiful, elegant results. Patients are often delighted by their renewed facial aesthetics and improved self-confidence.
Cost and Financial Information
The average cost of cheek implants ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 depending on several factors. According to RealSelf, the average price is around $9,569 based on patient reviews.
The exact cost depends on the surgeon, geographic location, type of facility, anesthesia fees, and implant material. Silicone implants are more affordable while porous polyethylene (Medpor) and EPP ePTFE implants are more expensive. Complex revision surgeries generally cost more as well.
Patients can pay for cheek implants out-of-pocket or finance the procedure through loans and payment plans. Some practices offer their own financing options. However, cheek implants are usually considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.
There are a few cases where insurance may help pay for cheek implants:
– Congenital defects and birth abnormalities requiring reconstructive surgery
– Facial injuries, trauma or cancer treatment requiring facial reconstruction
– Functional issues like trouble eating due to sunken cheeks
Patients should check with their insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage for medically necessary cheek augmentation procedures.
Finding a Qualified Surgeon
When considering any type of facial implant surgery like tomcat cheek implants, it is crucial to find a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. As the American Society of Plastic Surgeons states, selecting the right surgeon you can trust is the most important factor for success and safety.
Be sure to verify the surgeon’s credentials and experience in performing a high volume of cheek augmentation procedures. An experienced surgeon will be able to show many before and after photos of actual patients who have undergone tomcat cheek implants. They should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Schedule in-depth consultations with potential surgeons. Come prepared with questions about their experience, techniques, implant options, and your goals for cheek enhancement. A qualified surgeon will listen attentively, address all your concerns, and help you determine optimal implant type, size, and placement to complement your facial structure. Never choose a surgeon who tries to rush you into committing to surgery.
Finding a well-qualified, experienced surgeon to perform your tomcat cheek implant procedure will help ensure you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results safely with minimal risk of complications.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, cheek implant surgery does carry some risks and potential complications. Being aware of these ahead of time can help patients make an informed decision.
Some potential risks and complications include:
- Infection – There is a small risk of developing an infection after surgery, especially in the first few weeks. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and pus drainage. Infections are treated with antibiotics but may require implant removal in severe cases (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5876842/).
- Bleeding – Some minor bleeding is common after cheek implant surgery. However, rarely a hematoma (collection of blood) may form under the skin. Additional surgery may be needed to drain this blood collection.
- Asymmetry – While the goal is facial symmetry, the final results may not be perfectly symmetrical. Slight differences in implant position or facial swelling may lead to slight asymmetry.
- Implant shifting – In some cases, cheek implants may shift slightly out of position over time. Additional surgery may be required to reposition or replace shifting implants.
- Nerve damage – There is a small risk of nerve damage during surgery, which may cause temporary or permanent numbness in areas of the face.
- Extrusion – Rarely, cheek implants may break through the overlying tissues and become exposed. This requires additional surgery to remove or replace the implant.
Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon with experience performing cheek augmentation can help minimize risks and achieve the best possible outcome (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facial-implants/safety). However, even in the best hands, complications can sometimes occur.
Caring for Cheek Implants
Proper care after cheek implant surgery is crucial for proper healing and reducing the risk of complications. Here are some tips for caring for cheek implants during recovery:
Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on caring for the surgery site. It’s important to follow these diligently. Typical recommendations include:
- Keeping the head elevated on pillows while sleeping to minimize swelling.
- Using cool compresses on the cheeks to help reduce bruising and swelling.
- Taking prescribed pain medications as directed.
- Eating only soft foods for the first week to avoid excessive chewing.
- Avoiding strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks.
Follow-up appointments with your surgeon are crucial to monitor healing. These are typically scheduled 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. The surgeon will examine the implants and look for proper integration, symmetry, and any complications.
With proper surgical technique, cheek implants can last for decades. However, it’s possible for shifting or damage to occur over time. Let your surgeon know if you notice any changes to the shape or feel of the implants at follow-up visits. If necessary, a replacement procedure may be recommended down the road.
