Cheek implants and malar augmentation
Personalised cheek implant surgery and malar augmentation planned with advanced 3D technology to improve cheekbone definition, midface projection and selected cases of facial asymmetry.
A cheek implant is designed to improve the structural support of the cheekbone area. The objective is to achieve a precise, anatomical and natural-looking change, avoiding an artificial or standardised appearance.
What are cheek implants?
Cheek implants are facial implants designed to improve the structure, projection or definition of the cheekbone area. They may be considered when the midface appears flat, underprojected, asymmetric or poorly supported in relation to the eyes, nose, chin and jawline.
Malar augmentation refers to enhancement of the malar region, or cheekbone area. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, planning may focus on the upper cheekbone, the submalar area beneath the cheekbone, or a combined malar and submalar design.
The goal is not simply to make the cheeks larger. The aim is to improve midface balance, cheekbone support and facial harmony with a controlled, anatomical and medically planned result.
Every case requires an individual assessment. The implant design, surgical approach and expected outcome depend on the patient’s facial structure, cheekbone anatomy, soft tissue thickness and realistic aesthetic objectives.
Cheek implant types and treatment planning
Cheek implants can be planned in different ways depending on whether the objective is to improve cheekbone projection, submalar support, facial symmetry or a previous treatment result. The correct option depends on the patient’s anatomy, soft-tissue thickness and surgical objective.
Malar implants are designed to improve cheekbone projection and definition. They are usually focused on the upper cheek area, where the cheekbone gives structure to the midface.
Submalar cheek implants are planned for the area beneath the cheekbone. They may be considered when the concern is midface hollowing or insufficient support below the malar prominence.
Some patients require a combined design to improve both cheekbone definition and the transition into the lower midface.
Custom cheekbone implants are designed according to the patient’s anatomy. They may be useful for asymmetry, complex anatomy, previous surgery or when standard implant shapes are unlikely to fit accurately.
In male patients, cheek implant planning usually focuses on structural definition, cheekbone support and facial balance, avoiding excessive roundness or artificial volume.
Revision planning may be considered when previous filler treatment, fat grafting, implant surgery or facial surgery has produced asymmetry, poor definition or an unsatisfactory cheekbone contour.
What can cheek implants help improve?
A cheek implant may be considered when the main concern is structural and affects the balance of the midface. The following points are not separate diagnoses, but common reasons why a patient may request assessment.
The cheekbone area has limited projection, so the midface appears flat or less defined from the front, side or three-quarter view.
The central face lacks structural support, which may affect the transition between the lower eyelid, cheekbone and cheek.
One cheekbone may differ from the other in projection, height, contour or volume, creating facial imbalance.
The area beneath the cheekbone appears hollow or poorly supported, which may require submalar or combined planning rather than simple malar projection.
The cheekbones are assessed in relation to the eyes, nose, lips, chin, jawline and overall facial architecture.
Previous filler treatment, fat grafting, implant surgery or facial surgery has produced an unsatisfactory contour, asymmetry or lack of definition.
How Dr Riba assesses your cheekbone structure
A cheek implant is not indicated simply because the cheeks appear flat or the face could look more defined. The decision should be based on malar bone structure, midface projection, facial symmetry, soft tissue behaviour and the patient’s objectives.
In some cases, a cheek implant may be the most suitable option. In others, a different treatment pathway may be safer or more accurate, such as facial fat grafting, lower eyelid surgery, orthognathic surgery or a combined facial structure plan.
3D planning for custom cheek implant surgery
In selected cases, advanced 3D planning allows the cheek implant to be designed according to the patient’s facial skeleton, malar projection, asymmetry and midface support needs.
This approach is particularly useful when the case requires bilateral precision, correction of asymmetry or a more refined adaptation than a standard cheek implant can provide.
Malar augmentation before and after cases
A selection of visual cases related to malar augmentation, cheek implants and cheekbone implants. Each image already includes its own case presentation.
Patients searching for cheek implants before and after images should understand that results vary depending on cheekbone anatomy, soft tissue thickness, implant design, healing and whether cheek implants are performed alone or combined with other facial procedures.
Before and after cases are informative and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed result.
How custom 3D facial prostheses are designed
In this video, Dr Francisco Riba explains how custom 3D facial prostheses are designed from the patient’s own anatomy, using medical imaging, digital planning and patient-specific surgical design.
This type of planning helps assess the cheekbone structure, midface projection, symmetry, facial proportions and fixation points before surgery. The objective is to design a prosthesis that adapts precisely to the patient’s facial skeleton and clinical needs.
Every case requires an individual medical assessment. Dr Riba offers in-person consultations and video consultations for patients in Spain and international patients considering custom facial implants.
Potential benefits of cheek implant surgery
The potential benefits depend on the indication and must be assessed individually. In appropriate cases, the treatment can improve cheekbone definition, midface support and facial harmony.
How the cheek implant process is planned
The process may vary depending on the clinical indication, cheekbone anatomy, previous treatments and whether advanced 3D planning is required.
When cheek implants may not be the right option
Some patients may benefit from cheek implants, while others may require a different approach, such as facial fat grafting, soft-tissue treatment, lower eyelid surgery, orthognathic surgery, facelift surgery or a combined treatment plan.
For this reason, the cheekbone area should not be analysed in isolation. It must be assessed in relation to the eyes, lower eyelids, nose, maxilla, chin, jawline, neck and overall facial structure.
A safe and realistic indication is essential. The aim is to recommend the most appropriate treatment pathway, not simply the most visible procedure.
Standard or custom cheek implant
A cheek implant may be planned using a standard implant or a custom design, depending on the patient’s anatomy, projection needs, asymmetry and surgical objectives.
Standard implants have a predefined shape and may be suitable in selected cases. However, when the case requires a more precise adaptation to the cheekbone, correction of asymmetry or a combined midface design, a custom cheek implant may offer more accurate planning.
The choice of material —medical-grade silicone, porous polyethylene, titanium, PEEK or other options— should not be considered in isolation. The key factors are the indication, implant design, stability, surgical planning, tissue coverage and follow-up.
Dr Riba will explain which type of implant, material and surgical approach may be most appropriate after assessing the cheekbone structure, soft tissues and overall facial proportions.
Recovery after cheek implant surgery
Recovery varies depending on the surgical plan, implant design, patient anatomy and whether other procedures are performed at the same time.
Swelling, tightness, bruising or moderate discomfort can appear during the first phase. If the incision is inside the mouth, oral hygiene instructions and diet recommendations must be followed carefully.
The cheekbone contour usually becomes clearer gradually as swelling reduces. The final shape should not be judged too early.
Follow-up appointments are important to assess healing, sensitivity, implant stability and the evolution of the result.
Patients travelling from outside Madrid or Spain should receive personalised guidance about travel timing, postoperative care and follow-up. An in-person consultation or video consultation with Dr Riba can be requested before organising the trip.
Risks and limitations of cheek implant surgery
Cheek implant surgery can be useful in selected cases, but it is still a surgical procedure close to important nerves, blood vessels, muscles and soft tissues. It must be approached with realistic expectations.
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, haematoma, asymmetry, implant displacement, changes in sensitivity, persistent swelling, contour irregularities, visible or palpable edges, scarring, dissatisfaction with the result, anaesthesia-related risks and the possible need for revision surgery.
A detailed assessment is required to determine whether a standard cheek implant, custom cheek implant, soft-tissue treatment, facial fat grafting, orthognathic surgery or another treatment pathway is more appropriate.
This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. The indication, expected result, surgical risks and recovery plan must be assessed individually by Dr Riba.
Patient experience and verified reviews
Verified patient reviews related to Dr Francisco Riba, custom facial implants, cheekbone implants and facial surgery planning. These reviews have been translated from Spanish while preserving their original meaning.
“If you are looking for the best in personalised facial surgery, Dr Riba is the answer. I had 3D planning for cheekbones and chin, and the result has a level of precision that you do not achieve with conventional implants. He is a true pioneer in this field and having him here is a privilege. The digital planning he performs is on another level. I felt very safe in his hands and in his operating theatre. He also has a great supporting medical team.”
A.G. Verified patient · Translated from Spanish · Top Doctors · 26 December 2025“My name is Roberto Arias, I am a Mexican citizen, and I visited Dr Riba for a cheekbone and chin implant procedure last December. My experience at the clinic with Dr Riba and his team was incredible. I received humane, kind, professional, technical and specialised care. Dr Riba and his entire team made me feel confident and safe. The results of my surgery are better than I had dreamed. I will return this year, this time for rhinoplasty.”
Roberto Arias Google review · Translated from Spanish“Six months ago I had a bichectomy, a chin implant with a titanium prosthesis and TMJ infiltration with Dr Riba, and I could not be happier with the results. I went to his consultation because of a slight asymmetry that bothered me, and because I had always had noticeable cheeks despite being slim. Now my face looks more harmonious and balanced. I saw several doctors before deciding on Dr Riba, and I certainly do not regret choosing him. From the first minute I felt very comfortable, and I would not hesitate to put myself in his hands again. Thank you, Doctor, and the whole Face Clinic team. I felt at home.”
Elisiane Braganca Google review · Translated from SpanishReviews are individual patient experiences. They should not be interpreted as a guarantee of surgical outcome. Each case requires individual diagnosis, planning and informed consent.
Questions about cheek implants
These answers provide general information only. The final indication depends on an individual assessment with Dr Riba.
Cheek implants made from medical-grade materials are designed as a long-term structural solution. Longevity depends on correct indication, implant position, material choice, stability, healing and follow-up.
The cost of cheek implants depends on diagnostic planning, implant type, custom design, material, surgical setting, anaesthesia, fixation system and whether other procedures are combined. A personalised quotation is provided after assessment.
The main downside is that cheek implants are surgery, not a temporary treatment. They require careful indication, recovery time and acceptance of possible risks such as swelling, asymmetry, implant displacement, infection or the need for revision.
Pain is usually managed with prescribed medication, but discomfort, tightness and swelling can occur during the first phase of recovery. The degree of discomfort varies depending on the surgical plan and individual healing.
Cheek implants can improve cheekbone projection and midface support in selected cases, but they are not the same as a facelift. If the main issue is skin laxity or jowls, other procedures may need to be assessed.
They may be a good option for selected patients with structural cheekbone deficiency, asymmetry or midface underprojection. They are not appropriate for every patient, so diagnosis and realistic planning are essential.
Cheek implants can look natural and balanced when the indication, size, shape, position and tissue coverage are appropriate. Overcorrection or poor planning can create an artificial appearance.
Expected short-term effects may include swelling, bruising, tightness, temporary numbness and discomfort. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, implant displacement, contour irregularities or revision surgery.
Well-planned cheek implants should not be obvious. Signs of an unnatural result may include excessive projection, poor transition with surrounding tissues, visible edges, asymmetry or a cheek shape that does not match the rest of the face.
Some cheek implants, especially certain custom designs or rigid materials, may be fixed with small screws for stability. Other implants may be stabilised within a precisely created surgical pocket. The fixation method depends on the case.
They may be worthwhile for patients seeking a structural and long-term change in cheekbone projection or midface balance. The decision should be based on diagnosis, expected benefit, surgical risk and realistic objectives.
Risks may include infection, bleeding, haematoma, altered sensation, asymmetry, implant displacement, visible or palpable edges, dissatisfaction with the result, anaesthesia-related risks and the possible need for revision surgery.
Disadvantages include surgical recovery, cost, possible complications and the need for precise long-term planning. They are less reversible than temporary treatments, although implants can usually be removed or revised if medically necessary.
They can look natural when the implant is proportionate, well positioned and consistent with the patient’s facial skeleton and soft tissues. Natural-looking results depend more on planning than on simply choosing a small or large implant.
Cheek implants are not designed primarily to lift jowls. They may improve midface support in selected cases, but lower-face laxity, jowls or neck ageing usually require separate assessment.
Neither option is universally better. Fillers are temporary and may be useful for selected soft-tissue volume changes. Cheek implants are structural and long-term. The correct option depends on anatomy, objective, safety and expected stability.
A suitable candidate is usually in good general health, has realistic expectations and has a structural cheekbone or midface concern that can be improved surgically. Smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions or unrealistic goals may affect suitability.
Cheek implants are commonly placed through an incision inside the mouth or, in selected cases, through another planned surgical approach. The implant is positioned over the cheekbone and stabilised according to the design and surgical plan.
Yes. Men can undergo cheek implant surgery when there is a suitable indication. In male patients, planning often focuses on structural definition, cheekbone support and facial balance without creating excessive roundness.
The cost of cheek implants, cheekbone implants or malar augmentation depends on the complexity of the case, diagnostic planning, implant design, surgical setting and whether other treatments are combined. A personalised quotation is provided after assessment.
Why choose Dr Francisco Riba for cheek implants?
Dr Francisco Riba is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with experience in custom 3D facial implants, facial skeletal surgery and advanced digital planning. His approach is based on structural precision, natural-looking results and careful case selection.
The objective is not to create a different face or follow temporary aesthetic trends. In cheek implant surgery, the aim is to improve cheekbone support, midface proportion and facial balance while preserving the patient’s identity.
Bone-first midface analysis. Dr Riba assesses the cheekbones in relation to the orbit, maxilla, nose, chin, jawline, soft tissues and global facial harmony before deciding whether a cheek implant is the most appropriate option.
Cheek implant planning starts with the facial skeleton. The malar area is assessed in relation to the orbit, maxilla, nose, chin, jawline and overall facial architecture.
The goal is not simply to add volume. A cheek implant is planned to improve projection, symmetry and definition with a result that remains coherent with the patient’s own anatomy.
Patients in Spain and international patients can request an initial consultation pathway before deciding whether to travel to Madrid for assessment or treatment.
Request your personalised assessment
Send your initial information and Dr Riba’s team will help guide you towards the most appropriate consultation pathway.
Patients can request an in-person consultation in Madrid or, when appropriate, a video consultation with Dr Riba before travelling to Spain.
