Cheek Augmentation and Facial Implants at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital
Author: Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FACS
Reviewed by: Dr. Wang Lei, Craniofacial Surgeon
Last Updated: March 5, 2026
Cheek augmentation using facial implants has become a sought-after procedure for patients seeking enhanced facial contours and a more youthful appearance. Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, stands as a leading institution for facial implant procedures in China, with decades of experience in craniofacial surgery and aesthetic enhancement.
Understanding Cheek Augmentation
Cheek augmentation enhances the midface region by adding volume and definition to the cheekbones (malar area) and submalar region (area below cheekbones). This procedure addresses flat or underdeveloped cheeks, age-related volume loss, and facial asymmetry, creating more balanced and harmonious facial proportions.
According to the Chinese Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, cheek augmentation procedures have increased by 40% over the past five years, with both surgical implants and injectable fillers gaining popularity. While fillers offer temporary results lasting 12-24 months, implants provide permanent enhancement with a single procedure.
Ideal candidates include patients with naturally flat cheeks, those experiencing age-related midface deflation, or individuals seeking more defined facial contours. Good general health, realistic expectations, and stable facial bone structure are essential prerequisites for successful outcomes.
Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital: A Leader in Facial Surgery
Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital has established itself as China’s premier institution for craniofacial and plastic surgery since its founding in 1920. The hospital’s Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery performs over 30,000 procedures annually, including approximately 800 facial implant surgeries.
Academic excellence distinguishes Shanghai Ninth from other facilities. The hospital serves as a training center for plastic surgeons nationwide and conducts ongoing research in biomaterials and surgical techniques. Their faculty includes multiple chief physicians and professors who have published extensively in international medical journals.
The hospital’s Craniofacial Surgery Center specializes in complex facial bone procedures, providing expertise that translates to superior outcomes in aesthetic facial implant surgery. This combination of academic rigor, surgical volume, and specialized expertise makes Shanghai Ninth a preferred destination for patients seeking facial augmentation.
Types of Facial Implants Used
Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital offers several implant materials, each with distinct characteristics. Silicone implants remain the most commonly used due to their biocompatibility, ease of placement, and removability if needed. These solid yet flexible implants come in various shapes and sizes to match individual facial anatomy.
Medpor (porous polyethylene) implants allow tissue ingrowth, creating more permanent integration with surrounding structures. While this reduces migration risk, removal becomes more complex if needed. Surgeons at Shanghai Ninth typically recommend Medpor for patients seeking maximum stability and long-term results.
Gore-Tex (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) implants offer another option, particularly for patients with thin skin or those requiring custom shaping. The material can be carved during surgery to achieve precise contours. Some surgeons prefer Gore-Tex for Asian patients due to its softer feel and natural appearance under thinner facial skin.
The Surgical Procedure
Pre-operative evaluation at Shanghai Ninth includes comprehensive facial analysis using 3D imaging technology. Surgeons assess bone structure, soft tissue thickness, and facial proportions to select appropriate implant size and placement. Computer simulation helps patients visualize potential outcomes, though surgeons emphasize these are estimates, not guarantees.
Surgery typically takes 1-2 hours under general anesthesia. Incisions are made inside the mouth (intraoral approach) or through lower eyelid incisions (transconjunctival approach), leaving no visible external scars. Surgeons create precise pockets over the cheekbone, position the implants, and secure them with screws or sutures to prevent migration.
The intraoral approach is most common at Shanghai Ninth, offering excellent access and avoiding facial incisions. However, this requires meticulous oral hygiene post-operatively to prevent infection. The transconjunctival approach may be preferred when combining cheek augmentation with lower eyelid surgery or when oral access is limited.
Recovery and Expected Results
Hospital stay typically lasts 1-2 days for monitoring. Initial swelling peaks at 48-72 hours, with significant improvement by two weeks. Most patients return to work within 7-10 days, though strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks to ensure proper healing and implant stabilization.
Dietary restrictions apply for 2-3 weeks when using the intraoral approach. Patients consume soft foods and maintain rigorous oral hygiene with prescribed antimicrobial rinses. Numbness in the cheek area is common initially, typically resolving within 3-6 months as nerves recover.
Final results become apparent after 3-6 months once all swelling subsides and tissues settle around the implants. Success rates at Shanghai Ninth exceed 90%, with most patients reporting high satisfaction. Complications like infection, implant displacement, or asymmetry occur in less than 5% of cases when performed by experienced surgeons.
Costs and Practical Considerations
Cheek augmentation with implants at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital typically costs 25,000-45,000 RMB (,500-,300 USD), depending on implant type, surgical complexity, and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously. This includes hospital fees, anesthesia, implants, and initial follow-up visits.
International patients should budget additional costs for pre-operative consultations, medical translation services, and extended accommodation during the recovery period. Shanghai Ninth provides international patient services, though English proficiency varies among staff members. Many patients work with medical coordination services for smoother communication.
Implants themselves are permanent, but revision surgery may be needed if complications occur or if patients desire size adjustments. Shanghai Ninth’s revision rate for cheek implants is approximately 3-5%, primarily for size modifications rather than complication management.
Combining Procedures for Comprehensive Results
Many patients combine cheek augmentation with other facial procedures for harmonious results. Common combinations include jaw augmentation for lower face balance, rhinoplasty for overall facial proportion, or fat grafting to address multiple areas of volume loss.
Facelift procedures can be performed simultaneously with cheek implants for patients addressing both volume loss and skin laxity. However, surgeons at Shanghai Ninth typically recommend staging complex procedures to minimize surgical time and recovery burden, particularly for patients over 50 or those with medical conditions.
For patients seeking less invasive options initially, dermal fillers can provide temporary cheek enhancement to preview potential implant results. This “test drive” approach helps patients confirm their aesthetic goals before committing to permanent surgical augmentation.
Patients interested in comprehensive facial enhancement may also explore facial contouring procedures, jaw augmentation options, or fat grafting techniques available at Shanghai’s leading hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cheek implants last?
Cheek implants are designed to be permanent. Silicone implants can last decades without degradation. However, facial aging continues, and some patients may desire adjustments or additional procedures over time to maintain their desired appearance.
Will cheek implants feel natural?
After complete healing (3-6 months), most patients report that implants feel natural and are not noticeable to touch. Proper sizing and placement are crucial—oversized implants may feel firm or appear unnatural.
Can cheek implants be removed?
Yes, silicone and Gore-Tex implants can be removed if desired. Medpor implants are more challenging to remove due to tissue ingrowth but removal is still possible. Removal may leave some residual changes to tissue structure.
What are the risks of cheek implant surgery?
Risks include infection (1-2%), implant displacement, asymmetry, nerve damage causing numbness, and scarring. Choosing experienced surgeons at accredited hospitals significantly reduces these risks.
How do I choose between implants and fillers?
Implants provide permanent results with one procedure but require surgery and recovery time. Fillers are non-surgical with no downtime but require repeated treatments every 12-24 months. Consider your goals, budget, and tolerance for surgery when deciding.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about cheek augmentation and facial implants and does not constitute medical advice. Facial implant surgery carries risks and may not be suitable for all patients. Consult with qualified plastic surgeons at accredited hospitals like Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital for personalized evaluation and treatment recommendations. Individual results vary based on anatomy, surgical technique, and healing factors.
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