Recovery after cheek implants is similar to other major surgeries. After you are awakened and brought into the recovery room, the recovery nurse will monitor your vital stats until you are ready to be released and begin your recovery after cheek implants. Most likely, you will feel quite tender and possibly confused as the anesthesia wears off. If you feel any discomfort you may want to ask for a pain reliever, which you will more than likely have been asked to bring with you. You may even feel emotional or upset, this will depend upon your body's reaction to anesthesia. The recovery nurse usually has wrapped you in a warm blanket but if not, request one. It certainly makes things more tolerable to be covered.

Waking up you may feel like nothing more than waking up from a good night's rest, however if you have had general anesthesia you may feel a little nauseous. Your prescribed medication should alleviate any pain or discomfort, but if you believe your pain will be extremely discomforting once you get home, call your surgeon or physician.

During your recovery after cheek implants, you must keep all incision and suture lines free of moisture to ensure proper healing. Do not allow creams, lotions, or topical arnica into the incision because they can cause inflammation. The surgeon will usually place Steri-Strips on top of your incision line and sutures, unless you had internal sutures. Externally, you may have had tissue glue to bind your incision edges. Special care instructions will be given to you regarding your type at the pre-operative appointment, or sent home with you the day of your surgery.

For intra-oral incisions, you must keep your mouth clean by using an antiseptic mouthwash like Listerine several times a day and stay on a liquid diet until the incisions are healed. If you must touch your incision line for applying medications, only touch them with a clean latex or vinyl-gloved finger.

Monitor your body temperature regularly, as an elevated temperature could mean an infection. Take all antibiotics on time and if you are a female taking birth control, some antibiotics can interfere with their effectiveness so in the event that you do have relations, use another form of protection as well.

Pain is inevitable during recovery from cheek implants depending on the individual. The doctor will prescribe common pain medications such as Vicodin or Percocet to ease discomfort. There is no reason to suffer, so take your medications regularly instead of waiting to feel pain before taking a pain reliever.

Swelling will be an issue during your recovery after cheek implants. Swelling is a normal reaction to an injury and a natural inflammatory action. Swelling can last up to 3 to 5 months, although this could be very slight and only noticed by you. During recovery after cheek implants, bruises may be present depending on the patient, the technique, and the effectiveness of the epinephrine. Ask your surgeon about vitamin A and C to reduce swelling and discolorations and improve healing. Cold compresses will reduce the chances of bruising and reduce swelling during the first couple of days. They can also assist in pain relief and swelling reduction thereafter, but be careful that you do not injure your skin. After the 48 hours post-op mark, warm compresses can be started to assist in bruise removal.

Sleeping is going to be difficult at first. Sleep with at least 2 to 3 pillows under your upper back and head to keep yourself elevated, as this will help relieve pressure from your treatment area reducing swelling and pain. Even though you may not feel like it, your surgeon will more than likely advise you to walk and move around as soon as you are able. Lying around too much during recovery from cheek implants can cause you to develop blood clots. No exercise or strenuous activities for at least 3 weeks, because raising your blood pressure can cause bleeding. Take time and relax during healing so that you give yourself the best healing environment possible.

There is a possible loss of sensation at first during your recovery from cheek implants, caused by the swelling from the trauma. This usually will subside within a few weeks but be aware that in rare cases, loss of sensation may be permanent. You may also experience sharp pains, burning sensations, heat, or tingling from the sensations of the nerves returning to function.

Recovery after cheek implants can be a little monotonous, as with any surgery done in or around the mouth and face, but over time you'll appreciate the results. No other pain matches facial discomfort, especially when it affects eating. However, in a short time after beginning your recovery after cheek implants, you'll be more than satisfied with your new look.