For patients in South Africa

Male cheek implants in Turkey from South Africa

Cheek implants add projection over the cheekbones for a stronger, more defined mid-face. For men the aim is a sculpted look that stays in proportion rather than an obviously enhanced one.

What the operation involves

The surgeon places carefully chosen implants over the natural cheekbones to improve projection and definition. Implants may be placed through incisions inside the mouth, in which case you follow a soft diet for the first days.

If implants are not the right choice, the surgeon may suggest an alternative such as fat transfer. The UK page is male cheek implant surgery. Some men consider a male chin implant at the same time for balance; the surgeon advises whether that makes sense.

Who it suits

• Men with naturally flat, under-projected or poorly defined cheekbones
• Men who have lost mid-face volume with age
• Men who want stronger facial definition and better balance between their features
• Men in good general health who do not smoke or can stop before surgery, with realistic expectations

Candidacy is confirmed after a full assessment of your health, anatomy, photographs and goals. Other procedures for men are in our male cosmetic surgery guide for South African patients.

Recovery and the flight home

On arrival you have health checks, blood tests and a face-to-face meeting with the surgeon. You then recover at Mandarin Grove, our recovery retreat near İzmir, with nursing support and follow-up.

• Days 1–3: rest with your head raised, including at night; swelling, bruising and tightness are normal
• Days 4–7: swelling eases, though the cheeks may look fuller than the final result; most patients are cleared to fly
• Weeks 2–6: most swelling settles; avoid contact sports and pressure on the face until cleared
• Months 3–6: the implants settle and the final contour shows

The flight home from Istanbul takes around ten hours. Keep your head raised on the flight, walk the aisle and drink water. Ask for the implant details (type, size and position) in writing, and keep them with your medical records at home.

Risks to know about

Risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, asymmetry, implant movement and delayed wound healing, and more rarely bleeding, infection, nerve irritation, or the need to revise or remove an implant. The surgeon explains your own risk profile before you agree.

What decides the cost, and who pays

The written quotation you receive after a surgeon has reviewed your photographs lists what is included and what is not. What decides the cost is the implant chosen, whether another facial procedure is added, and the number of nights you need in İzmir. Our pricing is transparent.

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective cosmetic surgery abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment, so check with both.

Guarantee and follow-up from home

Our treatment guarantee covers surgical treatment for one year: medical complications and any revision the treating team judges clinically necessary are treated in İzmir at no charge, though flights and accommodation are your own cost. It does not cover a preference for a different look within what was discussed beforehand.

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call; İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. Keep your GP informed and take your operation notes home. See our clinic facts and complaints process.

What we will not do

We will not confirm surgery before a board-certified surgeon has assessed you, we will not promise a particular face, and we will not choose an implant larger than the surgeon judges right for your proportions.

Frequently asked questions

How long after cheek implants can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are ready to fly after five to seven days, subject to the surgeon’s approval. Book a return ticket you can change in case you are asked to stay longer.

Are cheek implants permanent?

Once healed, cheek implants are a permanent change that needs no maintenance, though rarely an implant has to be revised or removed.

Will people see a scar?

Implants may be placed through incisions inside the mouth. The surgeon explains where the incisions will be in your case.

When can I go back to work?

Most men return to work and normal routines within one to two weeks. Contact sports and strenuous exercise wait until the surgeon clears you.

Will my medical aid cover cheek implants?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective cosmetic surgery abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Check with both before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.