Cheek Implants alter the basic shape and balance of the face by building promience to the cheekbones. The procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis, but some patients may require an overnight hospital stay. Patients may experience some short term discomfort, swelling, bruising and stiffness. Possible complications include shifting of the implant, development of scar tissue around it, or infection. Patients generally return to work within a week and to a normal appearance within a month. The results are permanent.