What is Facial Implant Surgery?

Facial implant surgery is a cosmetic procedure used to improve and enhance a person’s facial contours. Implants are used to create better proportion in the face and are also used to restore a more youthful look. Cheek & Chin Implants are amongst the most common procedures.

Who is a candidate for Facial Implants?

Women or men looking to enhance their cheek bones or jaw line are good candidates for this procedure. To minimize the risk of complication, it is recommended that the patient is not significantly overweight and is in good health. Smoking contributes to complications, so it is advised that the patient quits smoking at least two weeks prior to the procedure.

About Facial Implant Surgery

Facial implant surgery is an outpatient procedure used to enhance and balance facial features. Procedures are administered under local or general anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss which option is best for you. Procedures are performed in our fully accredited surgical facility and typically take between 30 minutes and an hour to complete.

Cheek Implants

Cheek implant surgery is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift, eyelid surgery or forehead lift. Implants are inserted through the incisions made from these procedures and strategically placed. If no other procedure is performed at the time of the cheek implant, small incisions will be made in the lower eyelids or the upper lip. The location of the incision, along with the size and placement of the implant will be discussed with your doctor prior to your procedure.

Chin Implants

Like cheek implant surgery, the size and placement of the implant will be discussed with your doctor at your complimentary consultation. During your procedure, a small incision will be made either inside the mouth, along the lower lip, or underneath the chin. The incision site will be discussed with your doctor prior to the day of surgery. The implant is then placed in a pocket over the front of the jawbone. Following the procedure, the chin is taped to minimize discomfort and swelling.

After Your Procedure

Swelling and bruising are common affects after surgery. Your surgeon will discuss dental hygiene and dietary restrictions with you before and after your procedure. Consult with your doctor prior to returning to regular activities. Please remember that it may take weeks or even months to see the final result.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there is always the risk of complication. Heavy smokers, patients who are overweight and patients with diabetes and/or other health problems are more susceptible to complications. Risks inherent to the use of general anesthesia include nausea, vomiting, sore throat, fatigue, headache and muscle soreness. In very rare cases, the use of general anesthesia may cause blood pressure problems, allergic reaction, heart attack or stroke.

Risks rarely occur with facial implants, but can include bleeding, infection, hematoma (collection of blood in a tissue), seroma (collection of serum in a tissue), numbness, scarring, shifting of the implant, asymmetry or rejection of the implant requiring removal.