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Facial implant plastic surgery can help you balance disproportionate facial features, strengthen a weak jaw line, or accentuate your cheekbones to create a more youthful appearance. Facial implants are FDA-approved plates inserted in front of the bone of the cheek, chin, jaw, or other areas of the face.
BEFORE THE OPERATION
The best facial implant candidates are patients whose skin has loosened around the face, with the surrounding skin retaining enough elasticity to be repositioned successfully. A weakened jaw line, or the appearance of reduced bone structure, can be improved with facial implants. Implants may also work in other areas of the face. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is the best way to decide if you are a good candidate for facial implants.
THE PROCEDURE
Facial implants are most often performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Surgery may be performed in an office surgical suite, outpatient surgery center, or hospital. Time in surgery is about 30 minutes to one hour. The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia (awake, but sedated) or general anesthesia (asleep). You can discuss the appropriate type of anesthesia with your doctor and the anesthesiologist.
Typically, you can return home the same day, though sometimes an overnight stay at the hospital is needed.
The facial implant procedure varies depending on the type of implant. The most common facial implants are chin, cheek, or jaw implants. You may need more than one type of implant to achieve the results you're looking for.
Cheek Implant
During cheek implant surgery, an incision will be made under the lower eyelid or inside the mouth on either side of the upper lip. The surgeon will create a pocket for the implant to fit into, then insert the implant through the incision. A bandage may be applied to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Cheek Implant Recovery
Following cheek implant surgery you may have some swelling and mild soreness in the cheek area. Your cheeks may also feel tight due to the increased volume. Pain medications can help control your pain if necessary. Make sure to ask your surgeon for specific advice on how and when to resume your usual activities, including eating solid food. In general, return to work and other normal activity can occur within a week.
Chin Implant
During chin implant surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision under your chin or inside your lower lip. The chin implant is then inserted and secured into place either by slipping the implant into a pocket or attaching it to bone or soft tissue. The procedure takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes if it is performed on its own, and results are apparent almost immediately.
Chin Implant Recovery
You may have mild soreness, tightness or swelling in your lower face following chin implant surgery. Make sure to ask your surgeon for specific advice on how and when to resume your usual activities — including eating solid food — after chin augmentation. Also discuss what complications can occur following the procedure.
Jaw Implant
During a jaw implant, an incision will be made on either side of the lower lip. The surgeon will form a pocket for the implant to fit into, then insert the implant into the lower jaw through the incision. Tape across the chin will be applied to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Jaw Implant Recovery
Moving your mouth may be difficult for about seven days. Movement will improve during the next few months. Your jaw may be black and blue. The doctor will instruct you to limit activity, set a dietary regimen, and give you dental hygiene guidelines. Stitches will dissolve in about seven days. After surgery, the jaw will continue to swell for up to 48 hours. There may be a low level of swelling for several months after the procedure.
COMPLICATIONS AND RISKS
As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications related to infection or reaction to anesthesia. In extreme cases, infection will require removal and reinsertion of the implant. You can avoid most complications by selecting a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon and by following pre- and postoperative instructions. With proper precautions by the surgical team, complications are typically minimized or prevented.
Swelling and bruising often occur after the procedure and will subside within several days. Scarring may also occur, which can be treated with other procedures. Bleeding can produce excessive bruising or at worst, a blood clot, which requires physician intervention and results in a longer recovery time. Nerve damage is a rare complication, but it can occur. When it does occur, nerve damage can be temporary, resolving itself after about six months. The results of facial implant plastic surgery may not be fully evident for several months.
ALTERNATIVE AND ADDITIONAL TREATMENTS
Facial implant surgery is one of the many cosmetic-surgery remedies to improve faces affected by aging or genetic issues. Temporary, less invasive alternatives include Botox, fat fillers, collagen and Restylane.
You may want to incorporate facial implants with other plastic surgery procedures. For example, facial implant surgery can enhance the results of a facelift. It may also be performed at the same time as a forehead lift or eyelid surgery. Successful strategies often include a combination treatment plan developed with a surgeon and other healthcare professionals, customized for each individual.
We apologize for not showing any photos here for ethical reasons. You may refer to the following website for before and after photos: www.plasticsurgery.org
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