Facial Implants
Cheek Implants
Cheek augmentation is a common procedure to bring balance to the facial structure for the purpose of restoration, rejuvenation or enhancement. The correct placement of facial implants can produce both dramatic and natural appearing changes. A lack of cheek fullness can make your face appear drawn and gaunt. It may also give the appearance of a 'fleshy' lower face. Cheek deficiency can make the bulges under the eyes more prominent. Restoration of the cheek contour along with the soft tissue zone below the cheek can correct a sunken in or hollow appearance. Cheek surgery helps provide a harmonious balance of facial contour. It is important to bring the upper face, mid face and lower face into the proper relationship. This creates the necessary facial balance.
Procedure Description:
The incision for a cheek augmentation will usually be made inside the mouth, the implant is then placed directly on top of the cheek bone (or if need be, right below it) and checked for the proper "look" suitable for your features. It is possible that it may be removed and further customized several times during the operation. The implant may be sutured or screwed into place. This keeps it from moving out of proper position.
Chin Implants
Chin surgery, also known as genioplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin by enhancement with an implant. Many times we may recommend a chin augmentation to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve aesthetically pleasing facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.
Procedure Description:
The incision for chin augmentation can be made in the crease under your chin or inside the mouth. The implant is then placed directly on top of the bone and it may be sutured into it's pocket or screwed into place. Your surgeon may remove and replace the implant several times intra-operatively to ascertain a custom fit before permanent fixation and your own bone may be used for genioplasty.
Important information about facial implant surgery
Location: Office or Outpatient Surgical Procedure
Anesthesia: General anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation
Length Of Surgery: one to two hours depending upon the extent of the surgery
Additional Procedures: Facelift, Blepharoplasty, Brow lift
Recovery: Usually ready to return to work in 5-7 days with make up
Other Considerations:
As with any surgical procedure, infection may occur. If the infection persists, the implant may have to be removed and replaced at a later time.
Shifting of the implant is another possibility. Should the implant become slightly misaligned, a second procedure might be necessary to reposition it.
Postoperative bruising and swelling. Mild/moderate discomfort for 1 to 2 days.
Strenuous activity and rough contact to the implant area must be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Patients with gum or dental problems will want to confer with their dentist.
