Facial Implants
Details
Procedure
Risk/Side Effects
Recovery
Results
FAQ
Bringing chin, jaw and cheeks into harmonious balance
Facial implants can enhance your appearance and bolster your self esteem. If you are looking for improvement in your appearance, not perfection, and are realistic in your expectations, you may find that a facial implant is the right choice for you.
Details
Plastic surgeons use facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours. Frequently, these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about your appearance.
There are many implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. They may help strengthen a jaw line or bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face.
Procedure
Jaw implants
Insertion of a lower jaw implant usually takes about one to two hours. Internal incisions are made on
either side of the lower lip to provide access for creating a pocket into which the implant can be
inserted. Dissolving sutures are used to close the incisions.
Chin implants
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, the surgeon
selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance and inserts it into a pocket over
the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed
inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area.
Usually the chin is taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days. If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.
Cheek implants
Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When cheek implants are being placed in conjunction
with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery, the implants
may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made
either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted.
After surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and swelling.
Side-Effects / Risks
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. Facial implants can produce some remarkable changes. Problems rarely occur but you need to be informed. A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation may be necessary to replace it in its proper position. Infection can occur with any operation. If infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time. Other less-frequent risks may be associated with certain implants. Dr. Patterson will describe the risks associated with the procedure in which you are interested.
Recovery
Jaw surgery
Swelling is sometimes significant immediately following surgery, usually peaking 24 to 48 hours afterward.
Although most of the significant swelling will subside over a period of several days, prolonged mild
swelling may prevent your final facial contour from becoming apparent for several months.
Chin surgery
It's normal to experience some temporary discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days,
including difficulty smiling and talking. Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck.
Dr. Patterson will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to your activities
after surgery.
Cheek surgery
Your ability to move your mouth and lips may be diminished temporarily, and there will be dietary restrictions
as well as limitations to your activities. Dr. Patterson will provide you with instructions about post-operative
care. These instructions will vary, especially if another procedure was performed along with your implant
surgery. Stitches used to close the incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about
10 days.
General
Remember, with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better in a short period of time. However, it
may not be advisable to participate in certain activities - especially activity that may result in
the face being jarred or bumped - for several weeks. Check with Dr. Patterson about any such matters.
Length: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Anesthesia: In some cases, facial implant surgery may require only local anesthesia combined with a sedative. However, more frequently, a general anesthesia may be recommended.
In/Outpatient: Your operation may take place in an office-based facility, a freestanding surgical centre or a hospital outpatient facility. Sometimes, you may be required to stay overnight. Dr. Patterson will make such a recommendation based on your overall medical condition and whether another cosmetic procedure was performed simultaneously with the facial implant surgery.
Results
You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks, or perhaps even months. Give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new look. You may be surprised to find that most people won't recognize that you've had facial implant surgery… only that you look better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are the materials used in facial implants hazardous?
A. Some of the implant materials are made of a solid silicone. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that this is a harmful substance. Dr. Patterson will be happy to discuss any current scientific findings concerning the type of implant you're considering.
Q. What are the benefits of facial implants?
A. Facial implants help change the basic structure of the face to give a fuller, more balanced look.
Q. Can I take my regular medications?
A. Always consult the doctor regarding the specific medications that you are taking, including aspirin. Some medications are not advised when undergoing surgery and anesthetics.
