Facial Implants Are Becoming More Popular than Ever

A facial implant is a specially developed solid material compatible with your facial tissue that enhances or augments your face’s physical structure. Facial implants come in many varieties and sizes, and which is best for you depends on your anatomy and goals.

A facial implant can enhance any part of the face, but the most common procedures involve the jaw, chin, and cheeks. For example, if you have an underdeveloped chin, a cosmetic procedure with a facial implant could be a good choice.

If you’re considering a facial implant, below is essential information to know:

Why Have A Facial Implant?

Your plastic surgeon may recommend a facial implant if you want to enhance how your face looks for aesthetic reasons. They also may recommend this procedure to rebuild facial features after an accident or illness.

Your surgeon will consider a facial implant if other less invasive options have been tried or won’t be effective. It’s also essential to be in good health, not smoke, and have a realistic outlook about the surgery.

You should talk in detail with your surgeon about the risks and benefits of facial implants before deciding.

Your surgeon may recommend this procedure if:

• Your features are out of balance
• You need facial reconstruction after disease, trauma, or congenital disability
• You have flat or sunken cheeks
• You have a recessed chin, so there’s little distinction from the neck
• The jawline isn’t distinct from the neck
• You have a misshapen or sloping forehead
• You have a flat nose bridge
• You simply want your face to look younger with more bone structure

Chin Implants

The chin is a vital part of the face, and you may want an implant to give you a more defined appearance. Some critical aspects of chin implants include:

• The prosthetic is made of a pliable and safe material that your body won’t reject. They come in many sizes and shapes to fit with your facial structure.
• A chin implant is only one way your surgeon can enhance your chin. Other options include liposuction and reshaping and moving the facial bones.
• Scarring is minimal with chin implant surgery because the incisions are made under the jaw or inside the mouth.
• Your surgeon will holistically approach chin surgery to ensure harmony and balance between each part of the face.

The general procedure for chin surgery is as follows:

• After you are given anesthesia, the plastic surgeon will make an incision under the jawline and chin or inside the mouth where your lower lip and gum meet.
• Your surgeon will stretch this tissue gently to provide a space when the implant is placed. The implant feels like natural bone and tissue in the chin and can custom fit your needs.
• After the implant is placed, the plastic surgeon uses sutures to close the incisions. If you have a scar under the chin, it’s difficult for most people to see.

Other Types Of Facial Implants

Chin implants are the most common facial implants, but others are:

• Cheek: Enhances the shape and size of the cheekbones
• Forehead: Lifts the skin on the forehead to create a younger appearance
• Jaw implant: Boosts the width of the lower face
• Nose implant: Enhances the projection of the tip or widens the bridge

Facial implant surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. However, your plastic surgeon will explain your ideal options and how long you need to stay in the hospital.

Your recovery time can vary based on the procedure performed, age, medical history, health, and other factors.

During implant surgery, you may have other facial procedures, such as a brow lift, eyelid lift, or facelift.

Preparing For Facial Implant Surgery

You’re a vital part of your plastic surgery team, and the following steps can improve your results:

• Answer your surgeon’s questions honestly about your medical past, medications, drug use, and allergies.
• Have all preoperative tests performed promptly, including X-rays, EKG, and blood tests.
• Lose weight if needed by exercising and following a healthy diet.
• Don’t eat or drink before surgery, as your surgeon tells you.
• Quit smoking at least a month before and after surgery for better healing.
• Don’t take blood thinners, including aspirin and ibuprofen.

What Are Facial Implant Risks?

Any surgery has risks, and the most common related to general surgery are an anesthesia allergy, bleeding, infection, and blood clot.

Complications specific to facial implant surgery are:

• Numbness or change in sensation in the treated area
• Long-term pain
• Damage to blood vessels, gums, teeth, or nerves
• Poor healing of the incision
• Implant shifts requiring revision surgery
• Uneven contours around the implant
• Facial asymmetry

You can reduce the chances of complications from facial implant surgery by eating a healthy diet before and after surgery to improve healing.

During implant surgery, it’s also vital that you don’t smoke or use any tobacco or nicotine products because they hamper healing.

Take it easy after the procedure for at least two weeks, and follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Request A Facial Implant Consultation

Interested in a facial implant? Dr. Scott J Farber or Dr. Amita Shah of Hill Country Plastic Surgery can help. They will consult with you about a facial implant and decide if this procedure is a good fit for your goals.

References

Facial Implant Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/cosmetic-procedures/facial-implant

About Facial Implant Surgery. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.cosmeticsurgery.org/page/FacialImplants

Chin Implant Surgery. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/chin-implants

Facial Implant Surgery. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facial-implants