Facial Implants

Overview

Lack of structural support is often something overlooked in facial aesthetics. Augmenting these areas with facial implants can provide a permanent solution to volume loss, improvement in facelift - necklift outcomes, and a better balance of the facial profile with or without rhinoplasty. A multitude of facial implants are available, but cheek and chin implants are the most often utilized.

Details

Implant surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, but occasionally sedation is desired. Chin implants can be placed through the mouth or through a small incision under the chin in a natural skin crease. Access for cheek (malar and sub-malar) implants are through a small incision under the lip. These implants are placed in a tight, deep pocket and are unlikely to shift or become distinctively visible once in position. The silicone of these solid implants can also be modified to improve the native contours if facial asymmetries are present. Once placed under direct visualization, the wound is thoroughly irrigated and closed in a layered manner. External dressings are occasionally applied to further support the placement and cool compresses are applied to minimize swelling. After awakening from anesthesia and confirming your comfort you will be able to go home in the care of a responsible adult.

Recovery

The morning after the procedure, the incision is checked to make sure healing is progressing as desired and external dressings are removed. Swelling is normal and responds well to a cool compress, head elevation, and light activity. An oral rinse is used if incisions in the mouth are used. Pain is usually minimal. After 1 week, any external sutures are removed and most bruising and swelling is gone from the face. With the exception of heavy lifting, normal activities can be restarted after 2 weeks. Swelling continues to improve over the first month.