Because well-defined facial features are a mark of physical beauty, enhancing the chin, cheeks and jawline can provide a more defined and attractive appearance.
Facial implants can create remarkable changes by adding balance and definition to underdeveloped features.
In addition to using your own fat, facial implants are not only manufactured from a variety of materials (silicone, proplast, methylmethacrylate) but they also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There is no current scientific evidence to suggest that silicone implants are harmful to your health.
If you would like to learn more about Facial Implants, please keep reading below. If you would like to speak with Dr. James Lacey, you can request a consultation by clicking here.
Considerations
If an incision is to be made inside your mouth, it is important that you inform Dr. James Lacey if you smoke or if you have dental or any particular gum problems.
If you do, you may be instructed to take oral antibiotics before and after surgery to help reduce the incidence of infection.
In general, facial implant surgery is implemented utilizing a local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. Alternatively, an overnight stay may be necessary if this type of procedure is combined with a more major type of procedure.
Chin Implants (Mentoplasty)
Dr. James Lacey may recommend chin augmentation surgery in addition to nasal surgery when it is clear that a chin implant will add to your facial balance and harmony. Frequently, for instance, a chin implant will be used together with a rhinoplasty procedure in those patients whose face lacks the right proportion.
Chin implant surgery takes about an hour. During surgery, the implant (which is pre-selected according to size and shape) is inserted into a pocket that Dr. James Lacey creates on the bone. Incisions can be made inside the mouth or in a crease under the chin in a well hidden location.
The chin may be taped after surgery to minimize swelling and sutures will remain for 5 to 7 days. If an intra-oral incision is used, dissolving sutures will be used.
Swelling and bruising may be visible around the chin and neck for about a week. During that time, you will experience some difficulty smiling and talking. Our office will give you instructions about dental hygiene and eating after surgery.
Cheek Implants (Malar Augmentation)
A patient may wish to have cheek implants to restore a more youthful appearance. For patients 40 to 50 years old, for instance, cheek implants can improve the contour of the mid-face and restore sagging tissues.
Although fat is quite often the material recommended there are a variety of shapes and sizes of cheek implants. Of the alloplastic type implants, most are silicone. These implants can be custom-fitted for a more natural look.
Cheek implant surgery usually takes less than an hour to perform. When cheek implants are inserted at the same time as another cosmetic procedure, the implants can be inserted through the incisions made for that procedure (i.e. facelift incision).
Alternatively, an incision is made inside your upper lip, a pocket is formed and the implant is placed directly on or below the cheekbone. After your surgery, movement of your mouth and lips will be limited. Swelling and bruising will last about one week. The sutures that are used to close the incision inside your mouth will dissolve in about 10 days.
If you would like to speak with Dr. James Lacey about Facial Implants, you can request a consultation by clicking here.
