Facial implants are commonly used to aesthetically improve facial contouring and to achieve a balance of facial features. The results can provide a more harmonious, proportionate look to your face. Chin implants produce a more defined chin profile and distinct jaw line, which can dramatically improve a recessive chin or a rounded face and neck. Cheek implants provide balance to a less defined face or further enhance an already existent cheek structure. Jaw implants can give better definition to the jaw line and can also give a more masculine, angular appearance to the lower face. Facial implant surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with other surgeries including facelift, nasal reshaping, and eyelid surgery.
During your initial consultation with our surgeons, we will thoroughly discuss your desires and expectations for surgery. We will conduct a thorough examination of your facial skin, soft tissue and skeletal structure.
With the aid of digital photography and computer imaging, we can carefully plan with you the combination of techniques that will help achieve your most natural and desired result. Occasionally, specialized x-rays or CT scans may be required to further assess the underlining bone structure and to aid in surgical planning.
Surgical Placement of Facial Implants
A chin implant is placed through a small incision made either inside the mouth or beneath the chin area. The implant is then placed through a small tunnel directly in front of the jaw bone. The implants, made of a non-reactive surgical material called Silastic, come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The particular implant that is placed will be chosen based upon your specific needs. Tapes will be placed beneath the chin to minimize swelling. Stitches placed inside the mouth will dissolve after a week. If sutures are required underneath the chin, they will be removed after 5-7 days. This procedure takes around 45 minutes. It may be performed alone or in combination with other facial surgeries. A chin implant is usually placed with the patient under general anesthesia in a surgical center as an outpatient procedure.
A cheek implant is placed through a small incision made inside the mouth. The implant is inserted through the incision and it is securely placed in front of the existing cheek bone. If a cheek implant is being used in conjunction with another procedure, the implants may be inserted through the incisions used for those procedures. Cheek implant surgery usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. The sutures placed inside the mouth will dissolve. A cheek implant is usually placed with the patient under general anesthesia in a surgery center as an outpatient procedure.
Recovery from Facial Implant Surgery
The results of chin, cheek, and jaw augmentation can be very dramatic, with new contours and definition visible almost immediately following surgery. Swelling and bruising most often resolves within two weeks. You should plan on allowing a week for recovery. Most people return to work after one week. Light aerobic exercise is begun after two weeks and more strenuous activity is begun after three weeks.
Take the next step: request a FREE Facial Cosmetic Surgery Consultation now and find out more about Facial implants. Call us at 216.227.FACE. You can visit the Western Reserve Center for Orofacial and Cosmetic Surgery at our convenient locations in Canton and Cleveland, Ohio or complete the form and one of our representatives will call you within 24 hours!
