FACIAL IMPLANTS
WHAT ARE FACIAL IMPLANTS?
Facial implants are used to enhance certain features of the face. A facial implant is a procedure in which synthetic materials, such as silicone, are used to provide cosmetic definition to the face, and typically performed on a patient's chin, cheeks, and/or jaw. These implants are crafted to the patient's needs, although alternatives can include injectable fillers. The surgery may be elective, or needed as the result of prior surgery on the face. Each involves placing synthetic materials deep under the subcutaneous tissue and onto the underlying bone. A maxillofacial or plastic surgeon uses them to aesthetically improve facial contours, proportion and correct imbalances caused by injury or hereditary traits. However, in cases that require orthognathic osteotomies, those should be done before any implants are considered.
In most cases, facial implant surgery is completed on an outpatient basis in a hospital, a surgeon's office or a surgical center. A local anesthesia or oral sedative may be used, or the patient may be put to sleep during the procedure using general anesthesia.
The most commonly used implants are:
Chin implant – These can be used to increase anterior, lateral and downward projection of the chin. The implant is placed internally through the lower lip, or externally under the chin. Sutures will vary depending on the approach.[1]
Cheek implants – The implants are placed either through incisions inside the upper lip or through the lower eyelid. Sutures will vary depending on the approach.[2]
Less commonly used implants are:
Jaw angle implants – These can be placed individually, in pairs, or as a large wraparound implant that includes the chin. They are used to increase lateral and/or downward projection of the ramus. They are placed through incisions inside the lower lip. The incision site will be secured with sutures that will dissolve in about one week.
Paranasal implant – This involves placing a specially designed implant between the nose and upper lip to increase anterior projection of the upper jaw. It is inserted through a small incision inside the mouth.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
Plastic surgery with facial implants is best performed on people whose head and skull have reached physical maturity, which generally occurs in late adolescence.
You may be a good candidate for facial implants if you:
Are physically healthy
Do not smoke
Have a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improvement of facial contours
WHAT TYPE OF IMPLANTS ARE THERE?
Chin implants
Chin implants can increase the size and projection of a chin that is not in proportion with the forehead and mid-face. A small or recessed chin can also be described as one that seems to disappear into the neck of an individual of normal weight, rather than appearing as a distinct facial feature.
Jaw implants
Jaw implants increase the width of the lower third of your face. Much like the chin, a weak jaw can be thought of as one that is not well defined and distinct from the neck or one that slopes rather than angles from the ear to the chin. In some cases, both the chin and jaw can contribute to facial imbalance.
Cheek implants
Cheek implants increase the projection of the cheekbones. They add volume to areas that may be recessed or flat.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FACIAL IMPLANT RECOVERY?
During your facial implants recovery, bandages or dressings may be applied to keep the surgical site clean and to support the position of the implant during initial healing once your procedure is finished.
You will be given specific instructions about how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
When will they be removed?
Are stitches removed? When?
When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I return for follow-up care?