Facial Implants

Plastic surgeons employ an extensive range of techniques to help patients look and feel their best. As medical devices, materials and methods continue to evolve, facial implants are becoming a more popular choice for patients seeking to enhance their appearance. These implants can sculpt more defined facial contours, create a more harmonious balance between facial features and restore youthful fullness to the face. Facial implants are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials, and may be combined with other facial rejuvenation or facial contouring procedures to maximize your results.

What benefits can facial implants provide?

Facial implants have both cosmetic and reconstructive applications. For younger patients, facial implants are frequently used to bring more aesthetically-pleasing proportions to the face. For mature patients, facial implants can help restore youthful volume to areas of the face that appear sunken or tired. Facial implants can also restore shape and symmetry to the face following traumatic injury or illness. Common reasons for seeking a facial implant procedure include:

A receding or disproportionately small chin
A poorly defined jawline
Lack of fullness or definition in the cheeks
Volume loss as a result of aging
Facial asymmetry

What happens during facial implant surgery?

The specifics of your implant procedure will depend on the area you wish to augment or define. The most common areas for facial implants are the chin, cheeks and jaw.

Chin Implants: A “weak” or receding chin can be enhanced with a chin implant to improve facial balance. During the procedure, a small incision is made under the chin or inside the mouth, and a pocket is created over the front of the jawbone. An implant of the proper size and shape to achieve your aesthetic goals is placed into this pocket. Sutures are used to close the incision. These will either dissolve or be removed during a follow-up appointment.

Cheek Implants: Cheek implants enhance the projection of cheekbones that are recessed, flat or have lost volume due to aging. Cheek implants are typically placed through incisions in the mouth or the lower eyelid. When cheek implants are combined with another cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift, the implants may be inserted through incisions made for that procedure to reduce scarring.

Jaw Implant: Jaw implants widen the lower region of the face for improved balance and definition. Incisions for jaw implants are usually made inside the mouth in the crease where the cheek and gums meet. As in other facial implant procedures, a pocket is made through these incisions, the implants are situated and the incisions are closed with sutures that will later dissolve or be removed.

What can I expect during recovery?

Immediately after surgery, bandages or dressings may be applied to protect the area and support the position of the implant. You will be given instructions regarding medications to apply topically or take orally, how to care for the treatment area and when to return for a follow-up appointment. You may also receive instructions about dental hygiene, dietary restrictions and limitations to your activities during the healing process. Some discomfort, swelling and bruising are to be expected after placement of an implant. A cold compress can help alleviate these issues. You may also experience limitations to your facial movements during recovery. This is normal and temporary. The final results of your procedure will emerge when all post-operative swelling has resolved.

What risks are associated with facial implants?

Significant complications from facial implants are rare but all it’s important to be informed about the potential outcomes of any surgical procedure. A facial implant can shift out of alignment, resulting in contour abnormalities. A second operation to return the implant to its proper position may be necessary if misalignment occurs. If an infection develops around a facial implant and does not respond to treatment with antibiotics, the implant may need to be removed temporarily and replaced at a later date. All risks and complications associated with facial implants will be discussed with you prior to your procedure. You can help reduce these risks by adhering closely to the instructions given to you by Dr. Bazzi and his staff.

What results can facial implants achieve?

Facial implants can rejuvenate, redefine, reconstruct or augment your facial contours. Depending on the specifics of your implant procedure, your results may include:

Improved balance between facial features
Improved facial symmetry
Improved chin projection
Improved jawline definition
Lifted or more prominent cheekbones
A fuller, more youthful appearance
Minimal or invisible scarring
Natural-looking results

Facial implants are designed to offer long-lasting improvements. While the specific outcome varies from patient to patient, the results are essentially permanent. Implants will continue to enhance the underlying structure of your face while your soft tissues (skin, fat, muscles) age naturally over the implants.

What procedures complement facial implants?

Facial implants can be an ideal addition to another procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the face. Some of the procedures commonly performed alongside facial implant placement include rhinoplasty, facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty and brow lift. Contouring results from facial implants can be further enhanced with liposuction or CoolSculpting to address a double chin. Dermal fillers, Botox and cosmetic skin treatments such as laser skin resurfacing can offer additional anti-aging and facial rejuvenation benefits.

Is a facial implant right for me?

At the Celestial Institute of Plastic Surgery, our mission is to deliver natural-looking results that help patients feel confident in their own skin. If you feel self-conscious about your appearance, facial implants can offer dramatic and long-lasting improvements to the contours of your chin, cheeks or jawline. A good candidate for facial implants is in overall good health, does not smoke, has reached physical maturity and has realistic expectations for the outcomes of the procedure. A consultation with Dr. Bazzi is the first step of your aesthetic journey. Call the Celestial Institute of Plastic Surgery today at 734-844-5700 to make an appointment and find out whether facial implants are right for you.