Facial Implants
What are Facial Implants?
Facial implants are specially formed solid materials compatible with human tissues, designed to enhance or augment the physical structure of your face.
The precise type and size of facial implants best suited for you requires an evaluation of your goals, the features you wish to correct and your surgeon's judgment.
While any area of your face can be augmented with implants, the cheeks, chin and jaw are the most common sites for facial implants. If you are bothered by a small chin, weak jaw or lack of facial contour, plastic surgery with facial implants may benefit you.
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.
Read more about : Jaw surgery
Cheek implants
Cheek implants increase the projection of the cheekbones. They add volume to areas that may be recessed or flat.
Before Facial Implants
Who is a good candidate for facial implants?
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.
. Patients who have realistic expectations for their outcome.
If you are bothered by a small chin, weak jaw or lack of facial contour, plastic surgery with facial implants may benefit you.
Read more about : Jawline Dermal Fillers
What are the risks of facial implants?
The decision to have facial implant surgery is extremely personal, and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of facial implants are acceptable.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
Facial implant surgery risks include:
. Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents
. Anesthesia risks
. Bleeding
. Change in skin sensation
. Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
. Firmness around the implant
. Infection
. Persistent pain
. Poor healing of incisions
. Possible revisional surgery
. Shifting of implants
. Skin contour irregularities
. Skin discoloration, swelling and sensitivity
. Unfavorable scarring
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
Read more about : Facial plastic surgery
How should I prepare for facial implants?
In preparing for facial implants, you may be asked to:
. Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
. Stop smoking
. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Facial implant surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, licensed ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. If your procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
During Facial Implants
What are the steps of a facial implants procedure?
A facial implants procedure may include the following steps:
. Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
Chin Implant Procedure Description
. Depending on the patient and the type of procedure being performed, either local or general anesthesia is used. The surgeon will decide which to use based on the needs of the patient.
. Incisions are made in the mouth, lower lip, or under the chin.
. The implant is inserted into a pocket made within the facial tissue.
. The site is closed with sutures. Additionally, there may be bandaging or taping of the area.
Cheek Implant Procedure Description
. Depending on the patient and the type of procedure being performed, either local or general anesthesia is used. The surgeon will decide which to use based on the needs of the patient.
. Incisions are made within the mouth, on the upper lip, or lower eyelid.
. The implant is inserted into a pocket made within the facial tissue.
. The site is closed with sutures. Additionally, there may be bandaging or taping of the area.
Jaw Implant Procedure Description
. Depending on the patient and the type of procedure being performed, either local or general anesthesia is used. The surgeon will decide which to use based on the needs of the patient.
. Incisions are made inside the lower lip or the mouth.
. The implant is inserted into a pocket within the facial tissue.
. The site is closed with sutures. Additionally, there may be bandaging or taping of the area.
After Facial Implants
Recovery
The recovery phase for facial implants varies from patient to patient. Most patients can return to work or play in 1-2 weeks. Further healing changes occur for 6-12 weeks.
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.
Changes are noticeable almost immediately, however the final result will be covered by the initial stages of swelling and bruising.
Facial movements may be restricted temporarily and it is important to avoid any excessive force or contact with the site of surgery during the recovery phase.
Dissolvable stitches are commonly used, otherwise sutures are removed within 2 weeks of the procedure.
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.
What results should I expect after facial implants?
While the initial outcome of plastic surgery with facial implants is present almost immediately, it will be obscured by visible swelling. It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate.
The final results of your facial implants will be long-lasting; however, the initial healing phase may include localized swelling, discoloration, numbness or discomfort. In addition, facial movements may be temporarily restricted or impaired. These are common conditions.
Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself. Following your physician's instructions is essential to the success of your surgery. It's important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing.
Sources:
. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facial-implants