Facial Implants

Detailed Procedure Information

Facial implants are a specialized type of cosmetic surgery used to enhance and sculpt facial features. Commonly known as chin, cheek, or tear trough implants, they are designed to augment, reconstruct, or rejuvenate the facial contours for a balanced and harmonious appearance.

What Are Facial Implants?

These implants serve as structural enhancements placed beneath the skin to add volume and definition. They can address a variety of aesthetic concerns such as a recessed chin, flat or underdefined cheeks, or hollow areas under the eyes.

Reasons to Consider Facial Implants

Facial implants are recommended for individuals seeking to improve facial symmetry, contour, and overall definition. Ideal candidates often have:

• Underdeveloped or receding chin structures
• Flat or prominent cheekbone deficiencies
• Facial asymmetry triggered by injury or congenital conditions
• Loss of facial volume or definition due to aging
• Hollowing beneath the eyes (tear trough region)

Benefits of facial implants include:

• Enhanced profile and facial balance through chin and cheek augmentation
• Improved facial definition with stronger jawline contours
• Correction of asymmetries and restoration of youthful facial proportions
• Potential to supplement tear trough areas to reduce under-eye hollowness
• Boost in self-confidence and self-image

Considerations Before Undergoing Facial Implant Surgery

Before deciding on facial implants, consult thoroughly with your aesthetic plastic surgeon to assess suitability based on your health, goals, and facial anatomy. Important factors to keep in mind include:

• Good overall health to minimize surgical risks
• Understanding the possibility of infection which may occasionally necessitate implant removal
• Awareness that implants can shift, impacting the facial contour
• Potential, though uncommon, injury to facial nerves or muscle tissue
• Relatively short operative times and permanent outcomes
• Availability of alternative or complementary procedures such as fat grafting, bone repositioning, or dermal grafts
• Typical recovery duration is around one week, varying by individual

Selecting a Surgeon

Finding a Qualified Surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is critical for safe surgery and satisfactory results. When selecting a surgical specialist for facial implants, consider:

• The surgeon’s board certification and formal education in plastic surgery
• Specific experience in performing facial implant procedures
• Reviewing their portfolio of before-and-after images from previous patients
• Comfort and rapport during consultations
• Membership and accreditation by reputable professional organizations such as The Aesthetic Society

What Happens in the Consultation?

During your initial appointment, you will discuss your desired outcomes, medical history, and assess candidacy. Bring reference photos to illustrate your goals and provide a full health history including:

• Prior surgeries
• Ongoing medical conditions
• Medications, allergies, and any previous cosmetic treatments
• Dental health status to rule out infections that may complicate surgery

Your surgeon will explain alternative or combined surgical options and outline a personalized surgical plan integrating your objectives.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

• Am I an appropriate candidate for facial implants?
• What kind of results should I realistically expect?
• Can I review before and after photos of your past patients?
• What is your level of experience with facial implant surgeries?
• Where and how will the procedure be performed?
• Will there be visible scars?
• What anesthesia options are recommended?
• What are the total costs involved?
• What should I do to optimize results post-surgery?
• What is the recovery timeline?
• What risks exist and how are complications handled?
• If results are unsatisfactory, what corrective options do I have?

Post-Consultation Steps

Following your consultation, your surgeon will provide comprehensive recommendations, expected outcomes, and preparatory instructions. You will also view simulation imaging and clarify any remaining doubts. Feel free to seek additional opinions or use our Ask a Surgeon service for further guidance.

Preparing for your Procedure

Preoperative Preparation

Your surgical team will provide detailed guidance to prepare for surgery, including:

• A comprehensive medical evaluation including history and physical examination
• Instructions to stop smoking well before surgery to enhance healing
• Avoidance of blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, select anti-inflammatories, and certain supplements
• Maintaining adequate hydration before and after the procedure
• Arranging for transportation and overnight support after surgery, as facial implants are typically outpatient

What to Expect on Surgery Day

• Surgery may take place in a hospital, accredited ambulatory surgery center, or suitably equipped office facility
• The duration typically ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours
• General anesthesia is commonly used; local anesthesia or sedation may supplement it
• Monitors will track vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation during the procedure
• The surgeon will follow a precise surgical plan to place the implants
• Post-operatively, a support or compression garment may be applied to the treated areas
• You will be transferred to a recovery area for monitoring before discharge

Aftercare & Recovery

Recovery Timeline

Most patients require between one and two weeks before resuming normal daily activities and work. Individual healing times vary, and your surgeon will provide tailored guidance based on your progress.

Immediate Postoperative Period

• Bruising and swelling are common, with mild to moderate discomfort for the first 48 hours
• Cold compresses may be recommended to reduce swelling and ease soreness
• You may initially need to consume a liquid-only diet to minimize strain on the facial area
• Limited activity is advised; however, gentle mobility is encouraged to promote circulation

First Two Weeks Recovery

• Return to typical work and routines is usually possible within one week
• Sleeping in a reclined position at approximately 45 degrees aids in minimizing swelling
• Sutures will be removed between 5 and 10 days postoperatively; dissolvable sutures inside the mouth typically resolve in the same time frame
• A soft diet may be necessary during initial recovery

Recovery Beyond One Month

• After 4-6 weeks, patients can generally resume vigorous physical activity
• Scheduled follow-up visits are crucial to monitor healing and ensure satisfactory outcomes

Results

Longevity of Results

Facial implants are designed to provide long-lasting, often permanent enhancements. Though rare, implants can fracture due to trauma or wear and may develop infections requiring medical attention. With proper care and follow-up, most patients enjoy durable, natural-looking improvements. For examples, please refer to our before and after gallery.

Postoperative Monitoring

Maintaining scheduled visits with your surgeon helps preserve the outcome and address any concerns promptly. Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice any unexpected changes or issues.

Incisions and Scars

Incision Types for Facial Implants

Surgical access depends on the implant location:

Chin Implants

Incisions are commonly made under the chin or inside the mouth at the gum-lip junction, minimizing visible scarring.

Cheek Implants

Incisions may be placed inside the mouth or within a lower eyelid or brow lift incision, keeping scars well concealed.

Tear Trough (Lower Eyelid) Implants

Small incisions are created either on the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) or inside the mouth to avoid visible scars.

Scar Visibility

Since incisions are strategically hidden, visible scarring is minimal to none. The under-chin incision is the most noticeable but remains discreet, especially when looking straight ahead. Oral and eyelid incisions heal with virtually invisible results.

Safety Considerations

Risks and Complications

Though uncommon, facial implant surgery carries general and specific risks. Discussing these in detail with your surgeon ensures you understand the procedure’s safety profile.

General Potential Complications:

• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Hematoma or seroma formation (fluid or blood accumulation requiring intervention)
• Infection and bleeding
• Changes in sensation such as numbness or tingling
• Scarring and allergic reactions
• Injuries to underlying muscles, nerves, or tissues
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic results that may require revision

Risks Specifically Related to Facial Implants:

• Shifting or mispositioning of implants, causing contour irregularities
• Potential injury to facial nerves or muscles
• Rare cases of implant extrusion due to infection or trauma

Following your surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions diligently significantly reduces these risks.