Facial Implants

Enhancing facial features, facial implants are rising in popularity. These implants let plastic surgeons practically sculpt a face, adding new contours to create a better visual balance in the patient's face.

Cheek Surgery- An incision is made inside the mouth (bottom of the lip). A pocket is made. The implant inserted into this pocket. Post-op there are diet and dental hygiene restrictions placed on the patient. The incision is bandaged and activity is limited. The patient finds it difficult to talk or move their lips, but improvement soon follows. Stitches dissolve in ten days.

Lower Jaw Surgery- Incision is made on the side of the lower lip. The implant is inserted or injected. Post-op the patient will experience noticeable swelling and bruising. Dental and dietary restrictions and low activity is ordered for several weeks. Stitches are dissolvable.

Chin surgery- The incision is made inside the mouth along the lower lip. A pocket is formed. The implant slipped into place. The incision is closed, the chin taped up. Sutures removed in one week, unless they are dissolvable. The patient experiences stiffness and discomfort when smiling or talking. Bruises are visible on the chin and neck.

Different materials are now available for implants: Silicon, ePTFE, hydroxyapatite, and alloderm. The advantage to the newer materials is they are user friendly and pliable. Recovery time is shorter. If the surgeon uses ePTFE he can inject antibiotics into the material prior to injecting it into the patient minimizing risk of infection.

As with all forms of surgery, complications such as anesthesia risks, infection and scarring, are possible. In cases of infection, the implant may have to be removed to allow the area time to heal. Facial implants may sometimes move and require another surgery to place them back where they need to be.