The face remodeling while using the facial implants are done to change the basic contours and balance of the face using carefully shaped implants to build up a receding chin, add prominence to cheekbones, or reshape the jawline.
The facial implants surgery
There are many implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. They may help strengthen a jawline or bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face.
Plastic surgeons will frequently use such implants to bring better balance to the features of a younger patient. For instance, a teenage girl may want her nose reshaped or her chin brought forward so that these traits are better proportioned.
The more mature patient may choose to have an implant placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure. For example, during a facelift, a patient may wish to have implants placed over the cheekbones to help restore a more youthful appearance.
Implants may also be selected to fill out a face that appears “sunken” or tired.
Anesthesia
In some cases, facial implant surgery may require only local anesthesia combined with a sedative. However, more frequently, a general anesthesia may be recommended.
In some cases facial implants surgery is performed under local anesthesia which numbs the area around your ears along with oral or intravenous sedatives. You’ll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain.
However more frequently general anesthesia is used. You’ll sleep through the whole operation. Typically, people are requested not drink, eat and smoke for about 6 hours before the general anesthetic and may need overnight stay in hospital.
The surgery
Your operation may
take from about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on job extension.
Chin surgery
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
During the procedure, the surgeon selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance and inserts it into a pocket over the front of the jawbone.
The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area.
Usually, the chin is taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort.
Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days.
If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.
Cheek surgery
Cheek implant surgery usually
takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When cheek implants are being placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift,
forehead lift or
eyelid surgery, the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted.
After surgery, a
dressing will be applied to
minimize discomfort and swelling. The severity and duration of such side effects may vary, especially if another cosmetic procedure was performed at the same time.
Lower-jaw surgery
Insertion of a jaw implant usually takes about one to two hours. Internal incisions are made on either side of the lower lip to provide access for creating a pocket into which the lower-jaw implant can be inserted.
Dissolving sutures are used to close the incisions.
Are you the best candidate for facial implants?
Facial implants surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. Most patients were surprised, that a lot of people around them did not recognize they had facial surgery. However all of them were sure, they are looking much better.
The best candidates for facial implants surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations.
Before your surgery
When you discuss your surgery with your plastic surgeon, be certain that you clearly express your expectations.
Your plastic surgeon will help you determine what it is possible to achieve.
It may be helpful to provide your surgeon with photos of people who have facial features similar to those you would like to have.
If the surgery will entail an incision inside your mouth, it is important that you inform your physician if you smoke or if you have any dental or gum problems. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on these matters.
In preparing for your surgery, be sure to find out if you’ll be able to drive home afterward or will require transportation.
You should also ask if you’ll need to refrain from eating or drinking the night before your surgery, and if you should stop taking any medications, including aspirin and similar drugs.
You may be instructed to take oral antibiotics both before and after the procedure to help guard against infection.
Your plastic surgeon will provide information about these important matters during your pre-operative consultation.
After you surgery
Remember, with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better in a short period of time.
However, it may not be advisable to participate in certain activities – especially activity that may result in the face being jarred or bumped — for several weeks. It’s best to check with your plastic surgeon about such matters.
Recovering from chin surgery
You will experience some
discomfort and swelling in the affected area
for several days.
It’s normal to experience some temporary
difficulty with smiling and talking.
Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck.
Your plastic surgeon will
instruct you
about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to your activities after surgery.
Recovering from cheek suregry
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with instructions about post-operative care.
There will be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities. Again, these instructions will vary, especially if another procedure was performed along with your implant surgery. However, you should be aware that your ability to move your mouth and lips may be diminished temporarily.
Stitches used to close the incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days.
Recovering from jaw surgery
Swelling is sometimes significant immediately following surgery, usually peaking 24 to 48 hoursafterward. Although most of the significant swelling will subside over a period of several days, prolonged mild swelling may prevent your final facial contour from becoming apparent for several months.
During the healing phase, your activities and diet will be restricted.
Your ability to smile, talk or move your mouth in any way may be limited for several days to weeks following surgery.
Your plastic surgeon will instruct you about dental and oral hygiene during your recovery.
What is the results duration?
Results are permanent.