Facial implants can be performed on three regions of the face. This facial cosmetic surgery can be carried out on the chin, cheeks and angle of mandible. Implants are considered generally in patients who are looking for augmentation of their facial bone structure without undergoing maxillofacial surgery where the jaw is broken and reset. Facial implants generally are less risky than orthognathic facial surgery. Facial implants are reversible but limited in that they do not address dental or orthodontic concerns.
Chin Implants : Cosmetic SurgeryAn important part of the facial profile is the chin. A strong chin can help people feel younger healthier and more attractive.
Chin implants can be used by both men and women who desire a stronger facial profile, and can be utilized to realign the structure of a patients face. Chin implants offer the option of restructuring the face for better balance.
Also known as chin augmentation the process can be undertaken when the patient has reached the age of approximately 20. This ensures that the process of bone aging will be completed.
Chin implants allow the patient to end up with a stronger facial profile that will enhance their overall facial appearance.
See examples of Dr Solomon’s chin implants surgery photos.
Other considerations include the role of chin and facial implants as a procedure to lessen the effects of aging. Patients with small chins tend to develop earlier signs of aging around the chin and neck. Patients with early jowl formation can benefit from an extended chin, jowl implant.
Other patients with fat under the chin can improve the shape of the chin and neck with chin implant combined with liposuction.
Example See patient 3 of Chin Implant Photos.
Finally some patients can achieve the best cosmetic outcomes with facelift surgery combined with chin and cheek implants.
Chin implant surgery generally takes about an hour. The procedure usually is done under general anesthesia but can be done with local anesthesia in certain cases. Recovery is relatively quick but swelling and tenderness can be present for up to two weeks.
The process of a chin implant involves small incisions under the chin as the implant is placed directly onto the bone. Dr Solomon prefers to perform implants on the chin through the small external incision as he feels it allows better placement and has a lower incidence of infection as compared to placing the chin implant through the mouth.
Often a chin or facial implant is recommended at the same time as Rhinoplasty Surgery for optimal aesthetic results.
To see examples see Rhinoplasty Chin Implant patient.
The jaw line is a very definitive feature of the face that distinctively defines someone’s appearance. Jaw implants placed on the angle of the mandible can define the Jaw Neck contour.
The goal with the jaw implant is to provide that well chiseled look that is associated with attractiveness. Candidates for jaw implants must be realistic in their expectations and realize the limitations of the procedure.
Recovery from Jaw Implants is variable. Generally one is able to return to work in about a week. Swelling and discomfort is a common occurrence that generally subsides around a week after the procedure.
Jaw and chin implants in combination may offer optimal results for clients that are looking for a dramatic change in their appearance.
Recovery from chin implants is generally faster than recovery from jaw implants.
For more information about facial implants: Facial Implant Toronto Article.
3D animation videos on facial implants.
Certain individuals have lack of fullness in their malar (cheek bones) or submalar region (front of the cheek). A number of surgical cheek implants are available which can modify and reshape the cheek region. These implants can be very useful in improving ones facial shape and enhancing overall facial aesthetics.
Furthermore as people reach their mid 40’s their cheeks begin to sag. In some patients this is subtle an improved with facial fillers. In others the flattening of the cheeks can create a tired and haggard appearance that can dramatically age the face. Cheek implants allow a reshaping of the cheek. The goal of cheek implants in this situation is to restore the round soft shape of the cheeks seen in youth.
The operation can take up to 1-2 hours and does not require incisions or scaring on the face. The implant is placed through small incisions made above ones gum line. The implant is placed directly on the cheek bone. The implants used are generally silastic or medpore as in chin implants.
Each cheek implant procedure is planned on a case by case basis. Computer imaging can be useful in pre surgical evaluation.
In certain situations patients can simulate the result they may get with a cheek implant by filling the cheeks with an injectable filler.
For information about fillers see our Non Surgical Injections.
Blog article on fillers. Effects Of Restylane.
If you like the result of cheek augmentation with fillers you can either continue filler treatments or pursue cheek implants for long term results.
Recovery from cheek implant surgery is most often quite rapid as most people are able to work and look socially acceptable in around 1 to 2 weeks. Bruising and swelling is common after the procedure. Pain medication can be prescribed if needed. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for one week as a precaution.
To learn more about cheek implant surgery see our 3D Animation video.
Risks of Facial implants.
Infection rate varies but is generally believed to occur in 1-3 percent of cases. If this occurs the implant must be removed.
Malposition can occur where the implant is not in ideal position. The implant can require adjustment to obtain best result.
Numbness after facial implants can occur in as high as 20 percent of cases. This is generally temporary and resolves over weeks after the surgery. Permanent numbness or pain from the implant is quite rare.
For more information: Cheek Implant Article
Facial Implants
Achieving the delicate aesthetic balance between the features of the human face is the essence of facial cosmetic surgery. The harmony of the facial structures may be disrupted as a result of hereditary factors, the aging process or through injury. Often facial implant surgery is the best solution to restore or enhance natural angles and correct the proportion of three main facial structures – the chin, cheek and jaw.
A chin implant may be needed if there is no clear distinction between the chin and the neck. The chin may appear too small in size or it may not project in proportion to the forehead and cheek area.
Jaw implants can increase the width of the lower third of the face. If the jaw is not well-defined in relation to the neck or the jaw does not create a pleasing angle from ear to chin, an implant may be the answer.
With some faces, the cheekbones may appear flat or in some cases, even recessed. A cheek implant can increase the projection in that area and bring a more balanced, rounded, youthful appearance to the midface.
Sometimes more than one area of the face will need implants to achieve the ideal harmony among the structures. Implants may also be used along with a rhinoplasty procedure or otoplasty for optimum results. Implants are often used to augment results achieved from a facelift, brow lift or eyelid lift. Dr. Solomon will be able to suggest such combinations of procedures based on your individual situation. Arranging the best combination of complementary procedures in advance can save time and cost involved in anesthesia and facility fees as well as providing optimum aesthetic results.
The best candidates for facial implant surgery have skin with enough elasticity to accommodate the implanted material because implants increase projection of the particular feature, making it appear more distinct. It is important to note that facial implants cannot correct dental or orthodontic concerns.
Facial implants are made from a variety of solid, biocompatible FDA-approved materials that can be molded, cut and shaped to accomplish the particular correction desired. Dr. Solomon will assess your unique needs to guide him to the best choice of implant for you.
Incisions are made in the mouth or discrete external locations in soft tissue that can allow space and offer support for the implants. For chin implants, the incisions are typically made inside the mouth along the crease of the lower lip and gums. An incision just beneath the chin is an alternative incision site. Incisions for jaw implants are made further back inside the mouth between cheek and gums on both sides of the mouth. Depending on exactly where the cheek implants are to be positioned, they may be inserted through incisions in the mouth, the lower eyelid or within the hairline.
Facial implant surgery is most often performed under local anesthesia alone or local anesthesia with sedation. In some cases, general anesthesia may be recommended instead. It can be performed in a physician’s accredited surgical suite, hospital or outpatient surgery center. The procedure takes only about one half hour to an hour to perform and patients enjoy almost immediate results. Initial swelling usually subsides in about two to four weeks and will continue to dissipate over the next one to two months when the final results of the implant procedure should be fully realized.
Closing incisions is done with absorbable sutures or with stitches that are removed within one to two weeks after surgery. It is important that incisions not be subjected to unusual force, rubbing, or motion during healing. You may have swelling, discoloration of the skin, numbness and/or discomfort during the recovery process.
There are risks to facial implant procedures, including but not limited to bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and reaction to anesthesia. Dr. Solomon will discuss these risks with you and give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your surgery and how to take care of yourself afterwards to minimize those risks.
If you are considering any facial implant procedure, it is very important to choose your surgeon carefully. Choose a surgeon who is specializes in surgery of the Face and Neck and performs facial implants frequently. You can be assured with the knowledge that Dr. Philip Solomon is board certified by the ABFPRS and specializes exclusively in Face and Neck Surgery.
Call us today to see if facial implants may be the solution you have been searching for.
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View: Cheek Implants Photos
Please also visit Dr. Solomon’s information on Facelift, Facetite, Facial Implants, Blepharoplasty, Buccal Fat Extraction, Brow Lift, Lip Lift, Lip Implants, Facial Fat Transfer and Transgender Surgery.
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