Plastic surgeons use facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours. Frequently, these implants will help provide
a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look.
What to expect from a Facial Implant
Facial implants can enhance your appearance and bolster your self esteem. If you are looking for improvement, not
perfection, in your appearance and are realistic in your expectations, you may find that a facial implant is the right
choice for you.
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.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
Facial implants can produce some remarkable changes. Problems rarely occur, but you need to be informed about such possibilities.
A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation my be necessary to replace it in its proper position.
Infection can occur with any operation. If infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear up after treatment
with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time.
Planning Your Surgery
When you discuss your surgery 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recovering from Cheek Surgery
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.
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.
Recovering from Jaw Surgery
Swelling is sometimes significant immediately following surgery, usually peaking 24 to 48 hours afterward. 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.
Content courtesy of PlasticSurgery.org
Northern California plastic surgeon Dr. Frank J. Piro located in San Mateo and Daly
City offers all aspects of plastic surgery including
facelift surgery, eyelid lifts,
rhinoplasty and more. View plastic surgery photos
in our photo gallery and blepharoplasty photos, learn more
about plastic surgery and schedule a consultation with this board certified plastic surgeon.
Northern California areas served: Bay Area - Peninsula - San Francisco - San Bruno - Milbrae - San Carlos - Belmont - Palo Alto - Mountain View
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