Facial Implants for the Cheeks, Chin and Jaw
Facial
implants are used to improve and enhance facial contours. These implants
helps to provide a more harmonious balance to the face.
There are many implants available, manufactured from a different materials.
These help to strengthen a jawline or bring the chin or cheekbones into
balance with the rest of the face. Facial implants can enhance the appearance
and may increase self esteem.
If you are expecting improvement, not perfection, in your appearance and
are realistic in your expectations, a facial implant may be a right choice
for you. Plastic surgeons frequently use 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.
Facial implants can produce some remarkable changes. Problems rarely occur,
but the patient needs 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 occurs around a facial implant and does not
clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be
temporarily removed and replaced at a later time.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon for a description of the risks associated
with the procedure in which you are interested. Some of the implant materials
are made of a solid silicone. Currently, there is no scientific evidence
that this is a harmful substance. 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 some cases, facial implant surgery may require
only local anesthesia combined with a sedative. However, more frequently,
a general anesthesia may be recommended.
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 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. You will experience some discomfort and
swelling in the affected area for several days. It is normal to experience
some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking.
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. 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.
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. 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. Remember, with any facial surgery, you may feel and
look better in a short period of time.
You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks, or
perhaps even months. Give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new
look. You may be surprised to find that most people will not recognize that
you have had facial implant surgery -- only that you look better.-
