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Your face, more than any other part of your body, is what defines you. You use it to communicate, to be recognized, and to influence other people. Yet, at its most fundamental level, your face is a composite of structural elements-chin, cheeks, brow, jaw seen in the context of your whole face. It is the relationship between these structural elements that creates the look that is uniquely yours. When one of these elements is too big, too small, too prominent, it tends to throw the face out of balance.
Facial contouring, a form of plastic surgery that changes the basic structure of your face, may use carefully styled implants to create a more attractive, harmonious balance among your facial features. With facial implants, your surgeon can help you achieve, for example, a wider and stronger jaw line, higher cheekbones or a fuller face, or added length and projection to a small chin.
If you're considering facial surgery, this website will give you a basic understanding of the type of procedures involved when implants can help, how the operation is performed, and what results you can expect. It can't · answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your surgeon if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure. |
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The use of facial implants can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. But the results won't necessarily 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. The best candidates for facial implants are people looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. Most candidates are younger people interested in a fundamental change in the shape and balance of their face. For older patients, facial implants may be used in conjunction with other surgical procedures, such as a forehead lift or a facelift, to help restore a more youthful look. |
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Facial implants can produce some remarkable results. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
A facial implant will occasionally shift in position after the operation. It doesn't happen often, but if the implant shifts, the only way to correct it is to redo the operation.
A small percentage of patients develop an infection around the implant. While this may occur at any time, it's most often seen within a few weeks after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.
Occasionally, some patients will experience some minor injury to the facial nerves which provide feeling to the lips and chin as well as normal movement. This condition is usually temporary.
You may have concerns about the use of an implant made of silicone in facial surgery because of the Food & Drug Administration's restrictions on silicone breast implants. At this time, the FDA's ruling does not affect facial implants because they are solid, not filled with silicone gel. Be sure to ask your doctor if you want to know more about the FDA actions. |
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One of the most important things you can do to help your surgeon create the results you expect is to clearly define what you want. Look for photos that will help you describe the precise change you would like to see. Be frank in discussing your expectations with your surgeon, and don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. Your surgeon should be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain how a facial implant will change your appearance. He or she should discuss your medical history, conduct a routine examination, photograph your face, and review the details of the procedure, the recovery, and the costs. |
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Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Facial surgery is often done through the mouth, so your gums must be healthy and you should have no dental infection or mouth sores. If you smoke, you'll probably be asked to stop before and after surgery, until your mouth is completely healed, to reduce your risk of infection.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed. |
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Your surgeon may perform the operation in an office facility, a freestanding surgery center, or a hospital outpatient facility. Or, your surgeon may admit you to the hospital as an inpatient, in which case you can plan on staying for a day or two. |
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Insertion of a chin implant usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The surgeon begins by making an incision either inside the lower lip or externally, in the skin under your chin. He or she will then gently lift the tissue off your chin bone to make a pocket large enough for the implant, usually about an inch and a half to two inches wide. Your surgeon will have determined the approximate size and shape of the implant you'll need before surgery, but will probably use several "sizers" to find the right fit for you.
Your surgeon will then place the implant in the pocket, stitch it into place and sew up the incision. Surgical tape or a light compression dressing may be applied to your chin to control swelling and to give your chin support right after the operation. |
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You may feel some discomfort for a few hours after surgery, and your chin may be stiff and achy for two or three days. Your lower lip may seem stiff and difficult to control for the first week. Some swelling in your chin and upper neck is possible, but it should go down within a week or two.
If the incision was made in your mouth, you may be asked to stick to liquids and soft foods for the first week or so after surgery. You can usually brush your teeth gently the day after surgery, and you'll probably be advised to rinse your mouth several times a day with saltwater, diluted peroxide, or an antibiotic mouthwash. The stitches will usually dissolve or be removed after the first week. |
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Cheek implant surgery usually takes about one hour. If you are having a facelift or a forehead lift at the same time, your cheek implants may be inserted through the external incision made for these procedures. Otherwise, they'll be inserted through an incision made inside your upper lip. Occasionally, a lower eyelid incision is used to insert a cheek implant.
Your surgeon will first lift the tissue of your cheek away from your cheekbone, creating a tunnel that will hold the implant in place. The implant will rest directly on the bone, which must be completely bare of tissue before the implant is inserted to provide a stable "seal."
The surgeon will then place the implant in the tunnel, stitch it into place, and sew up the incision. Surgical tape or a light compression dressing may be applied to your cheek to control swelling and to give you extra support right after surgery. |
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You'll probably feel very little pain after surgery, although your cheeks may feel stiff and numb. You may not feel like talking much, and your smile won't feel as complete as normal for several days. Yawning and chewing may also feel a bit uncomfortable. These sensations will begin to pass four or five days after surgery.
As with chin surgery, if you had an incision in your mouth, you may be asked to stick to liquids and soft foods for the first week or so after surgery. You can usually brush your teeth gently the day after surgery and you'll probably be advised to rinse your mouth several times a day with salt water, diluted peroxide, or an antibiotic mouthwash. The stitches will dissolve or be removed within a week to 10 days. |
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Insertion of a jaw implant usually takes one to two hours and, like chin and cheek surgery, is usually done through the mouth. Your surgeon will make an incision inside your mouth along one side of the lower jaw, then lift the tissue away to expose the jawbone. The implant is pIaced directly on the jawbone and the incision is closed. In most cases, the surgeon will then repeat the procedure on the other side. |
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Most patients will experience marked swelling immediately following surgery, but most of it will disappear in several weeks. You may not be able to move your mouth or smile for several weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will give you guidelines and exercises to help you regain normal function.
You may be restricted to a liquid diet for a week or so, then soft foods for another week after that. You can usually brush your teeth gently within a few days after surgery and you'll probably be advised to rinse your mouth several times a day with salt water, diluted peroxide, or an antibiotic mouthwash. |
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You can usually return to work about a week after facial surgery. Many people, however, don't feel comfortable going out socially until the bruising and swelling go down, usually two to three weeks later.
You should avoid any activity that may result in your face getting jarred or bumped for at least six weeks—the time it takes for scar tissue to form around your implant and hold it securely in place. |
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Facial surgery can dramatically or subtly change the way you look, depending on what you want. The key to a successful operation is working with your plastic surgeon to define your expectations as specifically as possible.
You may experience some unusual reactions from family and friends who don't appreciate the results of your surgery or understand your reasons for pursuing it. If that happens, try to keep in mind why you decided to have this surgery in the first place. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success. |
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