Facial Implants (Chin, Cheek & Jaw Surgery)

About the Procedure

Your face is the gateway to the outside world and how people will remember you. If you've been concerned with your appearance for a while, now is the time to consider a facial implant. Plastic surgeons have now perfected implants where they can accurately reshape your face. Implants can make your face more harmonized for a more complete and beautiful appearance. Facial implants can balance disproportionate facial features, strengthen a weak jaw line or accentuate cheekbones. Facial implants are inserted in the cheek, chin, jaw or other areas of the face. Implants are made from various materials but more commonly they are made of solid silicone and porous polyethylene, a solid substance that has pores to allow the patient's own tissue to grow.

What to Know before the Procedure

Facial implants are done in an out-patient surgery center, office surgical suite or hospital. The surgery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. It can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Patients can usually go home the same day. However, sometimes an overnight stay is needed. The face lift procedure depends on the type of implant and if more than one type of implant is required to achieve the desired results.

What to Know after the Procedure

After cheek or cheek implant surgery, there will be some swelling, mild soreness and tightness due to increased volume. With a jaw implant, mouth movement may be difficult for about a week but will improve during the first few months. The jaw will appear black and blue. Stitches dissolve in about a week. The jaw will continue to swell for up to 48 hours and there may be some swelling for several months. Pain medications can help control pain and the surgeon will advise when it is safe to resume activities such as eating solid food. In general, patients return to work and regular activity within a week.

The risks include infection or reaction to anesthesia. In extreme cases, removal and reinsertion of the implant will be needed. Swelling and bruising often occurs but subsides within several days. Bleeding can result in excessive bruising. Sometimes, a blood clot forms, which requires physician intervention and longer recovery time. Nerve damage sometimes happens but is temporary, subsiding after about six months. The results of facial implant surgery may not be fully evident for several months.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Patients can avoid complications by selecting a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon rather than opting for cheaper surgeries with inexperienced providers. With proper precautions by a qualified surgical team, complications are typically minimized or prevented. Qualified surgeons can be found both domestically and abroad.

With low complication rates your choice between domestic and international travel should focus on price, quality, and post-operative care. Research several surgeons and be sure to see before and after photos of other patients. If you opt to have this surgery performed abroad be sure to discuss post-operative care and potential complications with your surgeon.