Facial Implants

Commonly used to help shape the chin and cheek areas, facial implants are also used to alter the angles of the jaw and nose. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making it possible to fine-tune the type of look you want. (For instance, a wider chin implant may help give the whole face a more angular look.)

Most facial implants are either solid silicone or Porex. Solid silicone implants are smooth, flexible and solid to the touch, so leakage (associated with breast implants) is not a concern. They tend to conform against the bone, and are easier to remove. Porex implants are firm, yet textured and porous like a sponge. They tend to secure themselves to soft tissue so they can be harder to remove.

While each type of implant has advantages and disadvantages, a qualified surgeon can help you choose the right one for your concerns and future plans.

Are You a Good Candidate for Facial Implants?

Contrary to popular belief, facial implants are not just for people who want to restore a more youthful appearance; they are also a great solution for people who want to change certain facial features. If you want to add volume to a specific area on your face, facial implants might be the solution. Common facial implant scenarios include:

• Strengthening a weak, receding chin or further defining the jaw
• Filling out the cheek area or adding the appearance of higher cheekbones
• Correcting facial deformities, such as those that result from injury
• Restoring facial structure that has been compromised by aging

If you’re in good overall health, with realistic expectations, and want a relatively quick, more permanent procedure, talk to a surgeon to see if facial implants will work for you.

Benefits

When properly placed, facial implants can provide dramatic results, such as a more defined chin, higher cheekbones and better overall facial balance. They can also be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift, to rejuvenate the face while also improving the facial structure. (For instance, cheek implants are often combined with a mid facelift and a chin implant is often combined with a necklift.)

Implant procedures are relatively simple and commonly performed with twilight anesthesia, a form of conscious sedation that helps block pain and reduce anxiety. Overall, incisions can be well concealed, there is little pain, and patients tend to recover within a matter of days.