A harmonious face with pronounced cheekbones and a well-defined chin is one of the ideals of beauty in modern society. However, there are often situations when the proportions of the face are visibly distorted. This can be a congenital feature, as well as the result of age-related changes. Many of us, therefore, seek to enhance and improve our features using different techniques available in cosmetic surgery today.

To correct these flaws, plastic surgeons widely use facial implants. These are special forms made of silicone or other solid materials that are in accordance with the texture of the human tissue. Therefore these “forms” aka implants are inserted into the chin, cheekbones, or lower jaw to improve the contour of the face. Mentioned areas are the most common parts of the face submitted to cosmetic surgery.

Facial implant surgery will also aim to harmonize the face and create correct proportions if for some reason they have been lost or were so from birth. For example, it is common in medical practice to see patients with an underdeveloped, small chin, who are very worried about this. In this case, the placement of an implant in the correct area can solve the problem and boost self-confidence.

Types of Implants

There are different types of implant materials used to reshape the facial oval, as well as different shapes of implants depending on the area that is proposed to be improved.

• Chin Implants

This type of implant is used to shape the aesthetic contour of the chin. With this surgery, it can be increased in width, lengthened, or rounded in its contour. In addition, some asymmetry of the chin can be corrected with the help of implants.

These implants are also used to harmonize facial proportions.

• Jaw Implants

These implants help to emphasize the corners of the lower jaw, giving it a smooth and beautiful outline, while also enlarging and slightly broadening the contours of the face.

• Cheek Implants

This type of implant is used to improve the contour of the cheekbones. Cheekbone implants are very often used to correct facial asymmetry.

Who Is Suitable for Facial Implants?

The decision to have implants is most often made by patients in consultations with the doctor. There are many alternative options to change the structure of your face, which is why consultations are required step.

Usually, patients that suffer from the following problems choose facial implants:

• Disturbance of facial proportions.
• Facial deformities after injuries or congenital conditions.
• Increase projection of the chin.
• Fix undefined jawline.
• Age-related ptosis of the soft tissues of the face.

Facial implants are often used in aesthetic surgeries to lift the skin of the face and create additional volume in the desired areas: the cheekbones, the corner of the lower jaw, and the chin. The surgery results not only in the correction of unwanted defects but also in rejuvenation.

Modern implants are made from innovative materials that allow the following to be achieved:

• The naturalness of the result obtained.
• Absence of a feeling of a foreign body and discomfort.
• Reliable protection against deformation.
• Good fixation in tissues.

There are standard implant sets, but in some cases, an individual model is made to create better symmetry for the patient. In case you seek alternative options, many patients also choose fat grafting or bone repositioning.

Generally, these procedures are adequate for patients with generally good health and realistic expectations of the results.

How Is the Surgery Performed?

Implants can be placed with local or general anesthesia. On average, the duration of surgery does not exceed 60-90 minutes. This process is almost identical to all facial areas.

Initially, the surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth. This approach to their installation allows you to avoid skin scarring. If implants are placed in the chin, the incision line goes between the lower lip and the gingival crease. Rarely, surgical access is obtained by making an incision below the chin line.

Other surgical marks are positioned in a way so that underlying structures are avoided. The incision is usually placed in close proximity to the targeted area. After the necessary incisions are made, a “pocket” is formed in which the implant will be placed. Then self-absorbable sutures are applied.

Rehabilitation

Usually, after surgery, there is some numbness in the surgical area, swelling of the tissues, and slight discomfort when chewing and speaking. It disappears within 5-7 days. Swelling and bruising that appears after surgery usually go away within 10-14 days after surgery. During this period, it is recommended to limit expressive mimicry, limit chewing of solid food.

Sometimes operation may require drains to be common place, which may cause discomfort for a day or two. Many doctors advise applying a cold compress to reduce swelling or pain.

If you follow all of the surgeon’s recommendations, the rehabilitation period will be as comfortable and quick as possible.

Tips for Successful Procedure

All prosperous patients should do a series of steps before undergoing surgery. Primarily you should decide whether this invasive option is the best for you and seek information about alternative methods that we discussed.

Afterward one should do an extensive search for the best medical professional to do the procedure. You want to consult an expert in this area with good recommendations and reputation as well as someone with long-term experience in procedures involving facial implants. Naturally part of the information you seek should include training they obtained, and the detailed list of steps the procedure will require which can give you an additional positive impression of their professionalism.

You should also ask questions about preparatory steps for the procedure that you should follow such as dietary restrictions or similar pieces of advice, anticipated results, financial investments, risks and complications, some possible side effects, preparatory steps for the surgery, and any further suggestions doctor as an expert can advise you. Additionally, you can ask about the scaring, recovery process, further steps in improving the results, alternative approaches, etc.