What Are Facial Implants Used to Correct?
Am I a Good Candidate For Facial Implants
Good candidates for facial implants are individuals who are in generally good health, non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before surgery, and who have realistic expectations about the outcomes. Patients must also have fully developed facial bones.
You may not be an ideal candidate for facial implant surgery if you have an active infection, skin disease near the implant site, uncontrolled chronic medical condition, or history of poor wound healing or excessive scarring. Additionally, women who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to postpone the procedure.
Procedure Details
Your operation may take place in our Albany office, a freestanding surgical center, or a hospital outpatient facility. Sometimes, your plastic surgeon may require that you stay overnight. Dr. Gannon or Dr. Hargrave will make such a recommendation based on your overall medical condition and whether another cosmetic procedure is being performed simultaneously.
In some cases, facial implant surgery may require only local anesthesia combined with a sedative. However, more frequently, general anesthesia is recommended.
Cheek Implant Surgery
A cheek implant procedure usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When cheek implants are being placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure (such as a brow lift, facelift, or eyelid surgery), the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made inside the upper lip or lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed, and the implant is inserted. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.
Chin Implant Surgery
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, Dr. Gannon or Dr. Hargrave 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 needed is placed inside the mouth (along the lower lip) 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 5 to 7 days. If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.
Jaw Implant Surgery
Insertion of a jaw implant usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Internal incisions are made on either side of the lower lip to provide access and create a pocket into which the lower jaw implant can be inserted. Dissolving sutures are used to close the incisions.
The Recovery Process
Most people experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the affected areas for several days after their facial implant surgery. It’s common to have some temporary difficulty moving your mouth and lips.
Your plastic surgeon will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating, and any restrictions on your activities during recovery. These instructions will vary, especially if another procedure was performed along with your implant surgery. Stitches used to close any incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days.
Remember, although you may feel and look better relatively quickly, it’s still not advised to participate in certain activities – especially those that may result in the face being jarred or bumped – for several weeks. If you aren’t sure about a particular activity, it’s best to check with Dr. Gannon or Dr. Hargrave first.
Benefits of Facial Implants
- Improve and balance facial definition for a more harmonious appearance
- Restore facial volume lost due to aging, injury, or congenital conditions
- Boost self-confidence and overall satisfaction
- Long-lasting, natural-looking results
How Much Do Facial Implants Cost?
The cost of your facial implant procedure will depend on the type of implants you and your surgeon choose and where you want them (cheeks, chin, and/or jaw). The price of your treatment plan will also be affected by anesthesia fees, surgeon’s fees, and other details.
Facial Implant FAQs
How long do facial implants typically last?
Facial implants are designed to last for many years. However, changes in facial structure due to aging or injury may affect their appearance over time.
Will facial implant surgery leave visible scars?
Incisions not placed inside the mouth or lower eyelid are usually created along natural skin creases, minimizing visible scarring. Most scars fade significantly over time and are barely noticeable.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Facial implants can produce some remarkable changes. Problems rarely occur, but you need to be informed about such possibilities.
A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation may be necessary to move it back in place. Infection can occur with any operation. If an infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time.
Learn More About Facial Implants in Albany, New York
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