Facial implants are used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to provide balance and fullness to the face as a result of volume loss due to aging or congenital facial imbalance. These materials are typically made of biocompatible materials like silicone or porous polyethylene. They are used in the face to provide a more balanced, harmonious, or youthful appearance to the face. 

There are several areas of the face where implants are placed, each intended to address specific facial feature concerns. Some common areas include:

Cheek Implants

Cheek implants are used to augment the cheekbones, creating more defined cheek contours. Patients who have used injectable fillers to plump their cheeks temporarily may like a more permanent solution offered by the cheek implant. Cheek implants can add volume and improve facial balance. The implants are placed through a small incision in the mouth and the surgery can be performed in the office with local anesthesia or intravenous anesthesia.

Recovery from the procedure is about one week. There is usually some swelling immediately afterward, but patients experience minimal discomfort and can maintain a normal diet throughout. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, the risks of infection and changes or loss of sensation are minimal. Your surgeon will review the recovery as well as possible risks and complications with you during your consultation.

Chin Implants

Chin implants are placed to enhance the horizontal projection of the chin and create a more pronounced and balanced facial profile. These implants are indicated for people who present with a weak, or small chin that lacks projection. Providing a stronger chi will improve the profile as well as give the appearance of a thin face from the frontal view. Patients with a deficient chin will often appear to have a short and rounded face. The placement of a chin implant is sometimes accompanied by a rhinoplasty.

The implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be custom-made from a CT as well. The surgery is performed through a small incision beneath the chin or from a small intraoral incision. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. It is best to discuss which approach to use with your surgeon.

The surgery can be performed in the office under local or intravenous anesthesia. The risks include infection and a temporary decrease in sensation in the lower chin and lip. These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon. As with all facial implants, though they are meant to be permanent, silicone facial implants can easily be removed with local anesthesia in the office.

Jaw Angle Implants

Like the chin, some patients present with a weak jawline and lack definition and projection of the jaw angles. Enhancement can be accomplished with the placement of jaw angle implants. Generic implants are available and can be useful, but custom implants are often used for the jawline as the angle of the jaw can present with some unique anatomy.

These implants are placed through an intraoral incision and usually require some type of sedation anesthesia in addition to the local anesthesia. Recovery is similar to the chin procedure and the risk of infection is about the same. Most surgeons will use mini screws to maintain the position of the implant.

Temporal Implants

Temporal Implants are used to add volume to the temple region and can help achieve a more youthful appearance. Often, patients present with temporal hollowing due to aging or congenital lack of temporal projection. Temporary improvement can be achieved with fillers or fat but implants provide a permanent solution.

In addition to the commonly placed implants above, there are other implants such as nasal implants and orbital implants. Any volume-deficient area of the face can be improved with the use of custom facial implants.

Facial Implant surgery can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with other facial surgeries such as rhinoplasty and facelifts. The incisions are usually inside the mouth or along natural creases to minimize visible scarring. Using these small incisions, the implants are positioned carefully to achieve the desired look. In some cases, it is necessary to place small titanium bone screws to maintain the position of the implant. The incisions are usually closed with dissolvable sutures. Recovery is usually a week or less in terms of time away from work.

One of the biggest advantages of facial implants is that they provide a permanent solution yet can be removed at any time with a local anesthetic if so desired. Before considering facial implants, it is essential to consult with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon who can evaluate your individual needs and discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you.