Facial implants can help to improve facial contours, they are made with different materials and should provide more balance between all the elements of the face.

Posible Complications

There are general and especific risks with facial implants, it involves general risk from the surgery and anesthesia. Also asymmetry, movement of the implant, infection or rejection reactions to the implant material (less frequent due to new and more tested materials).  You should read the manual that comes with the implants before the surgery to be fully informed about the risks involved.

Before a Facial Implant

Before your surgery you will discuss expectations, risk and details about the surgery with your plastic surgeon.  You should inform him or her about smoking habits, dental or gum problems, because some of the incisions could be placed inside your mouth.  Follow all the instructions of your doctor to minimize risks for complications.

The Surgery

The procedure is performed in an operating room and you may require to stay overnight for better monitoring of your condition.  It is usually done under general anesthesia.

Chin Implants usually takes from 30 minutes to 1 hour.  After selecting the prope size and shape for you, it will be inserted in a pocket over the fron of the jawbone.  The incision is placed inside the mouth along the lower lip or in the skin just under the chin area.  Sutures in the skin will be removed in 5 to 7 days, the intraoral ones should be dissolved in several days. 

Cheek implants takes about 30 to 45 minutes, placed through incisions inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid into pocket formed for this purpose. Intraoral stitches should dissolve in about 10 days. 

Jaw implant takes from 1 to 2 hours, inserted through incisions place on either side of the lower lip.  Swelling could be significant inmediately after the surgery, peaking at the second day and become better in several days.  The final results may be seen after several months. 

With facial implants you may feel some discomfort for several days including difficulty to smile and talk, you may have color marks (black, blue, green) around the implant area that should disappear in couple of weeks.  Remember that to follow all the instructions of yourplastic surgeon about detal hygiene, eating and any restrictions is essential to minimize risks for complications.

The Results

The final results should be evident in several weeks, requirind sometimes couple of months for the swelling to disappear completely. With facial implants some people may notice that you "look better" but maybe they won't realize that you had plastic surgery.  You should avoid contact sports and arduous activity for several weeks.