Facial implants are frequently used to enhance or improve the facial contours. They are able to balance out and create harmony among the facial features, as well as correct insufficiencies like a weak chin or cheekbones which lack definition. Cheek augmentation can add prominence to the cheekbones, chin augmentation can correct an undersized or weak chin, and lower jaw surgery can strengthen the jawline. Facial implant procedures are often performed along with other procedures. It’s not uncommon for rhinoplasty to be combined with chin augmentation because a weak chin may make the nose appear larger and adding definition to the chin can help to correct this.
Candidates for facial implants include men and women who are looking to enhance or add definition to the cheeks, chin or jaw area. Realistic expectations are important. An initial consultation with Dr. Kapoor in Orange County will help to determine if a facial implant procedure is right for you.
Dr. Kapoor performs facial implant procedures onsite at the Wellness Surgery Center, a state-of-the-art AAAHC-certified facility. Surgical times will vary but the average cheek or chin implant procedure takes thirty minutes to an hour to perform while lower jaw surgery may take one to two hours. Local anesthesia combined with sedation is often used for the surgery, though general anesthesia is also an option.
The incisions made during facial implant surgery are typically small. For chin augmentation, the incision may be located on the inside of the mouth along the lower lip or on the skin just beneath the chin. For check augmentation, the incision may be located on the inside of the mouth on the upper lip or on the lower eyelid. For lower jaw surgery, an incision may be made on either side of the lower lip. Working through the incisions, Dr. Kapoor will create a pocket over the cheek area for cheek augmentation or over the jaw area for chin augmentation or lower jaw surgery. He will then insert the implant into the pocket and close the incisions. The chin may be taped or a dressing applied over the cheek area.
Patients can expect some swelling and bruising, along with some discomfort which can be controlled with prescribed medication. The swelling may make talking, smiling and moving the mouth and lips difficult at first. If the incisions were made on the inside of the mouth, dietary restrictions may be necessary. External stitches may be removed within about five to seven days while intra-oral sutures will dissolve on their own.
Many patients are able to return to work within about a week after undergoing a facial implant procedure. Some other activities may need to be postponed for a longer period of time, particularly activities in which the face can be bumped or jarred. |
