Cheek / Chin Augmentation

Facial implants are specially formed solid materials (silicone or porous poly-ethylene) compatible with human tissues, designed to enhance or augment the physical structure of your face. The precise type and size of facial implants best suited for you requires an evaluation of your goals, the features you wish to correct, and your surgeon’s judgment.

If you are bothered by a small chin, weak jaw, or lack of facial contour, aesthetic surgery with facial implants may benefit you. While any area of your face can be augmented with implants, the cheek or malar area, chin, and jaw are the most common sites for facial implants.

Chin implants can increase the size and projection of a chin that is not in proportion with the forehead and mid-face. Jaw implants increase the width of the lower third of your face. Cheek implants increase the projection of the cheekbones. They add volume to areas that may be recessed or flat.

Before

After

How is the procedure performed?

Facial implants for cheek / chin / jaw enhancement is performed in a hospital, under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon will mark the areas and plan the extent of surgery for you pre-operatively in the upright position.

For a chin implant, the incision may be inside your mouth, along the crease that joins your lower lip and gums. An incision just beneath the chin is an alternative.

Cheek implants are most often placed through incisions in the mouth; along the crease that joins the upper lip and gums.

Jaw implants are generally placed through the mouth with incisions inside the mouth, back along the jawline at the crease where the inside of your cheek and gums meet.

A suitable size implant is placed in the appropriate pocket adjacent to the underlying bone through the incision. The implant is secured to the underlying bone using titanium screws. The incision is closed with self-absorbing sutures.

Recovery

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies from patient to patient. The first couple of days after surgery you should restrict your activities and sleep with your head elevated for the first 2 weeks. This will help to minimize swelling. In addition, facial movements may be temporarily restricted or impaired. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. You will be advised to have a liquid diet for the first 2-3 days, after which you may resume normal diet. It is imperative that you maintain proper oral hygiene during the recovery phase.

While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to 3 to 6 months for your new contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance as it refines to a more permanent outcome. Straining, bending, sneezing and lifting of heavy objects should be avoided for a few weeks after surgery. You may be able to return to work within a week after surgery and resume most normal activities within 3 to 4 weeks.

Possible risks

Facial augmentation with implants is a surgical procedure and has some potential problems associated with it. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

The potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Anesthesia risks
• Change in skin sensation
• Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles,
• Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, topical preparations, or injected agents
• Firmness around the implant
• Shifting of implants
• Skin discoloration, swelling and sensitivity
• Persistent pain
• Possible revision surgery

Consultation

During consultation be prepared to discuss:

• Your surgical goals
• Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
• Previous surgeries

Your aesthetic surgeon will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take clinical photographs
• Discuss your options – implants vs fillers vs fat transfer
• Recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of surgery and any risks or potential complications

It’s very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your cosmetic surgeon.

Preparing for Facial Implant surgery

In preparing for surgery, you may be instructed as follows:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation. You may be advised for a CT Scan as well.
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding