Because well-defined facial features are a mark of physical beauty, enhancing the chin, cheeks and jawline can provide a more defined and attractive appearance.
Facial implants can create remarkable changes by adding balance and definition to underdeveloped features.
Manufactured from a variety of materials, facial implants are available to augment the cheeks, chin and jaw. Many implants are made from silicone. There is no current scientific evidence to suggest that silicone implants are harmful.
If an incision is to be made inside your mouth, it is important that you inform Dr. Gantous if you smoke or if you have dental or gum problems. If you do, you may be instructed to take oral antibiotics before and after surgery to protect you from infection.
Though facial implant surgery may require only local anesthetic, more often, general anesthesia is recommended.
In most cases implant surgery is performed on an outpatient basis though an overnight stay may be necessary if other procedures are performed at the same time.
For more information on facial implants, click here.
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Chin Implants (Mentoplasty)
Dr. Gantous may recommend chin augmentation surgery in addition to nasal surgery when it is clear that a chin implant will add to your facial balance and harmony.
Frequently, for instance, a chin implant will be used together with rhinoplasty in a teenage patient whose face lacks the right proportion.
Chin implant surgery takes about an hour. During surgery, the implant (which is pre-selected according to size and shape) is inserted into a pocket that Dr. Gantous creates on the bone.
Incisions can be made inside the mouth or in a crease under the chin.
The chin may be taped after surgery to minimize swelling and sutures will remain for five to seven days. If an intra-oral incision is used, dissolving sutures will be used.
Swelling and bruising may be visible around the chin and neck for about a week. During that time, you will experience some difficulty smiling and talking. Our office will give you instructions about dental hygiene and eating after surgery.
For more information on chin implants (mentoplasty), click here.
Cheek implants (Malar augmentation)
A patient may wish to have cheek implants to restore a more youthful appearance. In patients 40 - 50 years old, for instance, cheek implants can improve the contour of the mid-face and restore sagging tissues.
Cheek implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be custom-fitted for a more natural look.
Cheek implant surgery usually takes less than an hour. When cheek implants are inserted at the same time as another cosmetic procedure, the implants can be inserted through the incisions made for that procedure.
Alternately, an incision is made inside your upper lip, a pocket is formed and the implant is placed directly on or below the cheekbone.
After your surgery, movement of your mouth and lips will be limited. Swelling and bruising last about a week. The sutures that are used close the incision inside your mouth will dissolve in about 10 days.
For more information on cheek implants (malar augmentation), click here.
Lower-jaw surgery
Jaw implants are placed directly on the jawbone to create a stronger, squarer, more defined jawline.
Insertion of jaw implants takes one to two hours. Incisions are made inside the lower lip and a pocket is created into which the jaw implant is inserted. Dissolving sutures are used.
After your surgery, movement of your mouth and lips may be limited and you will have dietary restrictions.
Swelling can be significant following jaw implant surgery. While most swelling will subside in the first week, you may experience mild swelling over several months.
Problems rarely occur after facial implant surgery, but you need to be informed about such possibilities.
Implants sometimes shift slightly out of position necessitating a second surgery.
If infection happens and does not respond to antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced in another surgery.
Dr. Gantous will discuss the risks associated with the implant surgery during your consultation.
For more information on lower-jaw surgery, click here. |
