Searching for anti-aging cures is a timeless, pardon the pun, human endeavor. Cleopatra and the Egyptians were known for early potions and makeup, and all ancient societies strove for and celebrated beauty. Luckily, in our modern world, we have science and decades of medical research to help us reach our full potential.
Nothing defines who we are more than our faces. Unfortunately, nothing shows our age quite like our faces do either. Over time, the proportions and volume of our face change, showing our age and lessening harmony. Facial fillers like Juvederm and anti-wrinkle injections like Botox do temporary wonders, but cheek and chin implants provide more substainal, long-term results.
With facial implants, you can age gracefully by undoing the effects of time on your face, or you may elect to enhance particular features even if volume loss is not a significant issue. Cheek implants re-establish the upper facial structure and improve the heavy look of the lower face, while chin implants restore the lower face and solve the “disappearing chin” or chin that sinks into the neck with little or no definition. Let’s look into this safe procedure more below.
What Are the Benefits of Facial Implants?
Despite first glance, we are all naturally asymmetrical. Facial implants can help achieve balance in our facial features and enhance definition along our jawline and upper cheek area. Facial implant procedures can be done at all ages, both for balancing facial harmony, or for restoring facial volume lost over time.
- Sculpted and toned look
- More youthful appearance
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improved profile
- Increased facial balance
- Rebuild your countenance after an accident
Who Are the Best Candidates for Facial Implants
Candidates for cheek surgery should be healthy men and women who have lost tissue volume in the mid-face area or who simply desire a more prominent cheek contour than the one they were born with. Candidates for chin implant surgery will have a receding chin or a chin that is not in proportion with their other facial features. You may not be a good candidate if you are a heavy smoker, if you are obese, or if you have serious health concerns including diabetes, heart conditions, or especially high blood pressure.
What’s the Facial Implants Procedure Like?
Cheek and chin implants are increasingly popular because they require a relatively simple surgery, and they produce predictable, long-lasting, and highly satisfying results. The procedure requires either local or general anesthesia, and can take as little as an hour, depending on various circumstances. Patients can usually return home the night following the procedure, although special cases will require an overnight monitoring.
What’s Recovery from Cheek and Chin Implants Like?
Facial implant patients should usually avoid expressive and animated talking for 48 hours. With both chin implants and cheek implants, tape may be placed on the area of the implant to keep the implant stable should any swelling ensue. Ice may be needed if swelling is considerable. Sutures placed in the mouth usually dissolve in a few weeks. Any external sutures will need to be removed by your doctor at a follow-up visit. For those with oral incisions, we recommend a soft diet for a few days.
Facial implants are typically performed as part of a facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedure. Depending on your goals, you may want to inquire about other facial rejuvenation procedures. You may want a brow lift to reduce “worry lines” or “frown lines”. If you want facial implants to strengthen your jawline, a neck lift may be appropriate to help correct a “double chin” or “saggy jowls.” To learn more or schedule a consultation today, call us at (415) 925-2880
