Procedures

Facial Implants

San Francisco - East Bay


​​​​​​​Our face is one of our most noticeable features, and can also betray some of the earliest signs of ageing. As we get older, the natural collagen production that helps keep our skin taught and youthful begins to decrease. As this happens, the skin on our bodies, including our face, begins to droop and sag, making us appear older than we often are.

Facial implants are one solution to this problem, restoring structure and definition to the face and creating a balanced, proportional and younger-looking appearance. Facial implants can be added to almost any part of your face, but are mostly requested for the cheeks, chin and jaw.

What are facial implants?

Facial implants are designed to augment the face to improve the patient’s esthetic appearance. They are created using biocompatible material, with silicone being the most common. Other alternative materials include high-density porous polyethylene (Medor) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, otherwise known as ePTFE or Gore-Tex.

Varieties of facial implant

Implants are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and during your consultation we will support you in finding the right ones to improve the structure and appearance of your face.

Some of the types of facial implant to choose from include:

Cheek implants

High, defined cheekbones are on the wishlist of many cosmetic surgery patients. Cheek (also known as malar) implants help to improve the bone structure of your face by making your cheekbones appear higher and fuller.

Chin implants

Some patients who find that their chin is particularly small and not in proportion to their other facial features, opt for chin implant surgery. These implants can help to increase the size of the chin, balancing the proportions of the face and creating a more esthetically beautiful appearance.

Jaw implants

A narrow jaw can also cause the face to appear out of proportion. Facial implants can improve the width of the jaw and add definition and balance to the face.

Facial Implant Procedure

Almost all facial implant surgeries are carried out while the patient is under a general anesthetic. This will mean that will wake up in recovery once the surgery is complete and you will have no memory of the procedure being carried out.

The actual procedure will depend on the type of implant that you have chosen, but typically the implants are placed via small incisions at the site of each area to be augmented. For example:

  • Cheek implants are usually inserted via an incision inside the patients mouth or in the hairline.

  • Chin implants are normally placed via an incision inside the mouth or occasionally externally on the chin itself.

  • Jaw implants are usually inserted via an internal incision along the line where the cheek and gums meet.

How long will it take to recover from my facial implant surgery?

Whilst some result from your facial implant surgery may be apparent immediately, you should expect bruising, swelling and some discomfort in the days after your procedure. Swelling can take several months to completely disappear.

Our team will provide you with specific instructions for how you should care for your eyes in the days following your procedure, and these should be followed precisely to ensure you have the quickest and most straightforward recovery, and the best results from your facial implant surgery.

Am I a suitable candidate for facial implants?

Before we will approve any patient for any surgery, we will ask you to attend a comprehensive consultation appointment with us. During this meeting, we will discuss your medical history, as well as your objectives for your surgery. We will also conduct an examination of your face to determine which implants will be right to achieve your desired goals.

If your face is betraying your age too quickly, or if you would like to simply add definition, or amend the proportions of your facial features, implants could provide the perfect solution. To find our more or to schedule a consultation with our skilled and experienced cosmetic surgery team, please make an appointment at our offices today.

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