Chin and jaw implants are recommended for patients with a weak chin or jaw line who desire increased projection and definition, while cheek implants are ideal for patients who wish to accentuate cheekbone structure or plump sunken cheeks that have lost volume due to aging or weight loss.
During your consultation, Dr. Weston will talk with you about your options and may recommend that you try a temporary injectable filler, such as Restylane or JUVEDERM®, before seeking permanent correction with facial implants. Injectable fillers that provide longer-lasting results, such as Sculptra and Radiesse, may also be recommended as facial implant alternatives for jaw, chin or cheek augmentation. Rest assured that Dr. Weston is committed to helping you achieve your precise aesthetic goals in the least invasive way possible, but will advise you to consider surgical treatment if it fits your situation best.
Once you have decided to pursue facial implant surgery, Dr. Weston will determine whether you need general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation and show you where your incisions will be located:
Depending on where your incision is located, the sutures used to closed your incisions may be either internal (dissolvable) or external (require removal). Your unique needs will also dictate whether implant fixation with sutures or screws will be necessary to provide additional assurance that your facial implants do not move or migrate.
From start to finish, facial implant surgery may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to perform.
After facial implant surgery, you will be unable to drive due to the effects of anesthesia and will need a ride home. Be sure to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses to the surgical site for the first few days after surgery to minimize swelling and bruising. Additionally, remember to keep your incisions clean and dry to prevent infection and encourage healthy healing.
Within one week, you should feel able to return to normal daily activities, depending on the limitations of your pain medication prescribed for post-operative pain management. Strenuous exercise or activity should be avoided for at least three weeks after surgery.
Dr. Weston will schedule post-operative appointments with you to check your progress and ensure you do not experience any complications, such as infection. It is imperative that you keep these appointments in addition to following all post-operative instructions given to you after surgery, as this will ensure optimal results are achieved.
Although your facial implant results will be immediately visible, you may experience swelling for up to three to five months after surgery. After about one month, your final outcome will be nearly apparent and those results should last for many years.
Facial implants are a permanent way to enhance your features and create a more beautiful facial profile. To learn more about your implant options, contact Jane Weston, MD at (650) 457-6291.