Facial implants
can a facial implant do?
Facial implants can be performed for a number of different reasons ranging from purely cosmetic reasons where the person has a strong dislike of a particularly facial feature such as a protruding jaw or for medical reasons where damage has been done to the face through an accident or birth defect. Implants can also be used in conjunction with a facelift or any other type of cosmetic surgery as an aid to boost self-confidence and help to achieve a more youthful appearance.
This type of surgery very rarely requires an overnight stay; perhaps the only time when a hospital stay might be necessary is if you are having other cosmetic surgery at the same time as the facial implant. Most implants will be performed under a local anaesthetic which will numb the area and a sedative is usually given to help you relax during the surgery.
Types of facial implants
Chin surgery
Chin implants can take anywhere from a half hour to an hour and a half depending on the amount of work which is to take place, the proper shape and size of implant will be chosen to enhance the chin and this is fitted into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The incision made will usually be inside the mouth and the chin will normally be taped after surgery to help prevent swelling, with the stitches being removed in around seven days. It is normal to feel some pain and there will be some bruising and swelling with bruising showing under the chin and on the neck.
Cheek surgery
Implants in the cheek will normally take around 45 minutes and the incision will be made in either your upper lip or your lower eyelid, a pocket will then be formed in the correct place and the implant inserted. A dressing will then be applied to the area in order to help minimize the swelling and the stitches will normally dissolve in around 10 days.
Lower jaw surgery
An implant in the lower jaw will normally take around one to two hours and incisions will be made on both sides of the lower lip, a pocket will then be created for the implant and dissolving stitches will be used to close the wound. There will be significant swelling to the area and this should reach its peak around 48 hours after the surgery.
After Facial implants surgery
Swelling will gradually subside over the next several days and some mild swelling can remain for up to several months. You will find that you may be restricted when talking, eating or being able to mouth your mouth properly for a few weeks following the implant but this will gradually ease.
