Facial implants are used to give body and definition to a specific area of the face and to create a more proportionate facial appearance.
Facial features balance each other and sometimes one feature (e.g. nose) may appear overly prominent, not because it is large, but because another feature is weak, sunken or underdeveloped (e.g. chin or cheeks). Implants are available in a wide range of sizes and styles for the different areas of the face including the chin, jaw, cheeks, nose and lips. They are inserted through tiny incisions and the resulting scars are typically not visible externally or are well concealed.
Implant surgery is often performed at the same time as other facial procedures, such as a facelift or nose reshaping to improve overall facial structure and balance.
What types of implants are used?
Implants come in a variety of materials, which include silicone and other man made materials such as porex or hydroxyapatite. Sometimes fat taken from another part of the body is used instead (see fat transfer). Occasionally, your surgeon may recommend bone grafting. The option chosen will depend on the particular circumstances.
Will I have visible scars?
The location of the incisions and resulting scars vary depending on the area to be treated. In most cases these are internal, either inside the mouth or nose. Cheek implants may involve an incision directly underneath the eyelids leaving a small scar, but this blends with the lash line and is barely visible. Chin implants may also require an external incision directly under the chin leaving a small scar. Separate incisions may not be required if the implant surgery is being performed in conjunction with other facial surgery, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
Depending on the area soft tissue fillers may be an alternative, however, the results will be temporary (see facial fillers).
What are the risks?
Overall, facial implant surgery is a safe procedure with few complications. However, like all surgeries there are risks involved. There are general risks associated with surgery and risks specific to each type of implant surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation. The most common problems are considerable bruising and swelling. Other problems are rare and include implant displacement, nerve injury causing numbness, reaction to anaesthesia, infection and bleeding.
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