Procedure

Facial implants are intended to change the basic shape and balance of the face using carefully styled implants to build up a receding chin, add prominence to cheekbones, or reshape the jaw line. Implants may be made of natural or artificial materials. Chin surgery usually begins with an incision either inside the lower lip or externally, on the skin under the chin. The skin will then be lifted off your chin bone to create a pocket large enough for the implant; usually it is about an inch and a half to two inches wide. Your surgeon will then place the implant in the pocket and stitch it into place and sew up the incision.

The incision for cheek implants will be made inside your upper lip, on rare occasions a lower eyelid incision is used to insert the implant. Your surgeon will then lift the tissue of your cheek away from your cheekbone, creating a tunnel that will hold the implant in place. Your surgeon will place the implant in the tunnel and stitch it into place, and sew up your incision.

Length of Procedure

This procedure usually last 1 to 2 hours depending on the extent of your procedure.

Type of Anesthesia

Facial implant procedures are done under local anesthesia with sedation, on an outpatient basis.

Side Effects

You will experience temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising, numbness and/or stiffness.

Risks

Fortunately, significant complications from this procedure are infrequent, and thousands of people undergo this procedure with no complications. However, anyone that is considering this procedure should be aware of the benefits and risks. The potential complications of this surgery are best discussed on a personal basis with your surgeon. Though some complications that may be discussed are shifting or imprecise positioning of the implant, or infection around it; which may require a second operation or removal. Excess tightening and hardening of scar tissue around and artificial implant (capsular contracture) which in turn may cause an unnatural shape.

Recovery

After facial implant surgery most patients are back to work about 1 week after surgery, depending on their job. Your normal appearance should be restored within 2 to 4 weeks. Any activity that could jar or bump your face can resume after 6 weeks; in some cases you may be asked to wait longer.


Reading about your prospective procedure is your first step in gathering information. Once you have decided that the procedure is right for you, a personal consultation is available for your convenience with Dr. H.A. Najafi. This will give you a more detailed explanation of your prospective procedure and answer any questions or concerns you have regarding your surgery. Click on contact us to contact a member or our staff, to schedule your consultation today!