Facial Implant
A facial implant is a cosmetic surgery performed to improve your facial contour and provide a harmonious balance to your facial features. The surgery involves inserting a solid biocompatible material that enhances the physical structure of your face. The most common materials used for facial implants are solid silicone or polythene (ePTFE). These materials vary rarely produce any kind of tissue reaction or rejection by the body.
Procedure
A facial implant procedure is an outpatient surgery performed under local anesthesia. The surgery usually lasts for about 1 to 2 hours. The various implants include:
Chin Implant
An incision is made in the lower lip region inside your mouth or just beneath the chin. These implants help in increasing the size and projection of the chin so that it appears proportionate with the forehead and midface. The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Jaw Implant
This implant is performed for jaws that are not well defined and distinct from the neck, in order to increase the width of the lower part of your face. Incisions are made on either side of your lower lip to insert the implant and the incision site is then secured with sutures. This surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Cheek Implant
These are inserted through incisions inside your mouth in the lower lip region or along your lower eyelid. They are fixed to your cheekbone with the help of micro screws so they always remain intact and do not droop. One of the biggest advantages of this procedure is you can remove the implants easily if you do not like them. The procedure usually takes about an hour.
Risks and Complications
As with all surgeries, there may be certain risks and complications associated with facial implants. These include the risk of the implants shifting, which may require another surgery for correction, infection, fever, abnormal pain, swelling or discharge from the incision site.
Contact your doctor immediately in case of any complications and for any further details regarding the implant.