Facial Implants
A proportionate face is synonymous with beauty and harmony. A proportionate look is primarily influenced by volume in certain facets of the face. If there is too much tissue in a particular area of your face, it can distract the eye, making your facial imbalances noticeable and creating an otherwise unattractive look. If there is too little tissue in an area, a different type of imbalance occurs that can cause your face to look weak, deflated or undeveloped. A lack of facial volume can potentially occur because of the natural aging process or be influenced by genetics. Perhaps, you struggle with a lack of volume in your chin or cheeks, which gives you a profile and overall image that you are unable to feel confident and proud about. Thankfully, there are cosmetic procedures available that can successfully create greater contours in your face. Among these procedures are facial implants.
Facial implants are a surgical procedure that adds volume to your face to create more defined contours, creating more harmony and balance between your facial features. If you are a resident of St. Louis, MO, and are interested in learning more about facial implants, please contact Ridenour Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation. We can be reached at (314) 501-7946 or by visiting our contact page.
What Are Facial Implants?
Chin Implants
Chin implants, referred to as chin augmentation, are ideal for patients either born with a ‘weak’ chin or those whose chin has naturally digressed over time because of their genetics. The procedure is perfect for creating a more defined jawline, which will make a patient’s profile more confident. If there is a lack of definition in the chin, it can potentially lead to a lack of balance and proportion in the face. Additionally, the chin supports the structure of the neck, so if the chin lacks definition, the neck can be significantly impacted by the natural aging process. There are a variety of chin implant shapes and sizes, so the procedure can be customized to suit an individual’s unique facial structure.
A small incision is made either beneath the chin or inside the mouth during the chin implant procedure. Through the incision, a pocket is formed in front of the jawbone. The proper implant shape and size is then inserted.
Cheek Implants
Cheek implants, or cheek augmentation, is an exceptional procedure for patients with cheeks where a lack of volume is present, which creates a flat and deflated look. The procedure increases definition in the midface region to create a more youthful image. Like the chin, flat cheeks can result from genetics or can occur because of facial trauma. There are two types of cheek implants. The malar cheek implant helps correct flat cheeks that result from a bone deficiency in the cheekbone, while the submalar implant is used to correct cheeks deficient in soft tissues beneath the cheekbone. Submalar implants help the cheek look fuller and more youthful. Which implant is best is determined during an initial consultation.
During the cheek implant procedure, an incision is made either in the mouth or along the lower eyelid, through which the implant is inserted. For both the cheek and chin facial implant, sutures are utilized to close off the incision. These sutures will be removed during a follow-up appointment.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Facial Implants?
A facial implant is an excellent surgical procedure for anyone that is unhappy with the appearance of their face because of a lack of definition and contours. Patients who were naturally born with a ‘weak’ chin or flat cheeks, or those who have noticed a loss of volume either due to the natural aging process or weight loss, will appreciate the benefits of a facial implant. Facial implants can be utilized as a reconstructive and cosmetic procedure. Younger patients will benefit from the procedure because it can potentially be aesthetically boosting, while an older generation can restore volume in their face to create a more youthful image.
The ideal patient for a facial implant should be in generally good health and possess realistic expectations about what results can be achieved. You will also need to spend some time away from work and other activities so that you can heal. During an initial consultation with Dr. Ridenour, your facial concerns will be assessed. Dr. Ridenour will review with you the varying types of implant shapes and sizes and determine which will best suit your unique facial features.
A facial implant is commonly performed for the following reasons:
- A disproportionately small chin
- Poorly defined jawline
- Lack of definition in the cheeks
- Volume loss due to aging
- A lack of symmetry in the face
Recovering From Your Facial Implant
Immediately after your facial implant procedure, your treatment site will be bandaged to support the implant’s position. You will be given aftercare instructions, which will include what topical or oral medications you should take, how to care for the treated site and when you should return for a follow-up appointment. Instructions regarding dental hygiene, what foods you can and cannot eat and what activities you should avoid until you are fully healed will also be given. You should avoid sleeping face down for approximately six to eight weeks after your procedure to avoid complications.
You will experience modest swelling, bruising and some discomfort after your facial implant procedure. These are normal side effects. Usually, swelling completely subsides after two weeks. However, some mild swelling can potentially be present for several weeks.
Your Facial Implant Results
When you have fully recovered from your facial implant procedure, your face will have a much more symmetrical and balanced appearance. Patients who decide to have a cheek implant will have visibly more prominent cheekbones, while patients who undergo a chin implant will have a stronger jawline. Both of these implants will give you a more youthful image and will be flattering as the implant shape and size will be specified to produce natural-looking results.
Facial implant results are permanent. You can lead the rest of your life knowing that your chin or cheeks create a more harmonious look. A facial implant is commonly combined with other surgical procedures to further their results. Among these surgical procedures include rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty and a neck lift. During an initial consultation, these other procedures can be discussed, and a surgical treatment plan can be developed.
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Your face can become disproportionate for a number of reasons. Your genetics, the natural aging process and facial trauma all influence how much volume is present in your chin and cheeks. Flat cheeks can throw the balance off between your other facial features, resulting in an image lacking in youthfulness. A ‘weak’ chin can make an individual appear unconfident. Both of these issues can be corrected using a facial implant, a surgical procedure that creates greater contours in the facial structure.
If you struggle with your appearance because of flat cheeks or a ‘weak’ chin and are interested in learning more about facial implants, please contact Ridenour Plastic Surgery of St. Louis, MO, at (314) 501-7946 or by visiting our contact page to schedule a facial implant consultation.
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