Facial Implants

At The Centre, P.C., our plastic surgeons use facial implants to help patients obtain a more harmonious balance between certain facial features. Facial implants can be used to enhance facial appearance and improve self-esteem by enhancing facial contours.

Facial implant options include:

• Cheek implants
• Chin implants
• Jaw implants

You may want to consider a variety of other procedures that may enhance your facial implant. These include Restylane and BOTOX® Cosmetic. Your physician can provide additional details at your consultation.

The Centre, P.C. also recommends the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing extensive surgical procedures, such as facial implants.

Cheek Implants

Cheek implant surgery usually takes about one hour. If you are having a facelift or a forehead lift at the same time, your cheek implants may be inserted through the external incision made for these procedures. Otherwise, they’ll be inserted through an incision made inside your upper lip. Occasionally, a lower eyelid incision is used to insert a cheek implant.

Your plastic surgeon will first lift the tissue of your cheek away from your cheekbone, creating a tunnel that will hold the implant in place. The implant will rest directly on the bone, which must be completely bare of tissue before the implant is inserted to provide a stable “seal.”

The surgeon will then place the implant in the tunnel, stitch it into place, and sew up the incision. Surgical tape or a light compression dressing may be applied to your cheek to control swelling and to give you extra support right after surgery.

You’ll probably feel very little pain after the cosmetic surgery, although your cheeks may feel stiff and numb. You may not feel like talking much, and your smile won’t feel complete or normal for several days. Yawning and chewing may also be a bit uncomfortable. These sensations will begin to pass four or five days after surgery.

You may be asked to stick to liquids and soft foods for the first week or so after surgery. You can usually brush your teeth gently the day after surgery, and you’ll probably be advised to rinse your mouth several times a day with salt water, diluted peroxide or an antibiotic mouthwash. The stitches will dissolve or be removed within a week to 10 days.

You should avoid any activity that may result in your face getting jarred or bumped for at least six weeks – the time it takes for scar tissue to form around your implant and hold it securely in place. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup.

Chin Implants

Chin augmentation surgery is an option to improve the appearance of a "weak chin." A weak chin can make other features of the face, especially the nose, seem out of proportion with the rest of the face. The cosmetic surgeons at The Centre, P.C. use chin implants to strengthen the appearance of the chin and to provide more balance between the chin and other prominent facial features.

Chin implants come in various sizes and textures, giving our surgeons more options to ensure that we achieve the best possible look for each patient.

Chin implant surgery is a generally well-tolerated outpatient procedure. Incisions may be made inside the lower lip or under the chin area depending on the size and location of the implant. A general anesthetic or a local with sedation will be used during this procedure for your comfort. Computer imaging may be used for educational purposes between you and our surgeon to help define size and location. Most patients wear a facial garment for approximately 1-2 weeks following the procedure to aid in the healing and to control swelling. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup. Our surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with you in detail at your consultation.

Sutures are normally removed in 5-7 days. Recovery from chin implant surgery will vary from patient to patient although most patients can resume normal daily activities within 7-10 days following the procedure.

Jaw Implants

Insertion of a jaw implant usually takes one to two hours and is usually done through the mouth. Your surgeon will make an incision inside your mouth along one side of the lower jaw, then lift the tissue away to expose the jawbone. The implant is placed directly on the jawbone and the incision is closed. In most cases, the surgeon will then repeat the procedure on the other side.

Most patients will experience marked swelling immediately following surgery, but most of it will disappear in several weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup. You may not be able to move your mouth or smile for several weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will give you guidelines and exercises to help you regain normal function.

You may be restricted to a liquid diet for a week or so, then soft foods for another week after that. You can usually brush your teeth gently within a few days after surgery, and you’ll probably be advised to rinse your mouth several times a day with salt water, diluted peroxide or an antibiotic mouthwash.

You can usually return to work about a week after facial surgery. Many people, however, don’t feel comfortable going out socially until the bruising and swelling go down, usually two to three weeks later.

You should avoid any activity that may result in your face getting jarred or bumped for at least six weeks – the time it takes for scar tissue to form around your implant and hold it securely in place.

If you are considering facial implant surgery, please call or e-mail our cosmetic surgeons to schedule your free facial implant cosmetic surgery consultation. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest cosmetic surgery procedures, including facial implants, to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514

Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Toll Free: 800.909.2992
Phone: 219.395.9200
Fax: 219.926.3534