Throughout history, beauty has been linked to balance and symmetry. Facial implants are used to augment, reconstruct or rejuvenate specific features to enhance facial harmony. This type of surgery can help patients who are born with facial deformities, patients who have suffered from trauma resulting in changes to the bones of the face, and those who simply desire a more aesthetic facial appearance due to aging changes.
What Are Facial Implants?
Facial implants are specially designed medical devices that integrate with your existing bone structure to enhance or reconstruct specific facial features. They are typically made of biocompatible materials like silicone, which is well-tolerated by the body and has been extensively tested for safety.
During the procedure, a facial plastic surgeon places the implants through discreet incisions. This can sometimes be done without creating any visible scar.
Facial implants come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, so your surgeon can select the best match for your facial structure and desired outcome. The goal is to enhance your features in a way that improves the proportions of your face while still looking balanced and natural.
Once the implants are in place, they can remain indefinitely. They are potentially a permanent way to change the structure of your face.
What Can Facial Implants Do?
When we look at someone’s face, we see the skin, which is merely a “tarp” that reflects the underlying bony structure of the facial skeleton. Facial implants create lasting improvements in the contours and proportions of this underlying structure.
Aging
Our facial bones change with a predictable pattern as we age. Our bone mass diminishes, particularly around the midface and jawline, which gives us a more gaunt appearance. A decrease in facial height can accompany the reduction in bone mass, making our face appear flatter and less youthful.
These changes contribute to the visible signs of aging. The lack of underlying bony structure allows the overlying soft tissues, such as skin and fat, to sag. This can result in the formation of nasolabial folds, sinking cheeks and a less defined jawline.
Using implants to rejuvenate the underlying bony skeleton can result in positive changes to the overlying skin.
Aesthetics
At any age, your facial features may not align with your aesthetic preferences. You might have inherited a naturally receding chin that affects your profile, or cheekbones that appear less pronounced than you'd like. Perhaps your jawline lacks definition, or your facial features seem imbalanced when viewed from certain angles.
Facial implants are a way to enhance small or underdeveloped facial features to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. By strategically placing implants, surgeons can:
- Correct facial asymmetry
- Create a more harmonious facial profile
- Achieve a more defined and sculpted look
- Help you feel more confident in your appearance
Reconstruction
Facial implants are an invaluable tool in reconstructive surgery. Following accidents or injuries that affect facial bones, implants can help rebuild a more natural-looking facial structure. They are particularly valuable in cases where bone has been lost or damaged beyond repair.
For patients who are born with developmental anomalies that affect their facial structure, implants can create a more typical facial appearance. In cases of a disease or previous surgery that altered facial anatomy, implants can restore what was lost, helping patients regain their confidence and quality of life.
What Don’t Facial Implants Do?
Facial implants can change your appearance significantly, but like any procedure, they have their limitations. Implants work specifically by altering your underlying bony structure. They cannot improve your skin quality or texture.
Additionally, facial implants cannot:
- Replace lost facial fat volume in the soft tissues
- Eliminate excess skin or tighten loose skin
- Correct dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement
- Alter the fundamental position of your facial features
Your facial plastic surgeon might recommend complementary procedures to address surface-level concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne or scars.
For instance, dermal fillers can address volume loss in soft tissues, while neurotoxin
injections can help with dynamic wrinkles.
Skin resurfacing treatments like chemical peels or laser treatments can improve texture and tone.
Am I a Good Candidate for Facial Implants?
Many factors play roles in determining your eligibility for this procedure. You may be a good candidate for facial implants if:
- You want to address facial asymmetry, weak features or age-related changes in facial structure
- You are physically healthy and have reached full facial growth (typically age 18 or older)
- You have good bone quality to support the implants
- Your immune system functions well and you heal normally from injuries or surgery
- You do not smoke, or you are willing to quit before and after surgery
- You maintain realistic expectations about what facial implants can achieve
- You seek a permanent solution rather than temporary treatments
- You understand and accept the risks associated with surgery
Some conditions might delay or prevent you from being a candidate for facial implants. These include active infections or certain autoimmune disorders. If you have experienced recent facial trauma, your surgeon may recommend waiting until complete healing has occurred before proceeding with implant surgery.
How Can I Find a Qualified Facial Plastic Surgeon Near Me?
The best way to determine if facial implants are right for you is to consult with a qualified facial plastic surgeon. They can assess your individual needs and recommend a suitable treatment plan.
Facial plastic surgeons have specialized expertise focused exclusively on procedures of the face, head and neck. This means they perform these surgeries more frequently and have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics that exceeds general plastic surgery training.
All AAFPRS members are board certified by a specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. Many are also certified by the
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), representing the highest level of expertise in facial plastic surgery.
The AAFPRS Find a Surgeon tool makes it easy to connect with facial plastic surgeons in your area who can help you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.
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What Should I Expect During My Facial Implants Consultation?
Your initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, concerns and expectations. During your consultation, you can expect the following:
- Discussion of Your Goals: Clearly communicate your preferences and goals to your surgeon. Bringing photos that illustrate your desired outcome can help.
- Medical History Review: Your surgeon will go over your medical history, including any previous surgeries or medications.
- Physical Examination: Your surgeon will examine your face to assess your facial structure, skin quality and overall health. They may take photographs and measurements to aid in the planning process.
- Review of Treatment Options: Your surgeon will discuss the different types of facial implants available and recommend the most suitable option for your needs.
- Risk and Benefit Discussion: Your surgeon will explain the potential risks and benefits of facial implant surgery.
- Q&A Session: Ask any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery and potential outcomes.
- Next Steps: The consultation also covers practical matters such as costs, financing options and scheduling. You'll learn about the preoperative and postoperative instructions you must follow, as well as the expected recovery timeline.
Choose a surgeon who listens to your concerns and provides honest and realistic expectations. A good surgeon will take the time to explain the procedure in detail and answer all of your questions.
What Are the Different Types of Facial Implants?
Augmentation of many areas of the face is possible.
Cheek Implants
Cheek implants, also known as malar implants, enhance the projection and volume of your cheekbones. They can create more defined facial contours and restore midface volume lost through aging. Your surgeon can place these implants either along your cheekbones or in the area beneath them, depending on your aesthetic goals. Some implants combine both areas for comprehensive midface enhancement.
Chin Implants
Chin implants strengthen a weak or receding chin to create a stronger profile. These implants come in various sizes and shapes to achieve different degrees of projection and width. A well-chosen chin implant can dramatically improve the harmony between your nose, chin and other facial features while defining your neckline.
Jaw Implants
Jaw implants create a stronger, more defined jawline. They can widen your lower face, enhance the angle of your jaw and give your face a more masculine appearance if desired. These implants can also help reduce the appearance of jowls and create a more distinct separation between your face and neck.
Tear Trough Implants
Tear trough implants address hollow areas beneath your eyes. By providing structural support in this delicate area, they can reduce the appearance of under-eye shadows and create a smoother transition between your lower eyelid and cheek.
Custom Facial Implants
Custom-designed implants can be made for patients with unique needs or asymmetries. These custom implants are particularly valuable in reconstructive cases, when standard implants cannot achieve the desired result.
How Should I Prepare for the Procedure?
Your facial plastic surgeon will provide detailed preoperative instructions specific to your needs and procedure. Following these guidelines closely minimizes the risk of complications and helps ensure you receive the best possible result.
Several weeks before your surgery, your surgeon may advise you to adjust certain medications or supplements that could increase bleeding risk. If you smoke, you will need to stop for a recommended period, as smoking can significantly impair healing and increase complication risks.
Make practical arrangements for your recovery period. This includes:
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours
- Taking adequate time off work or school (typically one to two weeks)
- Preparing a comfortable recovery space at home
- Having plenty of pillows to keep your head elevated while resting
- Setting up entertainment options within easy reach
- Stocking up on soft, easy-to-eat foods
- Gathering supplies like ice packs and gauze
- Filling prescriptions in advance
As your surgery date approaches, focus on optimizing your health through proper nutrition and rest. A healthy body heals more effectively. Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support healing.
What Are the Steps of Facial Implant Placement?
Anesthesia
Your facial plastic surgeon may elect to perform the surgery under local or general anesthesia based on your preference and what they feel is appropriate.
Incisions
Your surgeon will make incisions in inconspicuous locations (such as inside the mouth or within natural skin folds) to minimize scarring. Common incision placements include:
- For tear trough implants: inside the eyelid to prevent a visible scar or through the skin of the lower eyelid within a pre-existing wrinkle line
- For cheek or jaw implants: inside the mouth
- For chin implants: inside the mouth or under the chin
Implant Placement
Your surgeon will create a pocket to house the implant. The implant is carefully inserted into this pocket and positioned to achieve your desired result. Your surgeon may secure it to prevent movement.
Incision Closure
The surgeon will close the incisions using fine sutures and techniques designed to reduce scarring. Dissolvable sutures are typically used for incisions inside the mouth. External incisions may require removable sutures that your surgeon will take out during a follow-up appointment.
Dressing Application
Your surgical team will apply sterile dressings to protect the incision sites. They may place surgical tape or other supportive materials to help maintain the implant position during initial healing.
What Should I Expect After Facial Implant Surgery?
You will likely be discharged on the same day of surgery. Immediately after the operation, you'll spend time in a recovery area where medical staff will monitor you as the anesthesia wears off. Once stable, you can return home with your designated caregiver.
Your surgeon will provide you appropriate pain medication and may prescribe antibiotics. Many surgeons will place a dressing over the implant site to hold pressure on the area.
If your implants were placed through oral incisions, your surgeon will provide special mouth rinses and dietary guidelines. You will need to follow a soft food diet initially and take extra care with oral hygiene. For external incisions, keep the sites clean and follow your surgeon's wound care instructions.
During the first week, expect swelling and bruising around the implant sites. These effects peak within 48-72 hours after surgery and then gradually subside. Sleeping with your head elevated helps minimize swelling, while cold compresses provide additional comfort and help reduce inflammation.
Most patients can return to work and light activities within seven to 10 days. Your surgeon may advise waiting longer before resuming strenuous exercise or activities that could impact the implant sites. You will likely be able to resume all normal activity four weeks following surgery.
What Results Can Be Achieved With Facial Implants?
Modern implant materials and designs allow for subtle to dramatic changes while ensuring your results appear natural. While individual outcomes vary, the benefits may include:
- Enhanced definition and proportion of your facial features
- Improved facial proportions and symmetry
- Restoration of lost volume and contour
- A more youthful and refreshed appearance
- Improved self-image and confidence
Facial implant results are long-lasting, and the implants become integrated with your surrounding tissues over time. While the natural aging process continues, your enhanced facial structure remains. Many patients find that their strengthened facial framework provides better support for their soft tissues as they age.
Your facial plastic surgeon can show you before-and-after photos of previous patients or use imaging tools to help you visualize your potential results. Keep in mind that each person's outcome varies based on their facial structure, chosen implants and aesthetic goals.
Facial Implants Before & After Images
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Facial Implants FAQs
What are the risks of facial implants?
The potential risks and complications of facial implant surgery may include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Infection
- Hematoma or seroma
- Asymmetry
- Contour abnormalities
- Implant migration
- Capsular contracture
- Changes in skin sensation
- Damage to deeper structures (temporary or permanent)
- Unfavorable scarring
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Your surgeon will discuss this information with you in detail during your consultation.
Can facial implants be removed if I change my mind?
Yes, your facial implants can be exchanged for a different size or shape, or removed if you decide you no longer want them. The revision procedure typically uses the same incision sites as your original surgery. When an implant is removed, the patient’s face generally returns to its preoperative appearance.
Are there nonsurgical alternatives to facial implants?
While no nonsurgical treatment can provide the same permanent enhancement as implants, temporary options include dermal fillers, which can add volume to specific facial areas, or fat transfer, which offers a semi-permanent solution using your own tissue.
These alternatives might work well if you are seeking subtle enhancement or you want to "preview" your results before committing to implants. Note that these options only affect the soft tissue; none affect the bony skeleton as implants do.
How much do facial implants cost?
The cost varies depending on the type of implants, surgical complexity, geographic location and surgeon expertise. Generally, facial implant procedures in the US range from $3,000 to $8,000 for a single area. Remember that the total cost of a procedure is made up of smaller fees, including fees for the surgeon, implants, anesthesia and facility.
Many practices offer financing options to help manage costs, so be sure to ask your patient care team.
Does insurance cover facial implants?
Insurance typically does not cover facial implants used for cosmetic enhancement. However, coverage may be available for reconstructive cases involving congenital defects, trauma or disease. Check with your insurance provider and surgeon's office about coverage for your specific situation.
Do facial implants affect facial expressions?
When properly placed, facial implants should not interfere with your natural expressions. You may experience some temporary stiffness during the recovery period, but this resolves as swelling subsides and your tissues adapt to the implant. Most patients regain normal facial movement and expression.
How long do facial implants last?
Facial implants are designed to last indefinitely. The modern materials used are highly durable and biocompatible. However, while the implants themselves don't expire, your face continues to age naturally around them. Some patients choose to adjust their implants later in life to refresh their appearance.
Will facial implant surgery leave visible scars?
Facial implant surgery can often be done without creating a visible scar. When an external incision is necessary, it is carefully placed so it hides well within your natural facial structures or skin folds.
Can facial implants shift or move over time?
While it's uncommon, facial implants can occasionally shift or move. This is more likely to occur if the implant is not properly placed to begin with. It can also happen if the implant is subject to significant force. Wearing protective gear during sports and other high-risk activities can protect your implant from damage.
If displacement occurs, you may need a second operation to restore the implant to its correct position.
What materials are facial implants made from?
Most facial implants use medical-grade silicone specifically designed for facial reconstruction. All materials used for facial implants have been extensively tested for safety and biocompatibility. They're firm yet flexible (not soft like breast implants), so they feel natural and maintain their shape.
What procedures can be combined with facial implants?
Facial implants complement many other cosmetic procedures. Some common combinations include:
- Chin implants with rhinoplasty to help restore harmony to the face, particularly on profile view
- Tear trough implants with lower-lid blepharoplasty to further rejuvenate the lower-eyelid region
- Jaw implants with a neck lift and/or facelift to better define the jawline
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AAFPRS Find a Surgeon tool connects you with highly qualified facial plastic surgeons in your area. These surgeons are board certified and have completed extensive training specifically in facial plastic surgery. These specialists can help you select the right type and size of facial implants to ensure you get the beautiful, natural-looking results you deserve.