Cheek & Chin Implant Info

Chin and Cheek Enlargement with Implants

Chin Augmentation (Implants)

A chin augmentation will strengthen your profile by making a weak chin more prominent. This can have a surprisingly positive impact on the appearance of your nose.

Cheek Augmentation (Implants)

Cheek augmentation will give fullness to flat cheekbones. They can be placed to give you more projection laterally, frontally, or both. To decide on which placement would be best for you and your facial structure, you should discuss this with your surgeon.

Scars

The scars are usually on the inside of your mouth where they are never visible, regardless of their appearance. The stitches used to close your incisions are usually absorbable and will not require removal.

What to Expect During and After Chin or Cheek Augmentation Surgery

Anesthesia: Sedation or general.
Location of operation: Office or hospital.
Length of surgery: 30 minutes for chin implant, 45-60 minutes for cheek implants.
Length of stay: Outpatient (home same day).
Discomfort: Mild to moderate. Anticipate 2-7 days of prescription pain medication.
Bruising: Uncommon.
Swelling: Lasts 1-2 weeks following chin implant and 2-3 weeks following cheek implants. You can reduce swelling through constant head elevation and frequent application of ice.
Stitches: If the incisions are inside your mouth, then absorbable stitches will be used and do not require removal. If skin incisions are used, stitches will be removed in 5 days.
Make-up: May be worn the day after surgery.
Presentable in public: You will be presentable in one to two weeks.
Work: You may feel capable of returning within 2-5 days, but your appearance will be the limiting factor.
Exercise: May be resumed in 2 weeks.
Final result: Will be seen between one and two months.

Ask your plastic surgeon about these complications or telltale signs

• Silastic, a solid, flexible plastic
• Hydroxyapatite, a ceramic that resembles sea coral
• Polyethylene, a plastic that resembles sea coral
• Gore-Tex, the same material used in high-quality raincoats
• Cadaver bone, bone from deceased human donors

Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

• Can you correct my facial asymmetry?
• Where will the incisions be?
• Which implant material do you recommend and why?
• Is the implant material you recommend associated with bone erosion?
• How easy will it be to remove the implant, if needed?
• Who pays for implant removal?

Tips and Traps

• Each implant material offers certain advantages. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the type of implant he or she thinks is most appropriate. Make sure you understand the disadvantages of each implant material.
• The older you are, the more difficult it will be for you to adapt to your new look following chin and cheek augmentation.
• Anticipate the possible need for future surgery when accepting placement of any implant.