Facial implants are used to enhance specific areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, or to bring balance to the face by improving the size and shape of the jaw line or chin. A number of different implants are available. Facial implants are often combined with other procedures. Cheek implants may be combined with a facelift to help prevent sagging skin and produce a more youthful appearance. Chin implants are often used with rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to help balance the facial features. Lip implants augment, alter, resize, reshape or lift your lips.

Who is a candidate for Cheek, Chin & Lip Implants

The best candidate for cheek augmentation is the individual with a long, narrow face or one with a very round face and flat cheeks. It can also benefit people with asymmetries or congenital defects. The best candidate for chin augmentation is the individual with a receding chin and a normal dental bite. If you were born with thin lips, or if aging has caused your lips to flatten, lip augmentation will help achieve a fuller, smoother appearance.

The Cheek Implant Procedure

Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Usually an incision is made either inside the upper lip or lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted. Sometimes cheek implant surgery is done at the same time as another procedure such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery in which case the implants may be inserted through incisions made for those procedures.

The Chin Implant Procedure

The procedure itself is quite simple and the actual insertion of the silicone chin implant only takes about half an hour. A small incision is made just under the chin or inside the mouth and the implant is slid into place. The incision is then stitched up with sutures and the face is taped up to prevent the chin implant from sliding out of place. If the incision is made inside the mouth, the surgeon will most likely use sutures that dissolve on their own.

The Lip Augmentation Procedure

There are several lip augmentation procedures available today to enhance the size and shape of your lips. All involve inserting a synthetic, biocompatible material such as Goretex, or a natural material such as Alloderm (which is made from human skin), collagen or fat, into your lips. You can even use tissue from your own body. Lip augmentation is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Recovery takes about a week, after which your lips will feel normal.