Facial Implants
Facial implants are a precise method of changing certain points of your face that you are unhappy with. Providing better balance and symmetry to places such as the cheeks, jaw, nose or chin, the implants can improve your appearance with subtle yet effective alterations.
Who can benefit from facial implants?
If you are looking to make improvements to specific areas of your face and do not desire the measure of a full facelift, facial implants may be the right choice. Weak jaws, flat cheeks, small chins, and lack of prominent contours to the face are all regularly treated. Profiles can be smoothened and imbalance reduced. Whether the aspects of your face that you find unsatisfactory are hereditary or were caused through injury or medical conditions, facial implants can help to bring about the alterations you need. If symmetry is a major concern, several implants may be required.
Expectations
Before going forward with any treatment, you should ask all the necessary questions of the surgeon and have realistic expectations about the surgery, understanding the benefits and limitations of the corrections. Remember that the aging process will continue and may eventually undo some of the alterations.
The Procedure
Having put you under anaesthesia or intravenous sedation, the surgeon will begin the surgery by making an incision or series of incisions in locations chosen for the access they allow to the areas to be treated. The most common areas to have facial implants are the chin, cheeks, and jaw. Most implants are inserted in place through the inside of the mouth, which is also beneficial for scarring concerns as the incisions will be hidden. Any other incisions should blend in with the lines and contours of the face. The implants sit in soft tissues. After they are carefully positioned, the incisions are sutured.
Post-surgery and long-term results
Immediately after the surgery, somebody should take you home. Preferably you should not spend the first night alone in case of pain or complications. As with any cosmetic surgery, there will be swelling in the immediate weeks after the procedure. The swelling period can also give rise to some discomfort, discoloration, numbness, or limited facial movement. This should diminish within 2 to 4 weeks and hopefully be eliminated after 1 or 2 months, in conjunction with the full emergence of the results. After the swelling goes down, the aesthetic improvements will be clear.
Risks and consent
You will need to sign consent forms prior to the surgery, and should do so only after receiving answers about all of your concerns. There are risks associated with all surgeries, but some that are particularly relevant to facial implants include irregularities in skin contours, extended periods of skin discoloration or sensitivity, and problems with the implants involving movement of the implants, firmness in the area, or pressure on nearby areas.
How much do facial implants cost?
The type of procedure, anaesthesia, specific surgeon and geographical location all contribute to the cost, which varies greatly. One implant is likely to cost $2000 at the least, with prices usually starting at 5000 for two implants or more.