Face Lift - About Facial Implants: Chin, Cheek and Jaw Surgery

Introduction

Face lifts are used to improve and enhance facial contours by providing a more harmonious balance to your face in order to enhance your appearance and bolster your self-esteem. The implants help to strengthen a jaw line or bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face.

Is a facial implant for you?

Facial implants are normally used to bring better balance to the features of younger and older patients. For example, women in the 40s often opt for a face lift to take 10+ years off their appearance (see picture at right. Both women are in their late 40s), a teenage girl may want her nose reshaped or her chin brought forward so that these traits are better proportioned. Older patients may choose to have an implant placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure such as a facelift. If you feel that your face appears "sunken" or "tired", facial implant may be procedure best suited for you.

Face Lifts Possible risks or side effects

The resultant changes from facial implants are often remarkable. If you have selected a qualified surgeon and have followed all of his or her instructions for before and after the surgery you can ensure that you have very low chance of any complications occurring. Problems rarely occur, but they include facial implants that shift slightly out of alignment and require a second operation to replace them or infections that can be treated with antibiotics.

Preparing and planning for face lift surgery

During the initial consultation with your surgeon a thorough physical exam will be performed. Be sure to let the physician know of any of any illnesses you may be suffering from, especially tooth or gum problems. Together, you will discuss the surgery and your expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure. It may be helpful to provide your surgeon with photos of people who have facial features similar to those you would like to have. That way, your surgeon will be able to let you know whether it is attainable through the surgery. Your surgeon will also explain the details of the proposed surgery, cost of the procedure, and expected recovery time. Be sure to ask any questions you may have regarding any part of the surgery.

In preparing for your procedure, your physician will let you now if you'll be able to drive afterward or will require transportation. He or she will also give you advice regarding eating or drinking the night before your surgery, and if you should stop taking any medications, including aspirin and similar drugs. A prescription of antibiotics may be recommended before and after the surgery to help guard against the possibility of infection.

Facial Implant Surgery-Face lifts

Most facial surgeries can take place in a doctor's office-based facility, otherwise they can be done in surgical centers or hospitals. Depending on your overall medical condition, and the procedure that it going to be done, you may or may not be required to stay overnight.

Due to the very sensitive areas involved, facial surgeries usually require a general anesthetic. That means you will sleep through the entire procedure. Chin and cheek surgeries normally take about 30 minutes to an hour, while jaw surgery can take up to two hours.

With chin surgery, an incision is made inside the mouth along the lower lip and a properly sized implant is inserted to enhance you appearance. Your chin will be taped after the procedure in order to minimize swelling and pain. Any stitches that were inserted during the procedure will be removed on about a week.

In cheek surgery, the incision made is made inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. The surgeon will then form a pocked and insert the implant. In order to lessen any severe swelling, a dressing will be applied.

Lower-jaw surgery is a little longer procedure. Dual incisions need to be made on either side of the lower lip to provide access for creating a pocket into which the lower-jaw implant can be inserted. The sutures used normally dissolve on their own and don't require to be removed.

Facelift-Returning to normal activities

After the surgery, you will probably experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days. Normally, the swelling will peak at about 24 to 48 hours afterward. It is normal to experience some temporary difficulty with the muscles in your face and with talking or smiling. Discolorations may be present at the site of insertion or around the eyes. Your doctor will give you instructions regarding any restrictions to your activities, and about dental hygiene, eating or other activities.

The New You after Face Lifts

The most common result from your surgery is that people won't recognize that you've had a facial implant surgery - only that you look better! You will find that you feel and look better in a short period of time. That is why it is important to be extremely careful in activities that may result in the face being jarred or bumped. It's best to check with your plastic surgeon about such matters. Otherwise, enjoy your new look!