What are Chin and Cheek Implants?

Chin implants are an elective cosmetic surgery procedure performed to balance the chin, which otherwise is out of proportion to the rest of the face. A strong jaw line and high cheekbones have had a long history of attractiveness in nearly all cultures. Chin and cheek implants can enhance a facial profile by improving the proportion and balance of the face. Chin augmentation, called mentoplasty, can correct a “weak” chin, and is often done in conjunction with a rhinoplasty procedure. Cheek implants, called malarplasty, are inserted to enhance a fallen cheek area, adding fullness and definition to the face. The use of permanent chin and cheek implants can give you a rejuvenated, youthful facial profile. Bakersfield plastic surgeon, Dr. Vip Dev, has performed many facial implant procedures, and is considered to be among the finest facial surgeons in the US.

There are two placements for cheek implants, the malar, or high cheek implant, and the submalar, or low cheek augmentation. The correct procedure will be chosen during your consultation at Dr. Dev’s Bakersfield plastic surgery office. Facial implants can be performed alone or combined with other facial procedures such as a face lift. The material used for chin and cheek implants is quite durable, and will last for years.

GOOD CANDIDATES FOR CHIN AND/OR CHEEK IMPLANTS

Men or women over the age of 18 who are otherwise in good health with reasonable expectations for improvement are likely to be good candidates for chin or cheek implants. Dr. Dev will perform a chin implant on a teenager who requires chin balancing when a rhinoplasty is performed. Reasons for chin or cheek implants include the following:

• Extend or enlarge the chin if the chin is recessed or small.
• Create a more defined facial profile if the jaw, chin, or cheeks lack distinction.
• Bring the various aspects of the face into proportion.
• Round out the cheeks if they are hollow due to heredity or aging.
• Accent the upper cheeks making them appear higher and fuller.

HOW FACIAL IMPLANT PROCEDURES ARE DONE

The insertion of facial implants is performed on an outpatient basis at a Bakersfield hospital or state-of-the-art surgical unit while the patient is asleep under a general anesthesia. Occasionally, a chin implant can be inserted under local anesthesia and sedation. This will have been discussed at your consultation at Dr. Dev’s Bakersfield plastic surgery office. With chin implants, a small incision is made inside the mouth to allow the implant to be positioned in a pocket just under the skin; alternatively, the incision can be placed below the chin (on the outside). The implant is inserted in front of the jawbone, sutured in place and the sutures are closed with tiny stitches.

With cheek augmentation, incisions are made either inside the mouth, through the lower cheek, or directly below the bottom eyelid on the high cheek. Cheek surgery is often performed in conjunction with a facelift procedure. Both chin and cheek implant procedures normally last from 30 minutes to one hour. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure, as you will still be recovering from anesthesia.

RECOVERY FROM CHIN IMPLANTS OR CHEEK IMPLANTS

Immediately after surgery, the face will be bandaged, taped, or otherwise secured in order to speed the recovery process and to reduce swelling. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and shorten the recovery time. Keeping the head elevated during the initial recovery phase is important, so you may find it best to sleep in a chair the first night or two after your procedure. Patients sometimes report discomfort after facial implant surgery, which can be treated effectively with oral medication. You may experience some swelling and bruising of the face, which can be eased by using cold compresses. A liquid diet may be required for a few days, as chewing can be difficult. Avoid sucking through a straw if you have had cheek implants placed. While complications are rare, you can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given after surgery.  Do not smoke for 4-6 weeks following your procedure, as this can hamper recovery.

Facial implants are well-known facial rejuvenation options, which can create a more youthful and proportionate facial appearance when performed by an expert such as Dr. Vip Dev. Call us today to schedule your consultation to learn if facial implant surgery is right for you.