Chin or cheek implants have become popular options for patients seeking to optimize their facial appearance, dealing with issues that may be congenital or age-related. Both implant types are aimed at increasing the overall volume of a facial feature in addition to projection and correction of perceived flaws related to aging or genetics.

Cheek implants are primarily used to increase the volume and prominence of areas of a patient’s cheekbones that are either flat or recessed. This helps to improve cheeks that may naturally appear gaunt or which have lost significant volume due to age-related factors.

Chin implants serve three purposes:

• Increase the size of the chin.
• Improve the projection of the chin (how far the chin juts out).
• Create a more symmetrical and appealing ratio between the forehead, mid-facial region, and chin.

These two types of facial implants are inserted in a fairly similar manner though no two plastic surgeries are ever exactly the same. Dr. Varkony will cover all the details of the operation, recovery, and any other relevant information in advance so that patients fully understand their procedure.

Anesthesia and Incisions

Patients are sedated during the surgery; we always use a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure that patients are kept comfortable and safe throughout the operation.

For cheek implants, the most common incision points are located within the mouth; however, in cases where multiple facial procedures are performed concurrently, incision sites may be altered. For chin implants, the incision might be made inside the patient’s mouth or beneath the chin. Implants will then be emplaced to create the desired appearance before incisions are closed.

Recovery

Once all incisions are properly closed, bandages are used to keep wounds clean and to support the surgery. This will ensure that the placement of chin and/or cheek implants is not altered while wounds heal. Swelling, numbness, and discoloration are likely to temporarily impact the appearance of facial implants, so final results may not be fully apparent for a period of several weeks. The surgery is usually not painful and most patients find that Tylenol is all they need for pain relief. ­Other medications will be prescribed to foster healing and prevent infection.

Results

Procedures such as a facelift and necklift can be done at the same time as facial implant insertion if desired. The results of facial implant insertion should last indefinitely. In some cases, however, additional procedures may be necessary to ensure patients achieve their desired appearance.