Facial Implants
A symmetrical facial profile and harmony between facial features are desirable qualities. If your facial naturally lacks definition or balance, facial implants can enhance your contours and give you a more proportional appearance.
Facial implants are a permanent method of adding structure to your face in order to achieve more distinct features. They are made of safe, biocompatible materials that are available in standard shapes as well as custom-fit designs. This procedure is individually crafted to each patient’s needs, so you can enjoy the aesthetic enhancement you want while retaining the best of your unique, natural characteristics.
At Broward ENT & Aesthetics, board-certified otolaryngologist and ENT surgeon Dr. Wilson DuMornay provides his patients with years of experience and knowledge. His facial implant procedures help patients sculpt shapely cheekbones, stronger chins and well-defined jawlines. Both men and women can benefit from our implant services. For further information, please request a consultation with Dr. DuMornay today.
Facial Implants vs. Facial Fillers: What’s the Difference?
Chances are, if you’ve researched facial enhancement, you’ve come across the option of dermal fillers. Fillers are injectable gel products that are strategically placed under the skin to enhance targeted areas of the face. There is no surgery or downtime, and the results achieved from fillers can last up to two years depending on which product is used. Treatment must be repeated to maintain the filler’s beneficial effects.
A facial implant is a small, solid device that is placed underneath the skin to augment the physical structure of the face. Although this process does require surgery and time for recovery, the results of the procedure are permanent, ensuring patients love the way they look for years to come without regular upkeep.
Benefits of Choosing Facial Implants
Facial implants are used to correct a number of common issues patients are self-conscious about. The chin, jaw and cheeks are the most common sites for facial implants. If your self-image needs a boost, facial implants can improve the projection of your chin, give you a defined and chiseled jawline, or transform flat contours in your midface into high, sculpted cheekbones.
Implants are also beneficial for filling out tired or sunken-looking areas of the face. As we age, our faces have a tendency to thin out, losing their natural plumpness. If age-related volume loss has given you a worn and gaunt appearance, facial implants can help augment your facial features for a more youthful look.
Are Facial Implants for Everyone?
It’s important to enter into any surgical procedure with realistic expectations of its outcome. You may be a good candidate for a facial implant if you are healthy and seeking to enhance the natural contours of your face. Patients who smoke, or who have acute or chronic health issues, may not be suitable candidates for facial implants.
Pretreatment Instructions
Dr. DuMornay may suggest undergoing a medical evaluation prior to your procedure to rule out underlying health conditions that may affect your ability to safely receive facial implants or your recovery process. You may be instructed to limit or restrict certain medications, or to stop smoking. Prepare to have someone available with you on the day of your procedure to drive you home and stay with you for the first evening after surgery.
Facial Implant Options
Great strides have been made in the medical community over the years, which has resulted in more patients opting for facial implants to balance, strengthen or rejuvenate their facial structure. Facial implants are made of medical-grade silicone or another synthetic material, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. During the procedure, the implant is inserted into a pocket created within the facial tissue. The area is closed with sutures once the implant is in place, and taping or bandaging may be required.
The most common facial implant techniques include:
- Cheek: Incisions are made within the mouth, inside the lower eyelid or within the hairline
- Chin: Incisions are made inside the mouth where the lower lip meets the gums or under the chin
- Jaw: Incisions are made inside the mouth at the crease where the inside of the cheek and the gums meet
Depending upon how the procedure is being performed, as well as of the needs of the patient, facial implant surgery may require local anesthesia combined with a sedative or general anesthesia.
Facial Implant Aftercare
Most patients are able to resume their regular activities, including returning to work, within one to two weeks. The recovery timeline varies from patient to patient, and you may find it takes up to 12 weeks to heal from the procedure fully.
While changes will be noticeable immediately, the final result will initially be masked by varying degrees of bruising and swelling. This is an expected part of the healing process, and unless excessive, it is generally not cause for concern.
During the recovery phase, it’s important to avoid excessive force to the surgery site. Restricted movement of the facial features is not uncommon and is only temporary.
Risk Factors
As with all surgical procedures, facial implant surgery does involve some level of risk, though major complications are uncommon. Possible complications may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Changes in skin sensation
- Allergic reaction to tape, suture materials or injected agents
- Poor healing at incision site
- Skin discoloration or swelling
- Persistent pain
- Firmness around the implant
Please discuss any concerns you may have about facial implants with Dr. DuMornay prior to receiving this procedure.
Contact Broward ENT & Aesthetics
If you are interested in youthfully full cheeks, a more proportionate chin or a stronger, more defined jaw, then facial implants may be the solution. Dr. DuMornay will determine if you are a good candidate for facial enhancement during an initial consultation. He will also help you decide whether implants or dermal fillers are the best option for your needs based on your facial structure and your goals. Using his vast knowledge and experience, Dr. DuMornay will help you obtain your goals safely and successfully. Contact Broward ENT & Aesthetics online or call us at (954) 533-9822 to schedule a consultation and get started today!