Facial implants: Information & specialists

Minor facial imperfections can often be easily covered up with make-up. However, larger asymmetries pose a challenge. Facial implants offer a proven solution here. The contour of the face can be effectively altered with the help of small silicone cushions. The procedure is low-risk and can be performed quickly.

This article provides you with the most important information about the operation and subsequent treatment. You can also find selected specialists for facial implants here.

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Article overview

Facial implants - Further information

What exactly are facial implants?

In plastic and aesthetic surgery, implants are used to change the shape or contour of the body. Implants are cushion-like inserts that are usually made of solid silicone. The surgeon inserts them under the skin as part of a surgical procedure.

In the face, an implant is mainly used to correct

  • the jaw,
  • on the nose,
  • the chin and
  • in the cheek area.

Reasons for the use of an implant in the face are

  • Dissatisfaction with the shape of the face,
  • the desire for more feminine or masculine facial features or
  • a younger appearance.

The range of possible corrections extends from the correction of slight deformities to the complete transformation of the facial shape.

Even minor changes in the chin area are often enough to achieve a great effect in terms of harmony and evenness. This includes, for example, correcting a chin that is too small, known as a "receding" chin. A receding chin not only has a detrimental effect on the profile, but also on the entire facial contour.

A facial implant can create the desired permanent balance here.

Operative Korrektur eines fliehenden Kinns
Correction of a receding chin using a facial implant © rumruay | AdobeStock

Implants specially tailored to the individual skeletal structure of each patient are usually used.

When are facial implants used?

In principle, facial implants are suitable for all people who find their face unattractive.

Many asymmetries are already congenital. However, some people suffer from facial deformities caused by accidents or injuries. In this case, the aim is to reconstruct rather than rebuild the face.

The target group also includes people who are struggling with typical signs of ageing such as sunken cheeks.

The body tolerates silicone particularly well, which is why this material is usually the best choice due to its other properties. A facial implant is only possible if there are no allergies to the filling material.

Procedure for facial implant surgery

Facial implants are inserted on an outpatient basis and take one to two hours on average.

The preparatory phase

Intensive consultations with the plastic surgeon are necessary to select the implant. Here you discuss your personal wishes and ideas and inform the surgeon of any allergies.

The surgeon will also discuss with you

  • the course of the procedure,
  • possible side effects and
  • optimal aftercare.

Before the procedure, you must refrain from alcohol, cigarettes and, if necessary, certain medications.

The operation

The first step is to anesthetize the area to be treated locally. The surgeon then makes a tiny incision, which usually leaves only a small scar. The incision is made

  • for cheek implants in the upper mouth area,
  • for chin implants, under the chin or on the inside of the lower lip,
  • for nasal implants inside the nostril and
  • for jaw implants on the inside of the lower lip.

The surgeon inserts the implant in such a way that it reflects the intended facial shape. He then sutures the incisions and applies a bandage.

What should you look out for after the procedure?

You should take it easy after the operation. Avoid stress and high levels of physical and mental strain. Strictly adhere to all essential hygiene measures and your doctor's instructions.

The subsequent regeneration phase requires patience. Final results often only become apparent up to two months after the procedure. Depending on the extent of the procedure, you may also need time to get used to your new facial features.

Depending on the size and location of the incisions, one to two months should be allowed for the healing process.

In some cases, chewing movements can cause the implants to shift. Pain may also occur. In this case, you will have to switch to liquid food for a short time.

What risks and complications can occur?

  • Pain,
  • swelling and
  • numbness in the area of the facial implants and incision sites

usually subside after a week. If this is not the case, you should consult your doctor.

In general, the procedure described here is convincing due to the very good chances of treatment with minimal risks. Infections and serious complications are rare. Serious complications would be

  • Breakthrough of the implants through the skin or
  • deposition under the skin.

Both would require implant removal.

Concerns about scarring are also unfounded. Qualified plastic and aesthetic surgeons take care to make incisions in areas that are as inconspicuous as possible.

Advantages and disadvantages of facial implants

Facial implants offer accident victims and people with congenital deformities the chance to change their facial features.

Many of those affected also hope to gain more self-confidence and success in their professional and private lives.

In general, the operation is a comparatively low-risk procedure. An important prerequisite here is the choice of a good and experienced specialist with proven additional training in plastic and aesthetic surgery.

However,caution isadvised with doctors who only use unprotected titles such as "plastic surgeon" or "cosmetic surgeon". In most cases, they do not have the required six years of further training. They are therefore not suitable contacts for the safe, complication-free and generally promising use of facial implants.

References

  • Bingöl, A.: Plastische und ästhetische Chirurgie, Urban & Fischer 2021 (2. Auflage).
  • Holtmann, H. u.a. (Hrsg.): Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Chirurgie, Urban & Fischer 2020 (2. Auflage).
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