Chin & Cheek Augmentation
Cosmetic chin and cheek augmentation is performed using a variety of implants that can dramatically restore the facial balance. Combined with a prominent nose and correction when indicated, chin and cheek implants help build a better profile. Chin-jowl implants are sometimes combined with face and neck liposuction or other neck correction procedures to enhance the depth or the sharpness of the neck.
Beautiful cheekbones. A balanced and defined jawline. A more beautiful you.
About Facial Implants and Cheek and Chin Augmentation
With this type of reconstructive plastic surgery, it is important for you to be healthy emotionally so that you make wise choices about what type of cheek or chin implant will best suit your facial structure. Although most people are very pleased with the end results, cheek implants can require a bit of trial to get to the final stages of healing. This is because cheek implants, like most facial implants, have a bad habit of migrating during the healing process.
As with any type of major cosmetic plastic surgery, you will not be considered to be a good candidate for cheek implants if you have a history of psychological instability or are suffering from an autoimmune disorder. You may also be encouraged to quit smoking before having this operation, as it requires incisions inside the mouth. You may not be a candidate for this type of operation if you suffer from an eye disease, sinus problems, or dental problems in your upper jaw. If root canals or crowns need to be done on your teeth, your plastic surgeon may suggest that you get that work done first before going forward with cheek implants.
Most cheek implants are made of solid silicone that is slightly harder than normal bone. As with all major surgeries, a cheek implant procedure does pose the risk of infection, bleeding, or an allergic reaction to anesthesia. A cheek implant is considered to be a prosthetic appliance that must be accepted or rejected by the human body. If an infection does occur as the result of an implant, then usually the procedure is to remove the cheek implant entirely and replace it once the infection has cleared up.
Benefits of Chin Augmentation
- Restores facial balance and symmetry
- Improves the cervicomental angle, making your neck look less full
- Improved anterior chin projection, reducing or eliminating the perception of a receding chin
- Prevention of pre-jowl sulcus, or hollow areas around the chin
- Stretches the anterior submental neck skin, eliminating a “turkey waddle” look under the chin
Clinique of Plastic Surgery & Laser Institute medical director Dr. Christian Drehsen, M.D. performs this procedure by inserting a half moon shaped implant made of solid silicone or other biocompatible materials against the chin bone through an under the chin or intra-oral (through the mouth) incision. Chin augmentation is often performed under local anesthesia and recovery lasts only a few days.
Cheek Augmentation
Cheek implants are one of the most popular types of plastic surgery. Elevated cheekbones give the face a new sense of symmetry while raising all of the other facial features to make them look more youthful.
Like all implants used in facial plastic surgery, cheek augmentation using implants can create a dramatic difference in a person’s appearance.
The cheeks play an important aesthetic role that can make women look more feminine, men look more masculine, and both men and women more attractive and younger.
Dr. Christian Drehsen, M.D. is well known for his expertise and artistry in the field of facial implants and augmentations. These facial surgeries are more demanding than other types of facial surgery because there are over 50 implant sizes and shapes, as well as post-operative care and potential adjustments that require extensive skill, training, and experience to master.
Cheek Implant Surgery – Precautions
As a cheek implant can drastically change your appearance, it is very important that you spend as much consultation time as possible with the plastic surgeon that is to perform the operation. Sometimes it helps to bring photographs of individuals to these consultations who have similar facial features to you, but who also have the type of cheek you desire. During this initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will be able to recommend the type of implant that is necessary to achieve the look you want as well as estimate the length of time you will be under anesthesia.
Before you have the operation, you might be instructed to take antibiotics as a preventative measure against infection. The operation usually takes three to four hours and is done on as either an inpatient or outpatient procedure depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done. It is almost always done under general anesthesia.
Cheek Implant Surgery – Procedure
Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. An incision will be made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted. Sometimes cheek implant surgery is done at the same time as another procedure such as a facelift, forehead lift, or eyelid surgery, in which case the implants may be inserted through incisions made for those procedures.
Cheek Implants Surgery – Aftercare
After surgery, a dressing is applied to minimize discomfort and swelling. There will be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities. Your ability to move your mouth and lips may be limited and as a result so will your ability to eat. Be prepared to do a lot of drinking through a straw for ten or more days. It may also be difficult to talk or smile.
Your recovery time after a cheek implant procedure is usually about six weeks. Before planning this type of major change to your appearance it might be wise to prepare for it psychologically and emotionally. Be aware too that it is considered to be a purely cosmetic procedure that is rarely, if ever covered by health insurance.
The good news about cheek implants is that it is a reversible operation. If you don’t like the way they look you can always have them removed and have them replaced with ones that you find more suitable for your facial structure.
Schedule a Consultation
If you want to achieve a more defined facial appearance, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Clinique of Plastic Surgery & Laser Institute today. During your private meeting with our St. Petersburg plastic surgeons, and with the help of computer imaging we will carefully demonstrate how your chin or cheekbones relate to the rest of your features, before composing a bespoke treatment plan designed to sculpt the balanced appearance you deserve.