Facial Implants:

What are facial implants?

Facial implants are used to improve and enhance facial contours. These implants help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look. There are many implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. Facial implants can help strengthen a jaw line or bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face.

How is the procedure performed?

Dr. Bootstaylor performs chin, cheek and lower jaw surgery. Each is a separate operation with its own parameters. Though some facial implant surgeries can be completed with local anesthesia, most are done under complete anesthesia.

Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The implant will be inserted into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area.

Cheek implant surgery usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. When cheek implants are done with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision is made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted.

Insertion of a jaw implant usually takes about one to two hours. Internal incisions are made on either side of the lower lip to provide access for creating a pocket into which the lower-jaw implant can be inserted. Dissolving sutures are used to close the incisions.

How quickly will I heal?

You may feel and look better in a short period of time, however, it may not be advisable to participate in certain activities--especially activity that may result in the face being jarred or bumped--for several weeks. Dr. Bootstaylor will advise you on how to optimize the healing process.

What are my risks?

Facial implants can produce remarkable improvements. However, as with any surgery, problems may occur and you need to be informed about such possibilities. Dr. Bootstaylor will help you understand all the risks associated with the procedure in which you are interested.