WHAT TYPES OF FACIAL IMPLANTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Facial implant surgery utilizes biocompatible implants to enhance the balance and symmetrical proportions of the face. It can be an effective treatment option for patients seeking a long-term approach to restoring or creating aesthetically pleasing facial contours. Facial implants are available in a broad range of styles, size, and materials. They can be used to augment, reconstruct or rejuvenate existing facial structures.
- Chin implant: which can augments the projection and size of a recessed or weak chin
WHAT IS THE FACIAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE?
Facial implant surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. It takes approximately one to two hours (unless performed in conjunction with other facial reshaping procedures as part of an overall facial rejuvenation). Dr. Sinno typically begins each procedure with a small initial incision under the chin (usually in a facial crease or inside the mouth). He then creates a pocket in the facial tissue, before inserting the implant and securing it in place.
After closing the incision, Dr. Sinno will use dressings or medical tape to ensure that facial swelling during the first few days after the procedure does not displace the implant. Most patients can resume their normal daily activities one to two weeks after their facial implant surgery.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE ADVICE AND CARE FOR FACIAL IMPLANT SURGERY?
Day Surgery
Facial implant surgery generally takes one to two hours, after which, you may be released (depending on your medical condition and health state) to a friend or family member and may return home to continue your recovery.
When can the bandages come off after facial implant surgery?
Dr. Sinno and his team will apply a special dressing and initial bandages that should be kept dry and clean until your scheduled follow-up, which is generally under a week. At that point, the bandages will be removed and your post-operative state will be evaluated.
When can showers and washing resume after facial implant surgery?
The bandages usually are removed before the week after surgery. Dr. Sinno recommends that all bandages should remain dry and clean after your surgery until your first follow-up appointment. Showers should be avoided until authorized by Dr. Sinno. This is usually after all bandages are removed at the first post-operative visit. Until then, sponge baths are recommended.
White non-scented shampoo and soap are recommended to be used along with running water on the incisions after the bandages are removed and when given medical authorization to do so.
When can activity & exercise resume after facial implant surgery?
You will be advised to refrain from moving your arms above your shoulders immediately following your facelift procedure. This is usually advised for a two-week period.
Dr. Sinno recommends that patients refrain from all activities that may increase their heart rate or blood pressure, including exercise, sexual activity, stressful situations, etc. for at least two weeks after the procedure. Contact sports should be avoided for at least six weeks after your surgery.
However, it is recommended that patients walk and perform their usual activities within the limitation of the medical advice given and their tolerance to their comfort. No lifting more than 10 lbs. (4 kg) is recommended for at least two weeks after the surgery.
During the six week period, sleeping on your back is preferred, with the head of the bed elevated to at least 45 degrees in the first week to help reduce post-operative swelling.
Patients are advised to always keep their heads above their hearts and to refrain from bringing their heads down below the shoulders. Patients are advised to bend their knees and go down to put on or take off footwear, etc. This will ensure that the head is not suspended lower than the chest level.
When can driving resume after facial implant surgery?
It is recommended that patients not drive when taking narcotic pain medications and when having bulky dressings that may hinder their normal reflexes and reactivity.
General Healing
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery, and usually subsides within two to six weeks. Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising and duration may differ, depending on the patient and the extent of the surgery.
You will be expected to be able to see visible aesthetic improvements in your face immediately following your facial implant surgery. These results should continue to progress over the following weeks, as the incision site heals and the swelling decreases. Swelling can take six weeks to subside. Dr. Sinno advises his patients that final results should be expected at the one year point post-operative period, when all scars and incisions should be mature.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS AFTER FACIAL IMPLANT SURGERY?
All medical and surgical procedures have inherent risks and potential complications associated with them. It is imperative that you understand the potential risks, complications and consequences that can arise after the medical or surgical procedure you undertake. This understanding will allow you to be able to provide informed consent, based on the comparison to the potential benefit of the desired procedure.
Although the materialization of inherent risks is rare and developing complications is unlikely, these are real events that can occur. Dr. Sinno will help you to understand the risk/benefit profile of your desired procedure.
HOW MUCH DOES FACIAL IMPLANTS COST?
The average cost for a facial implant surgery starts at $8,600 plus applicable taxes.
