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Facial Implant Surgery - Chicago Plastic Surgery
Are you considering a facial implant?
There are many Chicago plastic surgeons that use facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours.
Frequently, these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you
feel better about the way you look.
Search Chicago plastic surgeons performing facial implant surgery.
There are many facial implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. They may help strengthen a
jawline or bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face.
This article describes some of the facial implants currently available as well as the techniques for their use.
It will familiarize you with these procedures but cannot provide all the details which may be relevant to your
particular needs. If you feel that one or more of the procedures described here may be of benefit, be sure to
ask your Chicago plastic surgeon for more information.
What to expect from a facial implant
Facial implants can enhance your appearance and bolster your self esteem. If you are looking for improvement,
not perfection, in your appearance and are realistic in your expectations, you may find that a facial implant
is the right choice for you.
Chicago plastic surgeons will frequently use such implants to bring better balance to the features of a younger
patient. For instance, a teenage girl may want her nose reshaped or her chin brought forward so that these
traits are better proportioned. The more mature patient may choose to have an implant placed in conjunction
with another cosmetic procedure. For example, during a facelift, a patient may wish to have implants placed
over the cheekbones to help restore a more youthful appearance. Implants may also be selected to fill out
a face that appears "sunken" or tired.
Is chin augmentation for you?
As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. It is also key to
understand all aspects of the surgery. A pleasing, balanced profile can be achieved by inserting an implant
or moving the bone forward to build up a receding chin, or by reducing a jutting or too prominent chin. The
result can be greater facial harmony and an increase in self-confidence.
Another possibility for improvement through chin surgery is submental liposuction in which excess fatty
tissue is removed to redefine the chin or neckline. When there is a contributing problem of dental
malocclusions or birth defects in the structure of the jaw itself, surgery of the jaw can improve the
form and function of the lower face and greatly enhance appearance.
Your consultation can help you decide on the type of surgery that addresses your concerns. Your Chicago
plastic surgeon can also provide information on new medical techniques for chin surgery and offer
recommendations for supplementary surgery that can ensure the greatest improvement.
Potential risks of facial implant surgery
Facial implants can produce some remarkable changes. Problems rarely occur, but you need to be informed about
such possibilities. This brochure will touch upon a few, but is not intended to provide a detailed or complete
inventory of potential risks.
A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation my be necessary to replace it in
its proper position. Infection can occur with any operation. If infection were to occur around a facial implant
and did not clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and
replaced at a later time. Other, less-frequent risks may be associated with certain implants. Be sure to ask
your plastic surgeon for a description of the risks associated with the procedure in which you are interested.
Some of the implant materials are made of a solid silicone. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that
this is a harmful substance. Your plastic surgeon will be happy to discuss any current scientific findings
concerning the type of implant you're considering.
Planning your facial implant surgery in Chicago, IL
When you discuss your surgery with your Chicago plastic surgeon, be certain that you clearly express your
expectations. Your plastic surgeon will help you determine what it is possible to achieve. It may be helpful
to provide your surgeon with photos of people who have facial features similar to those you would like to have.
Be sure you understand the details of the proposed surgery, including the cost and what to expect during your
recovery.
If the surgery will entail an incision inside your mouth, it is important that you inform your physician if
you smoke or if you have any dental or gum problems. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on these matters.
In preparing for your surgery, be sure to find out if you'll be able to drive home afterward or will require
transportation. You should also ask if you'll need to refrain from eating or drinking the night before your
surgery, and if you should stop taking any medications, including aspirin and similar drugs. You may be
instructed to take oral antibiotics both before and after the procedure to help guard against infection.
Your Chicago plastic surgeon will provide information about these important matters during your pre-operative
consultation.
Where will the facial implant surgery be performed?
Your operation may take place in an office-based facility, a freestanding surgical center or a hospital
outpatient facility. Sometimes, your plastic surgeon may require that you stay overnight. Your doctor will
make such a recommendation based on your overall medical condition and whether another cosmetic procedure was
performed simultaneously with the facial implant surgery.
Types of anesthesia used in facial implant surgery
In some cases, facial implant surgery may require only local anesthesia combined with a sedative. However,
more frequently, a general anesthesia may be recommended
Chin Implant Surgery In Chicago
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, the surgeon
selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance and inserts it 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.
Usually, the chin is taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be
removed in five to seven days. If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.
You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days. It's normal to
experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking. Black and blue marks may be visible around
the chin and neck. Your plastic surgeon will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions
to your activities after surgery.
Cheek Implant Surgery In Chicago
Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When cheek implants are being placed in
conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery, the
implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will
be made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted.
After surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and swelling. The severity and duration
of such side effects may vary, especially if another cosmetic procedure was performed at the same time.
Your Chicago plastic surgeon will provide you with instructions about post-operative care. There will be
dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities. Again, these instructions will vary,
especially if another procedure was performed along with your implant surgery. However, you should be
aware that your ability to move your mouth and lips may be diminished temporarily. Stitches used to
close the incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days.
Lower Jaw Implant Surgery In Chicago
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.
Swelling is sometimes significant immediately following surgery, usually peaking 24 to 48 hours afterward.
Although most of the significant swelling will subside over a period of several days, prolonged mild
swelling may prevent your final facial contour from becoming apparent for several months.
During the healing phase, your activities and diet will be restricted. Your ability to smile, talk or
move your mouth in any way may be limited for several days to weeks following surgery. Your Chicago plastic
surgeon will instruct you about dental and oral hygiene during your recovery.
Your new look - post facial implant surgery in Chicago, IL
You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks, or perhaps even months. Give
yourself plenty of time to get used to your new look.
You may be surprised to find that most people won't recognize that you've had facial implant surgery
only that you look better.
Reference: American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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