Facial Implants

Do you need nose surgery or a chin implant? Sometimes what is needed to bring a nose into harmony with the rest of the face is a facial implant, not nose reshaping.

Chin augmentation can strengthen the appearance of a receding chin by increasing its projection. The procedure does not affect the person's bite or jaw.

Implants are also used to build up "weak" cheekbones. The implants are placed directly on top of the cheekbones.

Technique

The procedure follows a similar pattern for all facial areas. The surgeon makes a small incision near where the implant will be placed, either in a crease or inside the mouth at the gum/lip junction. Then a pocket is made in the facial tissue, the implant inserted, and the incision is stitched. The process generally takes 1 to 2 hours, usually with general anesthesia. The incision is bandaged or taped, and stitches are removed in 5 to 10 days (sutures placed inside the mouth will dissolve in a similar period of time). Sometimes facial implants are inserted at the same time as a facelift, nose or eyelid procedure is performed.

Benefits

• Return to work and other normal activity within a week.
• Generally performed in the surgeon's office or an outpatient surgical center.
• Adds aesthetically pleasing contour to the face.
• Results are essentially permanent.

Other Considerations

• As with any surgical procedure, infection may occur. If the infection persists, the implant may have to be removed and replaced at a later time.
• Shifting of the implant is another possibility. Should the implant become slightly misaligned, a second procedure might be necessary to reposition it.
• Postoperative bruising and swelling may occur with mild/moderate discomfort for 1 to 2 days.
• Strenuous activity and rough contact to the implant area must be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Patients with gum or dental problems will want to confer with their dentist.

Are you wondering if a facial implant could improve the appearance of your chin or cheekbones? Our unique computerized video imaging system allows us to show our patients the expected results of surgery prior to surgery.

How much will a facial implant surgery cost?

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Please see our Payment Options page under About Us.

We always present our plastic surgery consultation patients with a "fee quote." This fee includes:

• Surgeon's professional fee
• Implant fee
• Facility fee
• Anesthesia fee

It does not include any laboratory tests, preoperative examinations, garments or postoperative prescriptions.

Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon

You will return to our office for follow up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated.

Please remember that our relationship with you  does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact us.

Complimentary Consultation

For more information about our facial surgery procedures near Houston, go back to the top and follow the links. When you are ready to talk with Dr. Moliver in person, you can request a complimentary consultation online or call 281.282.9555 to schedule your visit.

See examples of facial implants in our Photo Gallery.

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