Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Facial implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or deep intravenous sedation (twilight anesthesia). The choice depends on the procedure’s complexity and patient comfort. General anesthesia ensures the airway is protected, especially for intraoral procedures where fluids could accumulate in the mouth.
Local anesthesia with epinephrine is also injected into the surgical site. This provides a dual benefit: it numbs the area to reduce pain upon waking and constricts blood vessels to minimize bleeding during the operation. The anesthesia team monitors vital signs continuously throughout the procedure.
Incisions are strategically placed to be as invisible as possible. For chin implants, the incision is made either inside the mouth (in the gingivobuccal sulcus) or externally in the natural crease under the chin (submental). The external approach lowers the risk of infection from oral bacteria.
Cheek implants are usually placed through incisions inside the mouth, above the upper gum line. Jaw angle implants utilize incisions in the back of the mouth behind the molars. These intraoral approaches result in no visible external scarring.
The surgeon carefully dissects the tissue to create a “pocket” for the implant. This pocket is made directly on top of the bone, beneath the periosteum (the connective tissue covering the bone). This deep placement is crucial for stability and a natural look.
The pocket must be precise just large enough to fit the implant without buckling, but tight enough to prevent migration. The surgeon creates this space carefully to avoid damaging sensory nerves, such as the mental nerve in the chin or the infraorbital nerve in the cheek.
The sterilized implant is inserted into the pocket. The surgeon ensures it sits flush against the bone contours. For solid silicone implants, the tight pocket often holds them in place. However, fixation is preferred to guarantee stability.
Fixation typically involves using small titanium screws to anchor the implant to the underlying bone. This prevents the implant from shifting, rotating, or migrating over time. Some surgeons use sutures to secure the implant to the surrounding soft tissue, though screw fixation is considered the gold standard for rigid immobilization.
Once the implant is secured and symmetry is verified, the incisions are closed. Intraoral incisions are sutured with absorbable stitches that dissolve on their own and do not require removal.
External incisions (like under the chin) are closed with fine sutures to minimize scarring. A multi-layer closure is often used to bring the muscle and tissue back together over the implant before closing the skin. This ensures the implant remains well-covered and protected.
After surgery, the patient is moved to the recovery room. A compression garment or tape dressing is applied to the face. This dressing helps to minimize swelling and holds the soft tissue in place over the new implant.
Ice packs are applied immediately to reduce edema. Patients are monitored until they are alert and stable. Pain is generally moderate and managed with prescribed analgesics. Antibiotics are administered to prevent infection, a critical step for any implant surgery.
The first two days involve the most significant swelling and discomfort. Swelling tends to peak around 48 hours post-surgery. Patients are instructed to keep their head elevated at a 45-degree angle at all times, including during sleep, to promote fluid drainage.
A liquid or soft diet is strictly enforced for patients with intraoral incisions to avoid stressing the wounds or trapping food particles. Oral hygiene rinses (often chlorhexidine) are used frequently to keep the mouth clean without vigorous brushing.
Facial implants can cause significant bruising that may migrate down the neck due to gravity. This is normal. Swelling can temporarily distort facial features, often making the implant appear too large or asymmetrical initially.
Patients are reassured that this distortion is temporary. Continued use of cold compresses for the first 72 hours helps. After that, warm compresses may be used to help clear the bruising. Arnica Montana supplements are often recommended to speed up bruise resolution.
Numbness is a common side effect, particularly in the chin and lower lip after chin or jaw surgery. This is due to the stretching of the sensory nerves during pocket creation. It is usually temporary.
Sensation typically returns gradually over weeks to months. Patients may experience tingling, itching, or “electric shock” sensations as the nerves heal. Permanent numbness is a rare complication, but a risk that patients are monitored for during follow-ups.
For intraoral incisions, the diet advances from liquids to soft foods (mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs) over the first week. Crunchy, complex, or spicy foods are avoided to prevent injury to the incision line.
Oral hygiene is critical to prevent infection. Patients must rinse their mouths after every meal. Toothbrushing is reintroduced gently, avoiding the incision sites. Water flosser devices are strictly prohibited initially, as they can force bacteria into the healing wound.
Physical activity is restricted to prevent a rise in blood pressure, which can cause bleeding or increased swelling. Heavy lifting, bending over, and strenuous exercise are avoided for at least 2-3 weeks.
Contact sports are restricted for an extended period, typically 6-8 weeks, to allow the implant to bond firmly to the bone and the capsule to form. Any blow to the face during the early healing phase could shift the implant.
The first follow-up appointment usually occurs within 5-7 days. External sutures are removed at this time. The surgeon checks for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, heat, or purulent drainage.
Implant position is verified. The surgeon monitors the resolution of swelling and nerve function. Sequential appointments over the next few months track the long-term healing and the soft-tissue settling around the implant.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Pain is generally moderate and well-controlled with medication. Most patients describe it as a feeling of tight pressure or deep aching rather than sharp pain. The jaw area can be particularly sore and stiff.
You can usually start eating soft, solid foods (like pasta or soft chicken) after the first week. You should avoid anything tough, crunchy, or chewy (like steak or nuts) for about 3-4 weeks to let the incisions heal fully.
Yes, facial implants cause significant swelling. You may look like you have “chipmunk cheeks” or a massive chin for the first week or two. The majority of swelling resolves within 2 weeks, but subtle swelling persists for months.
Yes, you can talk, but it may be uncomfortable due to swelling and stiffness. It is best to minimize talking for the first few days to rest the jaw and chin area and allow the intraoral stitches to remain undisturbed.
You will be prescribed a special medicated mouthwash (usually Peridex/Chlorhexidine). You must gently swish this around your mouth after every time you eat or drink anything other than water to keep the bacteria count low.
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
