Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
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The consultation is the foundational step in facial implant surgery. It is a comprehensive evaluation where the surgeon assesses the patient’s facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. This is not a sales meeting but a medical examination to determine anatomical suitability.
The surgeon will palpate the underlying bone structure to understand the skeletal deficiency. They will assess the thickness of the soft tissue to determine if it can adequately cover an implant. This diagnostic phase determines whether the issue is truly skeletal or related to soft-tissue volume loss.
Advanced consultation involves 3D imaging technology. The patient undergoes a specialized scan (such as a CBCT or 3D photo) to create a digital model of their skull and soft tissues. This allows the surgeon and patient to visualize the potential changes.
Software allows the surgeon to virtually place implants of different sizes and shapes to assess their effects on the profile and frontal view. This visualization is critical for communication, ensuring the patient’s perception of a “strong chin” aligns with the surgeon’s plan.
Choosing the right implant is a meticulous process. Implants come in various materials (Silicone, Medpor, ePTFE), shapes (extended, button, anatomical), and sizes (small, medium, large, extra-large).
The surgeon measures the patient’s face to select the optimal dimensions. They consider the projection (how far out it sticks), the vertical height, and the lateral extension. For custom implants, this phase involves reviewing the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files designed specifically for the patient.
A thorough medical history is taken to identify potential risks. The surgeon looks for conditions that impair healing, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders. A history of gum disease or dental abscesses is particularly relevant for chin and jaw implants placed through the mouth.
Smoking is a significant risk factor. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and can lead to implant infection or exposure. Patients are screened for bone disorders and previous facial trauma or surgeries that might have altered the anatomy.
For chin and jaw procedures, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s occlusal (bite) relationship. While implants camouflage a weak chin, they do not fix a misaligned jaw. If the patient has severe retrognathia that affects their bite, orthognathic surgery (jaw realignment) may be the most appropriate treatment.
The surgeon assesses the position of the mental nerve using X-rays or CT scans to avoid injury during surgery. This analysis ensures that cosmetic camouflage is the right choice rather than functional jaw surgery.
To minimize infection risk the primary concern with implants health optimization is key. Patients are advised to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Any active dental infections must be treated before surgery.
Nutritional status is reviewed to ensure adequate protein and vitamin intake for healing. Supplements that increase bleeding, such as fish oil, Vitamin E, and aspirin, must be discontinued weeks before the surgery to prevent hematoma formation around the implant.
Standard pre-operative testing is required. This typically includes a complete blood count, coagulation profile, and basic metabolic panel. For patients over a certain age or with medical history, an EKG and medical clearance from a primary care physician are mandated.
These tests ensure the patient can safely undergo anesthesia and handle the physiological stress of surgery. Safety is the priority, and elective surgery is only performed on medically optimized patients.
If custom implants are chosen, the timeline is extended. After the initial CT scan, the data is sent to a manufacturer. A design meeting is held between the surgeon and engineers to sculpt the implant digitally.
The implant is then fabricated and sterilized. This process can take several weeks. The consultation phase includes planning this timeline to align with the patient’s schedule and desired surgery date.
Facial implants create a permanent change to the face. The surgeon assesses the patient’s psychological readiness for this alteration. Patients must have realistic expectations and be prepared for the adjustment period, during which the face may look swollen and different.
Screening for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is standard. The goal is to ensure the patient is seeking surgery for themselves and has a healthy outlook on the transformative nature of the procedure.
Recovery requires planning. Patients need to arrange for a ride home and someone to stay with them for the first 24 hours. Soft foods must be purchased for patients undergoing intraoral procedures.
Work and social schedules should be cleared for at least 7-10 days. Having a recovery station set up with ice packs, prescribed medications, and extra pillows for head elevation reduces stress post-surgery.
The final step of preparation is the informed consent process. The surgeon details the specific risks, including infection, implant malposition (shifting), numbness, and bone resorption.
The patient signs documents acknowledging they understand the procedure, the risks, and the alternative options. This ensures transparency and that the patient is an informed participant in their care decisions.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
The process for custom implants typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time of the CT scan. This includes the design phase, surgeon approval, manufacturing, and sterilization of the implant before it is shipped to the surgery center.
No. Smoking is strictly prohibited for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which dramatically increases the risk of infection and skin death over the implant. It can cause the surgery to fail.
If you have cavities, gum disease, or any oral pain, yes. You must see a dentist and have these issues resolved before surgery. Bacteria from your mouth can travel to the implant and cause a severe infection.
Facial implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. You will go home the same day. However, you must have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for the first night.
You should eat a healthy, balanced diet leading up to surgery. However, you must have an empty stomach on the day of the procedure. This usually means no food or drink (including water) after midnight the night before surgery.
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