Facial Implants

Cheek, chin, and jaw implants can change the structures of the face in order to address issues with facial harmony and proportions.

Dr Jeremy Richardson tailors the procedure to your face shape and goals.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your initial meeting with us, we will discuss your medical history, current health, and any medications you are taking. Suitable candidates for facial implants are fit, do not smoke, and do not take blood thinners. In addition, it is important to have realistic expectations about the surgery’s outcomes.

Not every procedure is the same. This means that in order to clarify your surgical options, we will need to know your facial goals and reasons for pursuing surgery. We will then be able to develop a treatment plan and discuss the procedure so as to ensure you know what to expect. Additionally, you can ask any questions to ensure you are well-informed.

The Procedure

Facial implant surgery takes one to two hours and is performed as a day case under general anaesthesia. An incision is hidden inside the eyelid, nostril, or mouth, through which the implant is inserted and secured prior to closure. Facial implants are performed or custom-designed and may be placed at the time of other facial procedures, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.

Chin Implants
Chin implants increase the projection and shape of the chin. During a chin implant surgery, Dr Richardson makes an incision either inside the mouth or under the chin. The implant is placed, and the incision is closed.

Jaw Implants
Jaw implants increase the width of the lower face. Dr Richardson usually places the implants through incisions inside the mouth.

Cheek Implants
Cheek implants address indentations in the cheek area. They are usually inserted either through lower eyelid incisions or near the upper gum inside the mouth.

Cost of Facial Implants

The fees for this procedure can vary widely based on the nature of each patient’s surgery. When outlining fees, we must consider the relevant factors, such as the extent and duration of the surgery.

The type of surgery, anaesthesia, and hospital fees can also impact the overall cost and the type of implants you choose. We can discuss these factors and answer any further questions before the procedure.

Aftercare

Facial implant surgery outcomes vary between patients. You may have some minor post-op swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for the first few days. Generally, patients can return to work and resume most normal activities after one week. However, strenuous activity or rough contact with the implant must be avoided for six weeks.

After the procedure, it is important to maintain the results you have achieved. This will include living a healthy lifestyle and not smoking, as well as regular skin care and sun protection with a high SPF. During recovery, most patients will:

• Return to non-strenuous work after four to seven days
• Have some redness, swelling and discomfort for a few days
• Notice a reduction in swelling and bruising after one to two weeks
• Resume strenuous workouts after three to four weeks, subject to Dr Richardson’s advice

Risks and Complications

Potential issues of facial implant surgery include:

• Wound healing issues
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Anaesthesia reactions
• Unwanted results
• Visible scarring
• Damage to underlying tissues

If you notice any healing problems, Dr Richardson can give advice based on your symptoms. Patients who develop any gum or dental symptoms should consult their dentist.