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There are many implants available,
manufactured from a variety of materials. They may help strengthen
a jaw line or bring the lip, chin or cheekbones into balance with
the rest of the face.
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.
When you discuss your surgery with
Dr. Vincent,
be certain that you clearly express your expectations so that they
he may
help you determine what it is possible to achieve. It may be helpful
to provide us 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 Dr. Vincent if you smoke
or if you have any dental or gum problems.
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.
Dr. Vincent will provide information about these
important matters during your pre-operative consultation.
Most of the time, this may be safely
performed in our office,
but occasionally we may advise that the procedure be performed in
an out-patient surgical center.
In some cases, facial implant surgery may require only local anesthesia
combined with a sedative. However, more frequently, a general anesthesia
may be recommended.
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to
an hour. During the procedure, Dr. Vincent 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 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.
What is the recovery for chin implants?
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. Frequently, your chin and possibly
your lower anterior teeth will be numb for a period of time.
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.
What is the recovery for cheek implants?
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 ten days. Mild to
moderate facial swelling and bruising can be expected for a few
days.
Returning to normal
Remember, with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better
in a short period of time. However, it may not be advisable to
participate in certain activities -- especially activity that may
result in the face being jarred or bumped -- for several weeks. It's
best to check with Dr. Vincent about such matters.
The new you
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.
Not everyone is blessed with beautiful, plump lips. And even those
who were don’t get to keep them forever. Over time, sun exposure,
smoking, and the aging process take their toll. That once sensual
look is gone or greatly diminished.
One of the oldest and most popular treatments for plumping the
lips is collagen. This creamy product is injected into the borders
of the lips to enhance the natural silhouette. It is also effective
in filling in vertical lines that cause the lipstick to “bleed”
beyond the lip line. The results are beautiful, immediate, and usually
last approximately four months.
Fat transfer plumps your lips using fat taken from inconspicuous
sites on your own body. Fat transfer to the lips is a safe, natural
procedure designed to restore thin or deficient lips.
AlloDerm is a dermal graft/implant that was initially used as a
skin replacement for burn patients. Now it is commonly used as a
safe, natural-feeling implant to rejuvenate wrinkled or aging lips.
Once the implant is in place, it gradually becomes a natural part
of your body.
Advanta lip implants are made of “ePTFE” (expanded
polytetrafluorethylene), a proven safe and predictable permanent
implant to improve thin lips. Advanta’s unique dual porosity
architecture results in a softer implant with a more natural look
and feel.
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.
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.
Click here for more information on Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Vincent
specializes in plastic and cosmetic surgery and his practice is located in
Ogden, Utah. Patients from the following cities and areas of Salt Lake City, West
Valley City, Provo, Sandy, Park City, Orem, Layton, Taylorsville, St. George,
Utah (UT) and Twin Falls, Idaho (ID) can conveniently schedule an appointment
with our Ogden, Utah office.
