Facial Implants can Enhance, Define and Balance-out facial features to create a more harmonious and attractive look

Three-dimensional computer technology has enabled the creation of a new generation of more accurate and anatomic facial implants. Facial contouring merges plastic surgical techniques with these new implants to enhance facial contours and proportion. These newer facial implants not only aesthetically improve bone structure, but can also be used to help reverse the signs of aging. They may extend over smaller or larger areas with different thicknesses to create varying projections, thus enhancing either a portion or the entire cheek or jaw line. One patient may select a higher arched type of cheekbone look, while another may desire a rounder, apple cheek appearance. One may want to broaden his or her jaw in front and another may wish to broaden the back angle of the jaw.

Who is a candidate for a Cheek or Chin Implant?

The goals for facial contouring may differ for each age group. Individuals in their late teens and 20's may desire a specific structural change in the nose, chin, or cheeks in order to bring their facial features into better balance. For instance, younger patients may want their nose reshaped or chin brought forward to bring them into proportion with other facial features. .

The more mature patient may choose to have an implant along with another cosmetic procedure like a face-lift. During a facelift, a patient may choose to have implants placed over the cheekbones to add volume to the face or augment the chin to improve the lower face and neck area. The improved facial structure provided by the implants can greatly enhance the results of a face lift. (Click for more on Implants with Facelift)

Cheek Augmentation

High cheekbones are a sign of beauty. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with that look. The illusion of a high cheekbone is actually created only partially by bone, while the soft tissue covering the bone structure comprises the remaining component. Today’s anatomically-designed cheek implants enhance both the hard bone and soft tissue areas to achieve a very smooth and natural result. From subtle to dramatic, the shapely enlargement can add an attractive, as well as, youthful appearance.

The Cheek Augmentation Procedure

Cheek Augmentation is a relatively simple, 45 to 90 minute procedure to add prominence to the cheekbones. It can be performed alone, or in combination with nose, chin or facelift surgery. Most mid-facial implant procedures are performed through the mouth, thus eliminating visible scarring. The incision is made high above the gum line and a pocket is created over the bone. The implants come in numerous shapes and sizes. The choice depends on your particular case and the desired effect to create the most ideal shape and natural looking result. Different portions of the implant can be carved to further customize the implant to each individual's unique structure. The appropriately-sized implant is then inserted and properly positioned within the pocket and stabilized to prevent it from moving out of place. Supportive tissue forms around the implant after a few weeks, and once healed, it feels like your normal underlying bone structure.

The anesthesia usually consists of I.V. sedation or "twilight sleep" administered by a M.D. Anesthesiologist. If performed in combination with other procedures, general anesthesia may be used.

Postoperative:

After cheek implant surgery, some swelling (but rarely, any bruising) can be expected. The main swelling is gone within two weeks and the fine definition and final form of new facial contours gradually emerge after four to six weeks.

Chin (Mandibular) Augmentation

Chin augmentation is the classical operation that changes a person's profile by bringing out the chin or front portion of the jaw bone (or mandible). Chin augmentation can correct an undersized or weak chin, and lower jaw surgery can strengthen and add definition to the jaw line. Creating subtle but correct proportion, size, and projection to a small, recessive chin may add immeasurably to one's appearance. A small chin can make a person's nose appear more prominent which is why it is often done along with a nose procedure (rhinoplasty).

Placement of a chin implant will restore balance between the mid and lower thirds of the face, ensure that the nose will be a better fit for the face, and reduce the chances of "overcorrecting the nose" due to a weak chin. When performed in conjunction with facelift, building up a small chin can also dramatically improve the configuration of the jaw-neck line to effectively reduce the "double chin." Mandibular augmentation is also easily combined with removal of submental fat (via liposuction).

Jaw and Angle Implants

Narrow jaws can also be enhanced with the use of "mandibular angle" implants. (See Photo?). These implants are placed through incisions along the gum line at the back of the mouth. The new designs of mandibular implants wrap around the entire chin and mandible, providing a more natural look from both the front and side view. These implants are considered to be extremely powerful in effecting dramatic changes in the shape of the jaw and entire lower third of the face.

The Chin/Mandibular Augmentation Procedure

Mandibular augmentation is a relatively minor outpatient procedure, which takes between 30 to 40 minutes. It can be performed alone, or in combination with facelift, nose, eyelid, or cheek implant surgery.

The procedure is performed by making a small incision in either the small crease line under the chin or inside the mouth where the lower lip joins the teeth. Placing the incision in the submental crease, below the chin makes the scar (via the external route) virtually inconspicuous. A small pocket is created directly over the bone to approximate the size of the implant. Different size and shape implants may be tried during surgery to find the most appropriate one that will create the most ideal shape and natural looking result for each individual patient.

If the implant procedure is performed separately, local anesthesia or I.V. sedation (twilight sleep) is administered by an M.D. Anesthesiologist. If performed in combination with other procedures, general anesthesia may be given. In either case, once you are asleep, a long-acting, local anesthetic is administered, providing several hours of numbness and comfort to the area after the procedure is over. Antibiotics are typically given before, during and after surgery to decrease the risk of infection.

Postoperative:

Patients can expect some swelling and bruising. Many patients are able to return to work within about a week after undergoing a facial implant procedure. Some other activities may need to be postponed for a longer period of time.

Implant Material

The majority of facial implants are composed of solid silicone elastomer or rubber. Solid silicone elastomer, the most common biomaterial used for implantation, has been used safely for over 60 years in almost every field of medicine and surgery. It is used as a covering for cardiac pacemakers, in neurosurgery, cardiology, ear and eye surgery, and orthopedic surgery, to name a few. Another material commonly used is ePTFE (commonly known to the public under the trade name Goretex®). There are now textured ePTFE-coated silicone "composite" implants, which combine the advantages of both materials. It is extremely rare for any of these materials to produce tissue reactions or be rejected by the body. To date, both silicone and ePTFE have the best track record of the biomaterials used for implantation, truly standing the test of time; and each with its own advantages. The preformed silicone elastomer implants or the ePTFE-coated silicone core implants maintain both shape and flexibility, and thus, feel perfectly natural over the facial structure. Another material, Polyethylene (Teflon), is also used as an implant material, but because of significant tissue in-growth and the difficulty of removal, Dr. Binder prefers not to use this material for most routine implant procedures.

About Dr. Binder

Dr. William J. Binder helped pioneer the modern concept of “Facial Contouring” with new tools and techniques including a new generation of facial implants created using 3-D computer imaging. The latest and among the most significant of his innovations is the new patented BINDER SUBMALAR® FACIAL IMPLANT for restoring youthful contours and volume to the face. He is double-board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.

Click Here for more on Dr. Binder or go to www.doctorbinder.com