Facial implants can be used as a means of augmenting deficiencies in the skeletal features of the face. The commonest used facial prostheses are the cheek and chin implants. Nasal implants are also used for augmentation in appropriate circumstances.

The indications for cheek or chin implants are firstly congenital. There can be a deficiency in the cheek structures or in the chin.

The second indication is after accidents that result in depressed fractures in part of the skeletal structures of the face that have not been corrected at the time of the injury and are sometimes unilateral.

The third area is when natural loss of cheek soft tissue structures occurs, often in middle and later age groups.

Cheek Implants

Cheek implants are designed to restore mid facial skeletal and soft tissue deficiencies and are extremely beneficial in complementing traditional eyelid, rhinoplasty, and other facial rejuvenation procedures.

They are fully symmetrical and made of solid silicone that has been precision molded.

As a result there is no possibility of leakage of silicone material into the surrounding tissues.

They are based on the same formulation as used for many decades for joint replacements, coating of pace makers and other surgically implanted devices. Although allergic reactions have been described they are extremely rare.

The preferable way of inserting cheek implants is via the mouth so that there is no external scarring present. They can also be inserted as part of another facial procedure such as when the lower eyelid surgery is performed by an open technique.

The major advantage of cheek implants is to achieve an immediate result that is considered permanent. They also can help lift the corners of the mouth, reducing visible nasolabial lines and add a more triangular perspective to the overall appearance of the face, leading to a more harmonious and attractive appearance.

The results of this surgery are particularly satisfying and most patients are immediately pleased. It is never surprising when a patient returns after several months indicating that they are so delighted with the result they would like to have even larger implants installed.

This is not a problem as it is a relatively easy matter to take out one set of implants and install a larger set in the same pocket.

After surgery there is initially swelling and bruising but this settles within a ten-day time frame. Recovery is usually uneventful and patients can resume their normal working lives two weeks after surgery.

Before & After cheek implants with Professor Sormann

Chin Implants

Chin implants are a very effective means of enhancing a chin that congenitally may have been small and therefore not in proportion to the rest of the face.

The same material is used and the implant is inserted via an incision inside the mouth between the lower lip and the gum so there is no visible scarring afterwards.

There are many different sizes and shapes available and these can be further individualised, depending on the amount of anatomical correction that is required for maximal aesthetic results. Some patients would like to achieve a much stronger and square jaw whereas other patients need a small amount of prominence to achieve optimal result.

Recovery needs are 10-14 days until post-operative bruising has diminished and it is not uncommon, once again, to find patients requesting larger implants a year or two later as they are gratified by the result and feel a larger implant would enhance their appearance even more.

The preoperative assessment of the patient must take into consideration many aspects of their physiology and anatomy but most importantly the state of their teeth and the position.

An under-bite or over-bite situation may need to be corrected preoperatively and help enhance the overall end result The opinion of a cosmetic dentist can be particularly beneficial in this regard.

Recovery is usually uneventful and patients can resume their normal working lives two weeks after surgery.

Before & After chin implants with Professor Sormann

When performed at the same time as full facial rejuvenation surgery such as eyelid surgery, browlifts or facelifts, the ultimate result is enhanced by the skin being stretched with implants being inserted. This results in major lines and wrinkles appearing diminished. Even so, after a browlift or facelift has been performed, installation of implants several years later will enhance the overall appearance and may well avoid the need for any further major surgical procedure.