Facial implants

What are facial implants?#

Facial implant surgery is a form of cosmetic surgery. It can also help restore shape to a face after trauma or major disease such as cancer. Implants may be made of human tissue or of synthetic materials such as silicone or polythene.

Common areas where implants are inserted include the cheeks, chin and jaw. Some people choose cheek implants because they feel their cheeks look flat or sunken; cheek implants can make the cheeks look larger, higher or fuller. People usually choose chin implants because they feel their chin looks too small. Sometimes a medical practitioner may recommend a chin implant for a person having nose reshaping surgery (rhinoplasty), to improve facial proportion, since the size of the chin can influence how the nose looks.

Things to consider first#

If you are concerned about the way you look, or are thinking about cosmetic treatments to boost your confidence, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you address your concerns about your appearance.

Facial implant surgery is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone, so always talk to your medical practitioner before making a decision. Some important issues to keep in mind include:

• Some facial implants are made from silicone. Concerns have been raised about the safety of silicone implants, but currently there is no clear scientific evidence that silicone is a harmful substance.
• Cosmetic surgery does not usually qualify for a rebate. Ask your medical practitioner about any out-of-pocket costs you can expect, and check with your health insurer about cover.
• Smokers are at increased risk of complications. To reduce this risk, and for your general health and wellbeing, try to quit smoking before having surgery.

It is important to have as much information as possible before deciding, and you may wish to ask another medical practitioner for a second opinion.

Choosing a qualified practitioner#

Surgery, including cosmetic surgery, and any anaesthetic beyond a low dose of local anaesthetic should only be performed in a properly licensed and accredited facility. You can ask to see a facility’s certificate of registration, which is usually on display where consumers can see it easily.

This procedure should be carried out by a medical practitioner who is specially trained and experienced in facial implant surgery. At your first consultation, ask about their training and experience, and ask to see the certificates that show they are qualified to perform this specialised surgery. Check that your practitioner is appropriately registered with the relevant medical regulator in your area.

A registered anaesthetist should be present to treat you for any adverse reaction to the anaesthetic. You can also check that your anaesthetist is appropriately registered.

Your medical status#

If you are considering facial implant surgery, discuss your current medical status with your medical practitioner. This includes:

• your physical health, including past medical history such as illnesses, surgeries and immunisations, and your current diet and exercise habits (this is a good time to check blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and rhythm, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate)
• your mental health, including any mental illnesses or issues and their treatments
• medications you are currently taking, including vitamins and supplements
• any past reactions to medications and any allergies you have

From this discussion, your practitioner can assess the risks and possible complications of surgery for you, and tell you what preparations you need to make for a smooth recovery.

What happens during surgery#

Facial implant surgery may be performed using local anaesthetic and sedation, or a general anaesthetic. Your medical practitioner will advise which option is best for you.

Cheek implant surgery#

Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you are having implants alone, the steps generally include:

• An incision is made either inside your upper lip or through your lower eyelid.
• A pocket is formed and the implant is inserted.
• The implant is held in place by the cheek muscles, stitches or metal screws.

Stitches used to close incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days. When cheek implants are placed as part of another cosmetic procedure (such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery), they may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures.

Chin implant surgery#

Chin implants are made from a variety of materials, including silicone, other man-made materials such as polythene, or tissue from your own body. The steps generally include:

• The practitioner makes an incision either on the underside of the chin or inside the mouth at the lower lip.
• If your own tissue is used, the bone of the chin may be cut, moved forward and secured with metal plates.
• If a synthetic implant is used, the implant is put into position and the incision is closed.

Potential complications#

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Possible complications of facial implant surgery include:

• allergic reaction to the anaesthetic, which may be fatal
• blood clots that may cause serious cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke
• heavy bleeding from the surgical site, or the formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath the incision, which may require drainage
• infection that may need treatment with antibiotics or, in some cases, further surgery
• allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions
• temporary or permanent areas of numbness
• keloids or hypertrophic scars - raised, thickened scars that may be itchy and unsightly but are not a threat to health
• reduced ability to move your mouth and lips, or difficulty talking or smiling for several weeks
• movement of the implant, which will require further surgery
• slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes
• short-term nausea following general anaesthesia

This is not a complete list - your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Further surgery may sometimes be required to treat complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

Recovery and self-care#

Your medical practitioner will give you post-operative care instructions, including how to care for the surgical sites, medications to apply directly or take by mouth to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, what to watch for, and when to follow up. Report any bleeding, severe pain or unusual symptoms to your practitioner.

Swelling may take a few weeks to reduce, and you may not see your new look for some months after surgery. The effects should be subtle but noticeable. Results are semi-permanent if human tissue is used, because the tissue will age, and permanent if synthetic implants such as silicone or polythene are used.

Alternatives to facial implants#

There are no medical alternatives to facial implants that can reshape the cheeks or chin. Weight loss or weight gain may, however, change the shape of your face. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you address concerns about your appearance, and you may decide that you like yourself the way you are.

Key points#

• Common areas where implants are inserted include the cheeks, chin and jaw.
• Some people choose cheek implants because they feel their cheeks look flat or sunken.
• People usually choose chin implants because they feel their chin looks too small.
• Smokers are at increased risk of complications.
• It is important to have as much information as possible before deciding to have facial implant surgery.

Where to get help#