Chin and cheek implants: are they right for me?

Written in association with: Mr Timothy Mellor
Published:
Edited by: Robert Smith

Our faces can begin to become sunken and tired looking over time. There may be moments where we wish to turn back the clocks for a more youthful appearance or change our bone structure. While time travel isn't possible, there are certain procedures that can definitely help you gain a younger-looking appearance.
 

We spoke with a top facial plastic surgeon , Mr Timothy Mellor, to find out what can be done, whether chin and cheek implants are appropriate and how long recovery time for these procedures is.

woman-considering-implants

 


When are chin and cheek implants used?

Chin and cheek implants were once only really used for reconstruction of the face after damage caused by accidents, trauma, or due to birth defects. However, these implants have now become used more regularly by cosmetic surgeons to define a person's jawline or cheeks, creating a more flattering or youthful appearance.

For patients with a major chin deficiency, they may also require bone surgery to move the bone and place the chin further forward and reshape the chin.

man-with-cheek-implants


Before and after cheek implants

What happens during facial implant surgery?

In the first consultation, you should explain how you'd like to look post-surgery. We would need to discuss the pros and cons of the different types of surgery and the material of the implants. We’d have discussion about the benefits, potential complications and risks.

 

Then, you would then be given time to think carefully about all the implications of the proposed surgery and a follow-up appointment would be made if you choose to proceed with surgery. You would sign a consent form, to highlight that you recognize and understand the benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

 

We would then take photographs of your face for clinical records and these would be stored securely under data protection laws.

 

The shape and shape of the implants are discussed at this consultation so you are completely involved in the decision about which ones you'd like to be used.

 

Anaesthesia

The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. However, some patients can choose to be sedated via an intravenous drip and with a local anaesthetic, if they prefer.

 

The use of a general anaesthetic, like in any other surgery, carries a small additional risk. There is a small risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is also discussed with the patient.

 

How long does facial implant surgery take?

The procedure takes between 60-90minutes, depending on the desired result and the implant material used.

 

Chin implants

Incisions are made inside the mouth in on the gum in front of the lower teeth, if a bone operation (genioplasty) is being undertaken. The placement of a chin implant is normally undertaken through an incision beneath the chin. There will be a small scar, but it'll be hidden from view.

 

A pocket is created into which the lower-jaw implants are placed. Cuts under the skin are closed with stitches that dissolve. There is a high chance that there may be some altered sensation after this surgery because the nerve supply to the chin and lower lip is often encountered during the insertion of the implant. Although this is not likely to be permanent.

 

Cheek implants

Implants are placed over the cheekbone through a small incision inside the mouth, above the upper teeth. The surgeon creates a pocket in the tissue and then it is implanted in there.

 

Often patients wish for high cheekbones, the look of many models. To achieve this look, we insert malar implants in the outer upper cheek area.

 

Submalar implants are inserted in the mid-cheek region or lower area to help fill out a sunken face. As we age, our faces often become thinner and many people seek this kind of implant for a more youthful look. A more natural appearance can also be created with fat transfer using your own fat from a different area of your body. It has a rejuvenating effect and recreates a "rounder" look to your face.

 

Some patients choose to have both malar and submalar implants to fill out the main cheek areas and plump the cheekbones.

 

Often, to attach the implant to the bone and to stop the implant from moving, a small titanium screw is used, depending on the type of implant used. Incisions are closed with stitches that dissolve in a week or two.

 

How long is the recovery time of facial implant surgery?

Depending on the procedure, you can expect to return to work after a week to 10 days.

 

If you’re looking to find out more information about this confidence-boosting procedure, we recommend getting in contact with an experienced and reputable surgeon such as Mr Timothy Mellor . You can book a consultation with him via his Top Doctors profile .

By Mr Timothy Mellor
Plastic surgery

Mr Timothy Mellor is an experienced consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon (facial plastic surgeon) based in Portsmouth. He specialises in head and neck disease and advanced facial aesthetics and reconstruction. In addition, he has a particular interest in laser surgery of the face and mouth. He currently offers a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive treatments including facelift, eyelift, nose surgery, brow liftfacial shaping and much more.

Maxillofacial surgery is a surgical specialty recognised by the General Medical Council. In order to become a consultant Mr Mellor qualified in dentistry in Liverpool (1978) and medicine in Cardiff (1991). His higher surgical training was in the West Midlands but he has also worked in London, Liverpool, Cambridge and additionally in the Netherlands, Hong Kong and the USA. In 1999 he was appointed as Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth and St Mary’s Newport, Isle of Wight.  He has previously served as a consultant in the Royal Air Force at The Royal Hospital Haslar, Gosport from 1996 to 1999. 

During training as a maxillofacial surgeon several different areas of surgical practice are undertaken and taught. This ranges from facial trauma (cuts to the face and broken bones of the face), to the management of cancer of the mouth, jaws, neck and facial skin (head and neck surgery) and the management of facial deformity. A maxillofacial surgeon has insight into the management of all types of disease around the head and neck and many of these surgical procedures are called plastic surgery. Hence the term facial plastic surgeon refers to a surgeon who undertakes reconstructive surgery around the face. They will only operate around the face and do not undertake general plastic surgery to the trunk, limbs etc. A facial plastic surgeon’s entire practice is surgery around the head and neck.

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