Facial Implants

What Are Facial Implants?

At West End Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C. we offer facial implants to strengthen the jawline or enhance the chin. Dr. Paul Ruff and Dr. Lexie Wang use jaw and chin facial implants to attain symmetry and balance among facial features. Our board-certified plastic surgeons can also surgically correct the chin by moving the chin bone forward or by reducing its prominence.

During your consultation with your plastic surgeon at West End Plastic Surgery, you can decide which procedure is right for you and be assured of a safe and pleasing outcome.

Who Is A Candidate for Facial Implants?

If you are in good health and have realistic expectations about your facial implant surgery, you are a good candidate for this procedure. It is also important that you understand and feel you can manage the limitations that occur with certain types of facial implant surgery. These limitations include being unable to freely move your mouth or lips for several weeks after surgery and maintaining a restricted diet. Your surgeon will discuss which facial implant procedure is right for you, outline the limitations of the procedure, and make sure you achieve the results you desire.

What To Expect During Your Consultation

Prior to scheduling your surgery, you will meet for a consultation with our staff and your doctor at West End Plastic Surgery. You will have your facial structure evaluated and will discuss in detail how you want your face to look after your facial implant procedure. With the guidance of the staff, you will decide which type of facial implant is right for you as well as the size, shape, and position of your implant.

Plastic / Cosmetic Surgeon Examines Beautiful Woman's Face, Touches it with Gloved Hands, Inspecting Healed Face after Plastic Surgery with Amazing Results.

Your surgeon at West End Plastic Surgery will:

  • Review the various facial implant options with you
  • Clearly discuss the potential risks of the procedure
  • Outline in detail how the surgery is performed and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure
  • Provide detailed cost and payment information
  • Discuss with you the current FDA regulations governing the use of implants
  • Answer all your questions

You will be asked to provide:

  • Details about your medical history
  • A list of all medications you take including over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements
  • Information regarding your tobacco and alcohol use

How Much Do Facial (Chin, Jaw, Cheek) Implants Cost in Washington, DC?

The cost of Facial Implants starts at around $4,000. The price will vary depending on the extent of treatment necessary to deliver your desired results. During your consultation, our surgeons will assess your cosmetic goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to meet them. The starting price is provided for your convenience, and it is important to note that it does not encompass facility or anesthesia fees. The comprehensive cost, inclusive of all potential fees, will be confirmed during your visit.

We also offer financing options, including CareCredit® and Alphaeon®, to help you with the cost of your cosmetic surgery.

In this video, Dr. Lexie Wang is performing a Chin Augmentation with a silicone implant, Rhinoplasty, Brow Lift, and a Blepharoplasty:

Facial Implant Procedure

Your facial implant surgery will be performed in our state-of-the-art surgical suite or at one of the area hospitals where our board-certified plastic surgeons operate. The surgery can be performed using either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation depending on what you and your doctor prefer. With general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep throughout the procedure. With local anesthesia, you will be lightly sedated and your face will be numbed. You will be awake, but will be relaxed and will feel no discomfort. The type of anesthesia to be used, the length of your procedure, and the placement of your incisions will be discussed with you at your initial consultation.

Chin Implant Surgery

Chin implant surgery usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour to complete. An incision is placed under the chin, and, by gently stretching this tissue, your doctor creates a space where an implant can be inserted. The implant is made of synthetic material that feels much like natural tissue normally found in the chin, and it is available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. This allows custom fitting of the implant and an individualized approach to each patient’s face. After implantation, fine sutures are used to secure the implant and close the skin.

Jaw Implant Surgery

For jaw implant surgery, the incisions are made inside the mouth on either side of the lower lip. These incisions provide access and allow your doctor to form a pocket to hold your implant. Dissolvable sutures are normally used to hold your implant in place and to close the incisions. The entire procedure generally takes from 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Facial implants are made of a variety of materials. Occasionally, fat deposits are used instead of solid implants. The type of implant to be used will be discussed during your initial meeting with your surgeon.

left side copy

We’re as thrilled with our patients’ results as they are. Check out our before-and-after photo gallery and see for yourself the kind of work our talented surgeons do.

Can Facial Implants Be Combined With Other Procedures?

There are several surgical procedures that can help enhance the face and neck and provide a more youthful appearance. These include:

How Long Will the Results of Your Facial Implants Last?

The results are permanent if silicone implants are used. If fat deposits are used, the procedure may need to be repeated periodically. It is important to keep in mind that the skin and muscles in your face and neck will continue to change as a result of aging and gravity.

close up on the chin, mouth, teeth and nose of a smiling man with

Recovery After Facial Implant Surgery

In most cases, you will be ready to go home shortly after your facial implant procedure. Because you may be a bit sleepy after the anesthesia and will experience soreness in the area of your incision, it is important for someone to drive you home after surgery. If a hospital stay was required, you will go home the day after your surgery.

You may want to have someone stay with you for the first few days you are at home. Your ability to open and move your mouth will be limited and you may be on a restricted diet for the first few weeks after your surgery. Most of the discomfort you experience can be controlled with prescribed pain medication.

The First 24 to 48 Hours After Your Surgery

During the first 24 to 48 hours after your facial implant procedure, you may feel tired from the anesthesia and sore from the surgery. The doctor will prescribe pain medication to alleviate much of the discomfort. Your comfort level will improve rapidly after the first 2 days.

There will be swelling and bruising in the area of your surgery. Swelling will be particularly pronounced after jaw implant surgery. In most cases, the bruising and swelling will subside within several days. However, with jaw implant surgery, the swelling will usually peak 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and your jaw may remain mildly swollen for several months after the surgery. Some patients may experience a stretched, tight sensation after the surgery, but this usually subsides in a week. Your ability to freely open and move your mouth and lips will be restricted, and you may experience some difficulty with smiling and talking.

Your surgeon will provide you with specific post-surgery instructions. These instructions will include dietary restrictions, oral hygiene guidelines, and specific restrictions on your activities. Your first postoperative visit is scheduled within 2 to 3 days after surgery, with follow-up visits scheduled at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month.

Resuming Your Normal Routine After Facial Surgery

Everyone heals at different rates, and you are the best judge of when you are ready for certain activities, but the following are general guidelines:

Shower or Bath The Day After Surgery
Back to Work One Week After Surgery
Driving As Soon as You Feel Comfortable
Stitches Removed Five to Seven Days After Surgery
Strenuous Activity Three to Four Weeks After Surgery

Possible Side Effects & Risks of Facial Implants

After your procedure, the skin in the area of the surgery may appear shiny due to swelling. Within a few weeks, the swelling will disappear and the skin will return to a normal appearance. There will be significant swelling in the case of jaw implant surgery. Though this swelling peaks within 24 to 48 hours, mild swelling may be present for several months and may prevent your final facial contour from becoming apparent until the swelling goes away.

During your pre-surgery consultation with your plastic surgeon, your individual risks will be assessed. As with any surgery, you can help reduce the risks associated with your facial implant procedure by closely following the instructions provided to you by our staff at West End Plastic Surgery. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure a safe and pleasing outcome.

Most likely risks include the following

  • Infection
  • Permanent numbness
  • Nerve irritation
  • Implant shifting
  • Asymmetry

Alternatives to Facial Implants

Fillers such as collagen, hyaluronic acid base, hydroxygratite base may provide localized, temporary improvement. Transfer of one’s own fat from another area of the body may also improve facial contour and form. This approach usually requires one to three procedures to achieve the desired result.

FAQ

Who Might Consider Getting Facial Implants?

Patients who are looking to enhance their physical appearance, define a certain part of their face, or want to make their face appear more symmetrical are strong candidates for facial implants.

How Are Facial Implant Procedures Typically Performed?

The facial implant procedure begins with the surgeon administering anesthesia. The type of anesthetic used will be determined by the doctor during your consultation. Next, the surgeon will begin making incisions near the mouth area or within your natural creases to create an opening for the implants, which are then carefully inserted into the target areas. Once the surgeon secures the implants, they will close the incisions.

Are There Potential Risks or Complications Associated With Facial Implant Surgery?

Before you get your facial implants, it is very important to learn and understand the potential risks and complications involved. Similar to other cosmetic procedures, some of the most common risks patients could experience include:

  • Bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Swelling.
  • Undesired results.
  • Asymmetry.

Please note that these risks are rare, especially when facial implant surgery is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.

What Can I Expect During My Initial Consultation?

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will examine your facial features and determine which implants will be best for you. He or she will discuss the pros and cons of implants, the recovery period, and what to expect in the recovery period.

How Do I Find a Qualified Surgeon for Facial Implants?

Finding a qualified surgeon for facial implants should start with comprehensive research. Once you narrow your search, book consultations with two or three surgeons. Write a list of questions that you feel are important to take to your appointment. Interview each surgeon, ask for before and after photos, and be sure to verify their credentials.

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like to find out more about facial implants, contact West End Plastic Surgery. Request a consultation online or call our office at  202-785-4187 to schedule an appointment with one of our plastic surgeons. Our practice serves Washington D.C. and surrounding areas.

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