Many options now exist for permanent facial augmentation. This is done by inserting small silicone implants over the bony prominences that require more volume. Common areas include the chin, cheeks, and lower jaw. These intricately shaped implants are then anchored in the desired location to give you a permanent volume enhancement and restoration of proper facial proportions.
Who are Ideal Candidates for Facial Implants?
Candidates for these cosmetic procedures are people who are in good health, don’t have any medical conditions, aren’t smokers, and have a positive attitude toward their appearance. They should be aware that they may need to undergo some recovery time after having the procedure done.
Candidates for Chin Implant
If you’re troubled by your recessed chin or asymmetrical jaw line, whether it’s due to congenital defects, a misshapen jaw, double chins, or sagging jowls, you might want to consider having a cosmetic procedure performed to correct these issues.
Candidates for Cheek Implant
You’re an ideal candidate for Cheek Implants if you begin to feel that you look too thin, have hollow cheeks, or just would like to add some volume to your face. Face implants can give you a more defined facial structure, but they won’t change who you are. They are meant to enhance your self-image by giving you a fuller-looking face by enhancing your cheek volume.
The Facial Enhancement Procedure
Chin Augmentation Surgery
Chin implants are commonly inserted through a small incision underneath the chin or from inside the mouth. The effect is to produce a facial profile that is aesthetically more pleasing. It is often combined with rhinoplasty (or, nose reshaping) for this reason. The effect is dramatic and very pleasing to the eye.
Occasionally, Dr. Panossian will suggest a “natural” chin augmentation (called genioplasty). This involves moving the chin bone forward through an incision inside the mouth. The chin bone is then anchored in its new advanced position. Dr. Panossian is one of a handful of plastic surgeons in the country performing this type of chin augmentation. He has extensive craniofacial surgery experience and can do this procedure effectively with spectacular results.
Cheek implants are typically placed through an incision on the inside of the upper lip. Careful consultation is required to avoid disrupting proper facial proportions or creating a wide face. They provide a more permanent solution for those wishing to forego any further filler injections to create a more long-lasting improvement in facial features.
The Consultation for Facial Implants
The consultation for facial implant surgery is critical to not only determine if you are a candidate for the procedure but to also determine the optimal size and shape of the implant. This requires evaluating the way your teeth come together for a bite (ie, dental occlusion) and for measurements of your facial anatomy. Dr. Panossian has an extensive background in craniofacial surgery and is skilled in alternative techniques including mandibular osteotomy and sliding genioplasty (moving the lower jaw forward).
The Facial Implant Recovery
Recovery from facial implant surgery is relatively straightforward. Patients are to avoid contact sports or aggressive physical activity for at least 4 weeks. Sometimes, a soft diet will be recommended to avoid disrupting the implants as they heal into place. Most patients return to work within 1 week.
We highly recommend the use of cold compresses (washcloths soaked in ice water) during the first 48 hours to help control the swelling.
Most patients return to their normal activities one to two weeks after having facial augmentation surgeries. You need to avoid any strenuous activity for two weeks after your operation to give your incision sites time to heal properly.
Why choose Dr Panossian
- He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
- Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
- Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
- Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
- Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
- Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
- Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
- Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
- Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.
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- Lanee Hooser
Frequently Asked Questions About Chin & Cheek Implants
The average cost of cheek/chin implants ranges from $3,000-$7,000. However, there are many factors that influence this cost including the type of implant used, the doctor who performs the procedure, and the patient’s health.
Chin augmentation is safe when performed by a qualified, skilled plastic surgeon. However, there may be some risks including infections, internal bleeding, shifting of implants, poor scarring, or adverse reactions to anesthetic.
To minimize risk, choose a cosmetic surgeon who has been certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgeons (AAFP). These surgeons undergo extensive fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries, perform their procedures at accredited surgical facilities, and utilize a licensed MD anesthesiologist for any general anesthesia they provide.
Before the scheduled chin implant procedure, patients should cleanse their skin thoroughly to help prevent infections. Patients should avoid drinking alcohol for at least 48hrs prior to the operation. They should rest well, sleep early, and eat light meals in the evening before the operation.
Cheek implant surgery is performed using local or general anesthesia, so you will not feel a thing. Topical numbing cream is used prior to injections, and you may experience some discomfort afterward, which can be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs.
The surgical procedure requires one or two small incisions inside the mouth or below the chin so there’s unnoticeable or no scarring at all. The implant is conical, customized, and made from biocompatible materials such as silicon which stick to the bone and create a very natural feeling and appearance.
If you live near Pasadena, CA, Dr. Panossian offers chin & cheek implants among its services, and is conveniently located at 39 Congress St., Suite 402 Pasadena, CA 91105
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
