Facial Implants

Aging of the face is not all about droopy, lax skin. For most, it is also about volume loss in the face. Candidates for silicone facial implants have hollow or flat cheeks, thin lips, and/or an under-projected chin with poor neckline/jawline definition. They may have developed this from the normal aging process, been born with smaller facial bones, or have had soft tissue volume loss due to extreme activity (e.g. avid runners) or chronic medical disease. Many are tired of the price, inconvenience, and inconsistency of repetitive dermal filler treatments and want a more permanent solution.

Silicone facial implants are meant to augment the bone or soft tissue to make the area look fuller and more youthful. Implants that are intended for bony areas, like the chin and cheek, are designed to be firm and conform to the underlying facial bone. Silicone implants provide volume in a consistent, symmetric, and reproducible manner that is nearly impossible to achieve with injectable fillers or fat transfer. These solid silicone implants are safe and cannot burst or leak. Although the procedure provides a permanent result, it is also reversible should one decide to remove the implants in the future.

"First I must say how kind Dr. Patel and this staff is. They really care. I was apprehensive about the lip enhancement because of the pain, but Doctor Patel made sure I felt nothing!!!! He did a wonderful job my lips look FANTASTIC. I will definitely be doing this again as well as Botox. Love this Doctor. Thank you Dr. Patel!"

"My experience at Visage was exceptional. During my initial consult, Dr. Patel listened to me and he provided honest feedback on which procedure would give me the best outcome. He took the time to make sure to answer any questions I had. The procedure itself went flawlessly. I can’t express enough how much I appreciate the meticulous and skilled care that Dr. Patel and his staff provided. My one regret is not meeting with Dr. Patel and doing this procedure sooner!"

"Dr. Patel wants great results and takes the time that he needs to get them. There are some implant procedures that are done in the office but he said that is not ideal because of the need for complete aseptic practices. The risk is too great. Dr. Patel shared that he went with the medium implant and thought it looked much more elegant."

Types of Implants

Cheek Implants

Permanent cheek augmentation may be performed with solid silicone implants that are shaped to resemble the rounded contour of the lateral cheek. Increased cheek volume disguises jowling and restores a youthful contour to the cheek.

Midface Implants

Permanent midface augmentation may be performed with solid silicone implants that are shaped to resemble the bony contour of the midface. The midface is the part of the cheek closest to the nose and contributes to the tear trough. Augmentation in this region helps reduce dark undereye circles and restores a youthful contour to the cheek.

Chin Implants

Permanent chin augmentation may be performed with solid silicone implants that are shaped to resemble the defined contour of the chin and jawline. A stronger chin may make the nose appear smaller, improve the appearance of the neckline, and, with larger implants for men, add to a masculine appearance.

Planning Your Procedure

Pre-Operation

The Consultation

During the consultation, we want to get to know you . We will review with you the changes you would like to make. We will also discuss your medical history and your current concerns. We will examine your face and determine the optimal combination of procedures for you.

After the consultation, there is a second visit prior to surgery called a "pre-op." At this visit, we will go into much greater detail about how to best prepare for the coming surgery. We offer a wealth of information about optimizing your recovery, ensuring proper healing, resuming normal activities, and avoiding complications.

The Surgery

How It's Done

A path is made in a minimally-traumatic plane from the incision site(s) to the area of desired augmentation. The silicone implants are soaked thoroughly with an antibiotic solution before and after they are positioned in the face. Once placed, the implants are temporarily secured with sutures. During the healing process, the body forms a capsule around the implant which keeps it in place.
Duration of Surgery

Cheek and chin implant surgery takes about 2-3 hours.
Anesthesia Options

All implant procedures are performed in the surgery center under general anesthesia in the most sterile of conditions. These are all outpatient procedures.
Incisions

Incisions are made inside the mouth and/or just inside the lower eyelid (for midface implants).

Post-Operation

Recovery

The typical at-home recovery time is 5-7 days. Immediately after surgery, light compression taping is used to reduce swelling at the implant sites. The compression taping is removed in 5-7 days. Patients use oral antibiotic rinses (for intraoral incisions) and antibiotic eye drops (for under-eyelid incisions) for about one week. All stitches dissolve on their own.
Pain

The first night after surgery, you will feel a dull ache and tightness around the area of implantation. Every day thereafter, any discomfort will reduce significantly. It is normal to take opiate medication as needed up to a week after surgery, but most transition to regular Tylenol within the first week.
Swelling & Bruising

Swelling and bruising are expected and mostly subside in the first 2 weeks. Most bruising may be concealed with cover-up as it gradually fades. On average, 90% of the swelling subsides by 6 weeks after surgery. In the end, all swelling and bruising will diminish.