Posted May 13, 2019 in Face
Key Takeaways
- Facial implants are among the top 20 most common cosmetic surgical procedures, with over 14,000 cheek and 16,000 chin implants performed annually in the US.
- Implants are typically made from medical-grade silicone and are surgically placed under the skin to permanently fill out and define specific facial features.
- Chin implants can strengthen a weak chin and improve overall facial balance, while cheek implants restore or create mid-face volume and definition.
- Facial implants offer permanent results compared to temporary fillers, making them a compelling long-term option for patients with structural concerns.
- A board-certified plastic surgeon evaluates facial anatomy during consultation to determine which implant type, size, and placement will achieve the most natural result.
In the US, facial implants are one of the top 20 most common surgical cosmetic procedures for both men and women. Each year, over 14,000 cheek implants and 16,000 chin implants are performed. Men account for roughly 3,800 (26 percent) and 8,800 (54 percent) of these implants respectively. There’s a reason that getting facial implants from a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia is such a popular thing to do. Facial implants can completely change the look of your face for the better. Let’s explore six reasons you may want to consider implants.
1. You’re curious about facial implants
It all starts with curiosity. You want to know what implants are, how they work, and what they can do for your appearance, confidence, and lifestyle. Let’s first briefly answer a few of your pressing questions.What are facial implants?
A facial implant is typically a piece of medical-grade silicone or other material carefully inserted under the skin to fill out and contour the shape of your face. Jaw and chin implants are the most common forms of this procedure. A jaw implant can widen and draw out the jawline, giving you a more angular look instead of sloped chin.Where can I get facial implants?
You can get implants in the chin, nose, cheeks, and jaw. If you’re getting an implant, you may want to accompany it with a face or chin lift to complete the look, but implants can also stand alone.How is the procedure done?
After the planning and consultation phase, your board-certified plastic surgeon makes a small incision in the target area. To reduce the appearance of scarring, these incisions are typically made in the mouth while you are under general anesthesia. An implant is anchored with small screws into your bone, which you will not feel once the implant heals.How long does the procedure take?
The whole procedure lasts between 30 minutes and two hours.What is recovery like?
As with any surgical procedure, you’ll experience some swelling, bruising, and tenderness. You may also have some difficulty fully opening your mouth. After about a week, most of this discomfort subsides. Stitches dissolve after two weeks, and within about three months, you’ll see the full results of your procedure. Now, let’s look at some more reasons to consider this amazing procedure.2. Your face appears uneven
Do you have uneven or flat cheeks? Is your chin receding or weak? Is your nose bulging or asymmetrical? Among both men and women, these issues can leave a face feeling uneven and unattractive. Negative feelings about your appearance impact your confidence, which influences everything in life. Nose, chin, and cheek implants can correct these problems, giving you a fuller, more symmetrical appearance.3. You’re looking for a procedure with long-lasting results
Collagen injections, botox, lip fillers, superficial skin resurfacing—these are all temporary procedures. They can enhance your appearance for a few months, but without continual maintenance, their results will disappear with time. Facial implants done by a board-certified plastic surgeon are a semi-permanent or permanent solution. Silicone and other synthetic materials typically last indefinitely. There is no definitive scientific evidence that silicone implants are dangerous, but you should discuss with your board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia if you’ve ever had any adverse reaction to silicone. On top of being long-lasting, cheek and chin implants are one of the most cost-effective surgical cosmetic procedures, typically costing less than $5,000 in Northern Virginia.4. You have fully matured bone structure
Until your late teens, your facial structure is still changing. Many teens with “awkward” appearances grow into their features and turn out looking amazing. Others reach their 30s and 40s and realize that their chin, cheeks, and other features are here to stay and could use improvement. In these cases, you should consider getting facial implants in Northern Virginia.5. You have a healthy self-image
The best candidates for a surgical cosmetic procedure have a generally positive attitude and a healthy sense of self-worth. They’re looking to make targeted, strategic, and subtle changes that will make a world of difference when they look in the mirror. People without this healthy self-image may get procedures because of:- Extreme fear of aging. It’s normal to want to look younger longer, but if fear is driving your decisions, then one set of facial implants done by a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia is unlikely to quell these fears.
- A desire to please others. If you’re not doing it for you, you’ll likely be unhappy in the long run.
- They think it will solve all their problems. Yes, cosmetic surgery can significantly improve your confidence, career outlook, and relationships with others, but it’s only a piece of the puzzle of life. Use a new you as a reason to live life more fully, but don’t think of facial implants as the answer to everything.
6. You’re in good general health
As with all cosmetic procedures, your overall health is an important factor when deciding whether to have facial implants. It’s best if you don’t smoke. Ideal candidates live a healthy lifestyle with a healthy immune system, circulation, and ability to manage stress. If you have any kind of health challenges, you should discuss these with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are facial implants and what are they made of?
Facial implants are pieces of medical-grade silicone or other biocompatible material surgically inserted under the skin to add permanent volume, structure, and definition to specific facial features. The most common types are chin and cheek implants, which are customized in size and shape to each patient's anatomy.
How popular are facial implants in the United States?
Facial implants are among the top 20 most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures for both men and women. Each year, over 14,000 cheek implants and 16,000 chin implants are performed nationwide, with men accounting for a significant portion of chin implant procedures.
What is the difference between facial implants and dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are temporary injectable treatments that gradually dissolve over months, requiring repeat treatments to maintain results. Facial implants are permanent surgical solutions that provide lasting structural change. Implants are the better choice for patients who want a definitive long-term improvement rather than ongoing maintenance injections.
Who is a good candidate for facial implants?
Good candidates are adults who are bothered by a weak or recessed chin, flat or sunken cheeks, or lack of facial definition that makes them look older or less balanced. Candidates should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and be prepared for surgical recovery.
What can I expect during a facial implant consultation at NOVA?
Dr. Nukta will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your specific concerns and aesthetic goals, and recommend the implant type, size, and placement that will best harmonize your features. You will also learn about the procedure, recovery timeline, and what to expect from your long-term results.