The first thing people notice when they meet someone is their face. And when the process of aging begins, and its effects start to show, many people experience a decline in self-confidence. However, the good news is that through technological advancements, people can take steps to appear younger than they actually are. Among the various options available to individuals seeking ways to enhance their facial features or combat the effects of aging are facial implants. One of the questions that plastic surgeons usually get from patients is: Are facial implants permanent?
What Are Facial Implants?
Facial implants are solid, biocompatible materials, usually made of silicone or Medpor (porous polyethylene or Gore-Tex), that are surgically inserted to enhance the facial structure. Patients commonly choose to undergo facial implants surgery to make their faces more symmetrical. For instance, if a patient notices that one cheekbone sits lower than the other, they may get an implant to even the appearance of the cheeks on either side of their face. The common areas where implants are inserted are the following:
- Chin: Chin implants are often chosen to make the chin appear more proportional to the size of the forehead and that of the mid-face. Chin implants are among the most popular cosmetic surgery treatments for men. The procedure is often paired with jaw implants.
- Cheeks: Patients often undergo cheek implant surgery to obtain more defined cheekbones and more volumous cheeks. This procedure is especially common for people who have hollow or sunken cheeks.
- Jaw: Jaw implant surgery is popular for its ability to provide a stronger lower face and jawline appearance. The jaw implant creates a more angular and pronounced jawline, also leading to increased facial symmetry. As previously stated, the surgery is often paired with chin implant surgery.
- Temples: Facial implants into the temples are usually for patients who want to fill their hollow temples to achieve a more youthful facial appearance. The look of temple implants is subtle, but does provide patients with a fuller, younger look.
Surgeons usually insert these implants through small incisions, which can be made inside the mouth or in more discreet areas of the face to reduce the visibility of scars. The goal is to enhance your face naturally and to ensure that any enhancements made will complement your facial anatomy.
Are Facial Implants Permanent?
The short answer is yes. Implants are designed to be permanent and usually last a lifetime. They are expected to integrate well with the surrounding tissue after implantation. In addition, when a qualified and skilled plastic surgeon performs the procedure, complications are rare.
However, there are factors that may influence or interfere with their long-term results.
Aging
Fat distribution and bone structure naturally change as people age. This can affect how the implants look over time. While the implants remain in place, the facial changes in the surrounding areas may affect the overall appearance, leading patients to seek revisions later in life. Because aging can affect the appearance of a patient’s facial implants, it is recommended that they be at least eighteen years old and no longer growing or going through puberty.
Shifting or Displacement
Although rare, facial implants may shift from their original positions, especially if they were not properly secured in the first place or if trauma occurs. In these situations, corrective surgery may be required. You may know a facial implant has shifted if the symmetry that was present immediately after your implant surgery becomes less even. In other cases, this will not be readily apparent and will need to be confirmed with a clinical examination.
Infections or Complications
Although they are rare, infections may occur. If an infection occurs, the implant may need to be removed. A replacement implant may be inserted later on after the infection clears. If you face infection after undergoing facial implant surgery, you may benefit from visiting a new plastic surgeon for your revision procedure.
Patient Preferences
Sometimes, patients decide that they no longer wish to have the implant. This happens due to changing aesthetic preferences or dissatisfaction with the results. In these situations, implants may be removed or replaced.
Are Facial Implants Right for You?
If you are contemplating getting implants, you need to remember that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several important considerations to consider before making your decision.
- Health and Medical History: A good candidate is generally healthy, a non-smoker, and has realistic expectations.
- Facial Structure and Goals: A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine whether facial implants are the best way to help you achieve your goals.
- Recovery Time: Bruising, Swelling, and discomfort are natural after surgery. It may take one to two weeks before you can return to your normal activities, while it can take a few months for you to be able to appreciate the results of your surgery.
Facial Implant Alternatives
For individuals hesitant to undergo permanent implant surgery, non-surgical alternatives are available to help enhance facial contours.
- Derma Fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to temporarily add volume to the cheeks, chin, and jawline. The results may last from 6 to 18 months.
- Fat Transfer: This procedure transfers fat from one part of your body to your face. It may be more long-lasting than fillers, but their results may not be as predictable as those of implants.
- Thread or Skin Tightening: They can help enhance your facial contours, but the results are less dramatic than the results from implants.
Get a Permanent Enhancement to Your Facial Contours Today
Facial implants are designed to offer individuals like you permanent facial enhancement. The more defined and balanced look they offer not only boosts self-confidence but can also transform lives. However, permanence does not equate to being immune to change or other factors that may necessitate a revision or replacement in the future.
Just like any surgical procedure, the success of facial implant procedures heavily depends on choosing the right board-certified surgeon with a proper understanding of your facial anatomy and your specific goals. To learn more about how custom facial implants can benefit you, schedule a consultation with us today.