Facial implants are a form of cosmetic surgery designed to improve and enhance facial contours. Implants are inserted in areas of the face to provide a more harmonious balance to facial features and its overall appearance. Implants may be made of human tissue or synthetic materials such as silicone or polythene.

Facial implants are used to enhance facial contours. Some common areas where implants are inserted include the cheeks, chin and lower jaw. For example, cheek implants can make the cheeks look larger, higher or fuller. Chin implants are usually chosen for people who think their chin looks too small. A patient undergoing nose surgery may also elect to undergo chin surgery at the same time to achieve a more harmonious facial balance. Jaw implants are commonly inserted to give the jaw line a more defined appearance.

Facial implant surgery is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Always talk to your Specialist Plastic Surgeon before making a decision. Your surgeon will assess your condition and general health, and plan the treatment that is best suited to you.

Before you decide on surgery with facial implants, there are some important issues to keep in mind:

• Some facial implants are made from silicone. While currently there is no clear scientific evidence that silicone is a harmful substance, concerns have been raised about the safety of silicone implants
• Smokers are at increased risk of complications. If you are serious about undergoing cosmetic surgery, you should try to quit smoking

Facial implant surgery may not be a good option for you if you are:

• Not able to have an anaesthetic
• Prone to bleeding tendencies or have poor healing ability
• Too high risk of having surgical complications

Facial implants may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy and you do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• You have realistic expectations of what facial implant surgery can accomplish
• You are a non-smoker or have stopped smoking

Facial implant surgery can be performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation.

Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have some risks. Ask your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and anaesthetist for more information. Your surgeon and/or anaesthetist will ask you about all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Make sure you have an up to date list before the surgery.

Modern surgery is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur.

Some general risks and complications of surgery may include:

• Heavy bleeding from an operated site
• Blood clots that may cause potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke
• Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases
• Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions
• The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site that may require drainage
• Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)
• Keloids and hypertrophic scars that are raised, red and thickened scars. These may form over the healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health
• Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
• Difficulty talking or smiling for several weeks
• Movement of the implant, which will require further surgery
• Slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes
• Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia
• Further surgery to treat complications
• Revisional surgery may be necessary to correct complications

Depending upon your general health and the extent of the procedure, facial implant surgery can be performed either as a day case or alternatively with a short hospital stay. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will advise on the best option for you.

Before undergoing surgery, it is important that you:

• Be as fit as possible to help the recovery process
• Do not take any aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin
• Stop smoking

You will also be asked to provide a complete medical history for your Specialist Plastic Surgeon including any health problems you have had, any medication you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have.

You may be advised to stop taking certain medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and medicines that contain aspirin. Unless your surgeon advises differently, you will be able to continue taking most medicines that you have been taking.

Your surgeon will also advise you if any other tests are required, such as blood tests, X-ray examinations or an Electrocardiograph (ECG) to assess your heart.

Prepare a “recovery area” in your home. This may include pillows, ice packs, a thermometer and a telephone within easy reach. Make sure you arrange for a relative or friend to drive you to and from the hospital or clinic. Someone should also stay with you for at least 24 hours after you return home.

Your surgeon should give detailed preoperative instructions. Follow them carefully.

Arrange for a relative or friend to drive you home after the surgery. Someone should also stay with you for at least the first day after the operation and preferably for a few days.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, notify your surgeon immediate:

• Temperature higher than 38°C or chills
• Heavy bleeding from the incisions
• Worsening redness around the incision sites
• Increasing pain or tenderness, or other problems that appear to be worsening

After surgery, you may have some pain and discomfort, particularly around the incisions. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will prescribe pain medication as required.

In some cases, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Some bruising and swelling is normal, and may take up to a few weeks to disappear. Sleeping with your head elevated will help to reduce the swelling.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may need to take a few weeks off work to rest. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming and strenuous sports until advised by your surgeon.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on post-operative care. These instructions may include:

• How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site(s) or in your general health
• When to follow-up with your surgeon

Be sure to ask your surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period, such as:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? If so, when will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When have they/will they be removed?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

Scars are an inevitable part of any invasive surgery. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will endeavour to minimise scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible by locating the incisions in easily hidden sites. That way, scars will be along natural skin lines and creases. Scars may fade with time and become barely noticeable. If you are prone to scarring, you should advise your surgeon.

As with all surgical procedures, revisional surgery may be necessary to correct minor irregularities.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for a tummy tuck can vary widely between Specialist Plastic Surgeons. Some factors that may influence the cost include the surgeon’s experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic location of the office.

Costs associated with the procedure may include:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Anaesthesia fees
• Prescriptions for medication
• Post-surgery garments
• Medical tests

Your surgeon should welcome any questions you may have regarding fees.

General anaesthesia:
Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness

Hematoma:
Blood pooling beneath the skin

Intravenous sedation:
Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to achieve relaxation.

Local anaesthesia:
A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain

Visit the Plastic Surgery Glossary for more medical terms.