Facial Implants and Lip Augmentation

Facial Implants and Lip Augmentation are cosmetic procedures that help restore the balance and structure of disproportionate facial features. Patients who suffer from sagging facial skin, weakened jaw lines, or unimpressionable bone structure often benefit from facial implants. Facial implants are safe, FDA-approved semi-solid silicone or rubber plates that surgeons place onto the bone under the skin and muscle into areas of the face that require enhancement. The procedure for facial implants varies in terms of the feature that is being enhanced. The most common implants are chin, cheek and jaw bone. It is quite possible that in order to achieve your desired look you may need more than one implant.

Facial Implants and Lip Augmentation Applications

• Cheek Enlargement
• Chin Projection
• Jawline Enhancement
• Lip Enhancement
• Procedures done in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries like facelifts, and rhinoplasty

Cheek Implants

Fuller cheeks are attractive as they give your face the height and youth that is often lost with age. Cheek augmentation restores fullness to the cheeks and creates the appearance of strong cheek bones that add contour to the face. This procedure is ideal for individuals that yearn for a more youthful appearance by enhancing the volume and height of the very important anatomic structure called the cheek mound. The sizes and shapes of the cheek implants vary greatly allowing for each individual along with the surgeon’s advice to pick the most suitable option. Dr. Mazzara strategically inserts the implant usually through the mouth onto the cheek under the lips and then the incision is closed. This procedure is usually completed within an hour and requires sedation.

Chin Implants

One of the most common facial implants is chin augmentative implants which function to restore the balance in the face to compensate for a weak chin. A weak chin usually results simply from development. Some people are born with perfect anatomy and some aren’t. Dental malalignment with an “overbite” also gives the illusion of a weak chin, but is simply related to the lower jawbone being behind the upper thereby appearing smaller.

Chin augmentation surgery can be performed when the patient is under either general or local sedation anesthesia. Your surgeon will decide which option is most advisable for your situation. Non-sterile sizers are used as a guide during consultation and of course new sterile implants are used to augment. The procedure can be done through the mouth under the lips, or through a small incision under the chin shadow.

The surgery usually takes less than an hour unless other procedures are being done simultaneously. It is estimated that 15% of patients who undergo rhinoplasty are candidates for chin implantation to further balance the facial profile.

Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation is a minimally invasive procedure that grants those with thinner lips the opportunity to enjoy more luscious lips and a fuller smile.

Lip augmentation is a common procedure that provides a more radiant and plump look for individuals that have fallen victim to the natural effects of aging or simply for those who naturally have thin lips.

Types of Lip Augmentation

• natural (fat) filler injections
• synthetic biocompatible fillers (Radiesse, Juvederm)
• lip surgery to remove measured lip skin to roll up the red lip giving a fuller appearance

           
Depending on the product used, injections may require periodical repetition to achieve desired results.

What should you expect from facial implants and lip augmentation?
Like all plastic and cosmetic procedures, the goal is to improve, restore or enhance. Implants are able to provide structure and enhance the facial profile. Implants, except injectables, are considered permanent but can be removed at any time.