Facial implant surgery by itself is usually performed as an out-patient procedure. The operation may take place in a freestanding surgical center or a hospital outpatient facility. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, but in some cases it can be done under local anesthesia with sedation.
Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. When cheek implants are being done with another cosmetic procedure such as a facelift or eyelid surgery, the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made either inside your upper lip (in the fold where the upper lip meets the gum) or your lower eyelid. The surgeon creates a pocket in the tissue and the implant, which comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, is inserted. The implants are placed directly on (or even below) the cheekbone. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures. In some cases a small titanium screw may be used to attach the implant to the bone.
Insertion of a jaw implant usually takes about one to two hours. Incisions are made inside the mouth on either side of the lower lip. The surgeon creates a pocket into which the lower-jaw implant can be inserted. The incisions are closed with dissolving stitches.
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from about 30 minutes to 60 minutes. During the procedure the surgeon selects the proper size and shape implant and inserts it into a pocket directly on the jawbone. A small incision is made inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area. Usually, the chin is taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days. Dissolvable stitches are used if the incision is in the mouth.
Patients can usually go home about two to three hours after the procedure and can resume normal exercising in about two weeks.
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