Procedures

Facial Implants for Augmentation or Enhancement

Cheek Implants or Cheek Augmentation

Unfortunately as we age, the shape of the Cheeks change, because the amount of soft tissue over the Cheek bone decreases and shifts downward toward the corner of the nose and mouth. With age, gravity pulls the facial tissues towards the nose, mouthand center of the neck giving the face a more angular and relatively more masculine look. As the Cheeks fall, the face has an overall gaunt and aged appearance. Hollowness appears under the eyes, dark circles appear or are accentuated, and the Cheek folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds) are exaggerated. These changes begin to occur in the thirties. Cheek enhancement or cheek augmentation with an implant can correct these problems by elevating the soft tissues of the midface, thereby improving your overall appearance. Cheek implant surgery or cheek augmentation is typically completed in about an hour in our Beverly Hill surgery center.

A full rounded face is associated with youth and vitality. Hollow, sagging facial features can be associated with age, illness or even a sad or depressed emotional state. There are several ways to restore your face to its original youthful contours. A Cheek Lift or Midface Lift will elevate the face from the area of the mouth to the lower eyes. Cheek implants will also elevate the midface, but will additionally give a more rounded, defined look to your cheek bones. Dr. Aharonov is an expert at many Non Surgical Alternatives to facial rejuvenation. Facial fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, or  your own fat, can be injected into the cheek area to enhance fullness and lost volume. Facial fillers will disappear over time, some lasting up to a year. They are ideal if you want to try out your new look, before making the final decision about Cheek Implant surgery. During your consultation with Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Aharonov, he will evaluate your individual issues and the goals you wish to achieve. Each patient is given a treatment plan based on what is best to enhance their own facial features and degree of facial aging.

Cheek Implants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can even be custom made. The cheek implants that Dr. Aharonov uses are a soft solid that have been safely in use for many years. These type of Cheek Implants can be removed at a later date if it becomes necessary.

Cheek Implant or Cheek Augmentation Surgery

Dr. Aharonov prefers to place Cheek Implants through the mouth. This approach gives an excellent cosmetic result, without a visible scar. A small incision is made inside the Cheek within the mouth just above the gums. The Cheek tissues are carefully elevated until the covering of the Cheek Bone is identified. A small area or pocket, consistent with the shape of the chosen Cheek Implant, is created. The Cheek Implant is then placed within this pocket of elevated tissue, and the facial tissues are closed with dissolvable sutures. This prevents the Cheek Implant from moving until the tissues are healed, and the Cheek Implant is secured in place. Initially, the cheeks, face or under eye area may be swollen or bruised, but this is
highly variable from patient to patient. As the swelling subsides, the Cheek Implants will begin to look and feel more natural. Some degree of numbness is to be expected after Cheek Implant surgery, but this too will subside with time. All of Dr. Aharonov's Los Angeles area patients are happy with the results of their Cheek Implant Augmentation surgery.

What to Expect After Cheek Implant or Cheek Augmentation

It is perfectly normal to have some mild discomfort and swelling within the first few days after your Cheek Implant surgery. Ice compresses usually reduce this very quickly. You should try to eat a soft diet for a couple of days after your Cheek Implant surgery, but after that you should be able to eat whatever you like. You should be careful to avoid the incision lines within your mouth when you brush your teeth, and gently rinsing your mouth with water after eating will dislodge any food particles that  may get adhere to the sutures. The stitches will dissolve after 2-3 weeks. Most facial swelling should dissipate within a week after your Cheek Implant Augmentation surgery, if done without additional facial cosmetic procedures. There will be some residual puffiness over the Cheek Implant area, which will take a few more weeks to resolve.

Initially, your Cheek area will feel somewhat firmer. You may feel slightly restricted in your smile and mouth movements, but this will go away over time. This is all completely normal after Cheek Implant augmentation surgery. Several months later, you will no longer feel or notice the presence of your new Cheek Implants, you will just be left with fuller more youthful facial contours

Chin Implant or Chin Augmentation Surgery

Aesthetically, the chin appears most balanced when it projects as far as the lower lip. A “weak” or receding chin can exaggerate the size of a normal nose and make an already prominent nose seem even larger. It can make the neck to appear “fleshy” and cause the corners of the mouth to turn downward in an “unhappy” frown. An underdeveloped chin on a man can feminize the face and even result in unfounded presumptions about his strength or character. An overly developed chin, on the other hand, can have an equally unbalancing effect on the facial features. An underdeveloped chin on a woman can give the appearance of a flabby neck and profile.

A chin implant or chin augmentation aims to restore balance and harmony to the structure of the face. It can enhance the definition of the jaw line, achieve balance with the nose and other prominent features, and in a male, can create a stronger more masculine profile.

Dr. Aharonov enhances an underdeveloped chin by placing an implant under the pad of the chin through a hidden incision. The implants are solid, but flexible and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the particular needs of the patient. Combining chin enhancement with cosmetic nose surgery (rhinoplasty) can offer a solution to improving one’s profile and achieving the proper proportion of these facial structures. For individuals with a naturally short neck, a chin implant can provide the illusion of a longer, slimmer neck, and eliminate the appearance of a double chin. Chin or Neck (submental) liposuction can further enhance the benefit of cosmetic Chin Implant surgery. Whether alone, or in conjunction with a rhinoplasty (nose job) or neck surgery, chin augmentation can dramatically improve a patient’s appearance and self confidence.

Jaw Implant or Jaw Augmentation Surgery

Jaw implants or jaw augmentation can create a stronger, more defined jaw line. Either an implant or injectable fillers can be used to help give you a stronger enhanced jawline. A jaw implant can eliminate the appearance of jowls and improve the look of a double chin. There are no external scars--the implants are placed from inside the mouth. Jaw implant surgery can give more balance to a face and help define a weakened jaw line.


Preparing for Facial Implant Surgery: Preoperative Information

Dr. Aharonov will most likely ask you to see your primary physician for a physical exam and blood tests prior to your Cheek, Chin or Jaw Implant surgery. Your medical history, including any medicines that you take should be discussed with Dr. Aharonov. You should stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines such as Alleve, Motrin or Advil two weeks prior to surgery to minimize bleeding during surgery and bruising after your Facial Implant surgery. A list of over the counter medications and supplements to avoid will be given to you during your preoperative consultation. You should avoid alcohol or salty foods for three days prior to Facial Implant surgery to decrease fluid retention and swelling. You should discuss all of the medicines that you are on with Dr. Aharonov. If necessary, you may take your essential medications with a tiny sip of water in the early morning on the day of your Cheek, Chin or Jaw Implant surgery.

It is also essential that you disclose any medical conditions such as underactive or overactive thyroid, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, circulatory disorders, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or a history of forming large scars also known as keloid scars.

You should be in the most optimal nutritional state prior to Facial Implant surgery. An adequate diet with certain vitamin supplements such as Vitamin C is recommended. Dr. Aharonov can discuss nutritional supplements with you during your preoperative consult.

You will receive a recommended course of treatment based on your physical features, the feature you wish to have corrected, and your realistic goals for improvement. Dr. Aharonov will also answer your questions at that  time. Remember that by carefully following Dr. Aharonov's advice and instructions, both before and after your Cheek, Chin or Jaw Implant surgery, you can do your part to ensure the best possible outcome.

Anesthesia for Facial Implant Augmentation Surgery

Dr. Aharonov performs all Cheek, Chin or Jaw Implant surgeries in an AAAHC accredited outpatient surgery center in Beverly Hills. Board certified anesthesiologists, which are medical doctors, perform all of his cases. Dr. Aharonov prefers to have a physician caring for your anesthetic needs during your Facial Implant surgery, as their experience minimizes the potential of unpleasant postoperative side effects. For his surgical cases, Dr. Aharonov uses an extremely safe combination of iv sedation and local anesthetic, not general anesthesia. This technique provides superior operating conditions combined with maximal patient safety and comfort. In all likelihood, you will awaken with very little discomfort, nausea, or anesthetic side effects. In his Los Angeles area surgery center, all of the appropriate monitoring, medication and emergency equipment are available at all times. On the day of Cheek, Chin or Jaw Implant surgery, you will meet your anesthesiologist and can discuss any questions that you may have.

Activity Level After Cheek, Chin or Jaw Implant Surgery

Plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery, but you should be up and about in a day or two. A return to light, normal activity is usually possible within a few days after Cheek, Chin or Jaw Implant Augmentation surgery. Avoid strenuous activity including heavy lifting for at least three weeks. Walking and mild stretching are fine You’ll be able to go to work, back to school and see your family and friends after one week. It’s also best to avoid pushing, pulling or sleeping on the Facial Implants for the first month.

Risks of Facial Implant or Augmentation Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. You and Dr. Aharonov will work together to minimize these risks and maximize your results. Follow your surgeon's instructions both before and after your Cheek, Chin or Jaw Implant Augmentation surgery. Always be completely honest about your medical history and habits including smoking, alcohol or drug use.  Be realistic as to your expected outcome.

Risks associated with Cheek, Chin or Jaw Implant surgery include infection, bleeding beneath the skin (hematoma), facial nerve injury with weakness, facial asymmetry, numbness and risks associated with anesthesia. These risks are rare, and when they do occur, are usually temporary. Any facial weakness or asymmetry will usually correct itself as the healing process progresses. These and other potential risks and complications will be fully discussed prior to your consent.