CHEEK AND CHIN AUGMENTATION OR IMPLANTS
For higher cheekbones or a more beautiful chin

Cheek and chin augmentation or implants are a great way to improve the overall look of your face. With a more prominent chin or higher cheekbones, your face will appear more attractive and in better balance to your nose, eyes, and forehead.
Friends may notice you look better but will not be able to pinpoint exactly why!

What are Cheek and Chin Augmentation or Implants?
Cheek and chin augmentation or implants are a variety of surgical procedures allowing the doctor to alter the shape of your cheeks and chin without affecting your current bone structure. Implants are made out of various types of materials that have been used successfully for many years.
Other forms of augmentation, such as collagen injections, fat grafts, or bone grafts are possible depending upon the result you seek. You and the doctor will discuss your options to determine the best procedure for you.

What Can Cheek and Chin Augmentation or Implants Do For Me?
* Cheek and chin augmentation or implants can make the shape of your face more attractive and balanced.
* Chin implants can correct a receding or weak chin and improve the look of your jawline.
* If you feel your cheekbones are flat or sunken, cheek implants or injections can give your face more structure and shape.
* While implants are permanent, injections to "plump" the cheek area temporarily are another option that is less invasive and achieves results right away.
* If you have excess fat in the chin or cheek area, augmentation surgery can remove it.
* Sagging skin around your chin and cheeks can be removed.
* Scars are generally hidden and not noticeable.

What Do Cheek and Chin Augmentation or Implants Feel Like?
* A local anesthetic is used for these surgeries, which means you will be awake for the procedure but will feel no pain. Sometimes, you are also given a sedative to make you drowsy, in which case you should arrange for someone else to drive you home.
* With a chin implant, the doctor hides the scars by making an incision inside your lower lip or under your chin. The implant is then placed in the proper location inside your chin, and the incisions are stitched.
* With cheek implants, incisions are generally made using dissolving stitches near the hairline or inside the mouth so that the scars are hidden.
* In the case of injections, a very tiny needle is used to deposit the substance into the desired area.
* These procedures generally take anywhere from one-half to two hours.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
* Cheek and chin augmentation or implants are outpatient procedures, and you may usually go home the same day.
* Most patients are able to return to work about a week after the surgery.
* You can exercise or engage in other strenuous activities after two weeks.
* With injections, there are no incisions to worry about, but some minor swelling may occur.
* For an incision inside the mouth, dissolving sutures are used. If the incision is under your chin, the stitches will have to be removed by the doctor within a week.
* Dissolving stitches in the mouth may necessitate a liquid diet for the first few days after surgery.
* The doctor will instruct you in how to care for the incisions until the stitches dissolve or are removed. For stitches inside the mouth, it is best to keep your tongue away from them as much as possible.
* You may experience some tightness, bruising, and swelling for a couple of weeks after the procedure, and the doctor may apply dressings over the affected areas. Pain medication will be subscribed to relieve any discomfort, and elevating the head, as well as applying ice packs, can also bring relief.
* You may have difficulty smiling and talking for the first few days.
* It may be one to three months before you will see the final result of implant procedures.
* Implants may feel strange for a period of time, and you may experience a few odd sensations such as tingling.
* Scars may take two to three months to fully heal.

What are the Risks of Cheek and Chin Augmentation or Implants?
Cheek and chin augmentation or implants are extremely safe procedures with infrequent complications, although any surgery carries with it the risk of infection or allergic reaction. In rare cases, an implant may shift and need to be repositioned or may cause excessive scar tissue. Be sure and give the doctor a full medical history so that he may evaluate any risk from pre-existing conditions.