A Winter Transformation-Plastic Surgical Arts A Winter Transformation-Plastic Surgical Arts ASPS ASAPS

Facial Fillers and Implants

Fillers and implants correct imperfections in the face associated with wrinkling, scarring, aging and other factors. Materials such as Restylane®, Radiance®, autofat (using your own fat from another area) and other implants can be used depending on location and desired result. These procedures can usually be performed in the office with little downtime.

Click here to view Fillers and implants before and after examples.

Reasons to Consider Facial Fillers & Implants

  • Undefined facial contours, such as receding chin or indistinct jawline
  • Lack of proportion in the face
  • Lack of fullness and skin or lip volume

Facial Fillers and Implants FAQ

1. How will my Plastic Surgical Arts surgeon evaluate me for facial fillers and implants?

Your surgeon will discuss your desired outcome with you in great detail and evaluate your skin and the symmetry of your face. If collagen is considered, he will also perform a test to ensure that you will not experience an allergic reaction. Fillers are meant to give the face a fuller, more youthful look or improve the fullness of the lips, while implants can improve facial balance and definition.

2. What is involved in facial filler and implant procedures?

Plastic Surgical Arts offers an array of facial fillers, which are injected in the face or lips to improve skin texture and fullness. Autofat involves the transplantation of the patient’s own fat from one location in the body to the face—the body cannot have an allergic reaction its own material, so this technique is considered very safe. Filler injections may require multiple session lasting 15 minutes to an hour, and autofat may require some local sedation. These procedures are always performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients briefly experience stinging, faint redness and some swelling.

Facial implant procedures are also generally performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. The procedure can take anywhere from half an hour to two hours, depending on the type of implant and the amount of change desired. Three principle areas are treated with facial implants: the chin, the cheeks and the jawline.

In surgery to build up a receding chin, the surgeon will insert an appropriately sized implant into a pocket in front of the jawbone. The small incision is made inside the mouth along the lower lip and is invisible to others.

In surgery to define the cheekbones, the implant is typically inserted through an incision made inside the mouth near the upper lip and cannot be seen.

In jawline surgery, incisions are made inside the mouth on either side of the lower lips. A pocket is created and the implant is inserted. This procedure generally takes longer than cheek and chin implant procedures.

3. What will the recovery be like?

Recovery from facial filler injections is very rapid, there is generally not prolonged downtime after the procedure.

Facial implants can cause initial discomfort, swelling bruising, stiffness and/or numbness. Patients who have implants to improve their jawlines may have difficulty fully opening their mouths for several weeks. Most patients return to work in about a week, though it’s necessary to avoid strenuous activity, especially activity that may result in even light impact to the face for at least six weeks.

Chin Surgery

The chin will be taped in the days after surgery to control swelling and discomfort. The sutures in the mouth will dissolve with time and do not need to be removed. Temporary difficulty smiling and talking is normal, as is mild bruising and discomfort

Cheek Surgery

You will briefly wear a dressing to minimize discomfort and swelling. You may have dietary restrictions during the initial recovery period, as well as difficulty moving your mouth and lips. Stitches used to close the incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days.

Jawline Surgery

Significant swelling after surgery can last for up to 48 hours, and can be followed by prolonged mild swelling. This swelling can make it difficult to discern your final result for several months. As with the other facial implants, you may initially have difficulty moving your mouth for as long as a few weeks. Dissolving sutures are used to close the incisions inside the mouth.

Your results from any facial implant procedure may be difficult to accurately assess for several weeks, or even months.

4. How long will the results last?

The results of facial filler injections are not permanent and can last anywhere from several months to a year, at which point, a second treatment will be required to maintain results.

Facial implants are permanent.