CHIN IMPLANTS

A person may desire a chin implant to achieve a more defined or prominent contour of the chin to improve his or her appearance as it helps to balance facial symmetry. Standard chin implants come in many shapes and sizes, allowing Dr. Tebyanian the ability to choose the right implant for you after discussing your specific goals.

What Is the Recovery Period?

Chin implants begin to heal almost immediately. Because Dr. Tebyanian utilizes a very small incision under the chin (1 to 1.5 cm), this procedure has a very short recovery time, and sutures are removed after five days. A surgical dressing placed on your skin around your implant site will be removed on the same day as your sutures. Usually there is very minimal bruising if any but swelling is common and can last for a couple of weeks. Chewing will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and you may need to follow a diet of liquids and soft foods for a few days after the procedure. Postoperative pain is very minimal, and most patients describe a general tight sensation rather than pain. This tight sensation resolves as the surrounding tissues heal. Numbness is extremely uncommon, but typically resolves within 4-6 weeks if it occurs.

LIP IMPLANT

Lip implants are a cosmetic procedure used to improve the fullness and plumpness of the lips and are a great alternative for many patients seeking a more permanent option for lip enhancement.

Typical candidates for lip implant include those patients who:

• has relatively symmetrical lips
• has enough lip tissue to stretch over and hide the implant
• has an aversion to frequent procedures
• prefers a permanent lip augmentation solution
• prefers to save money over the long term

Most patients electing to have a lip implant have already had prior lip enhancement but may be tired of having to go back every year or so for repeat injections to maintain their look. By opting for a permanent option, they can avoid having to undergo continuous, repeat treatments.

Lip implants work by increasing the size of the lip using a solid implant that is placed along the entire length of the lip. The lip implants are usually specially designed to extend across the lip with tapered edges on each side to follow the natural lip contour.

The length and thickness of the lip implant is varied and will be chosen only after consultation and examination by Dr. Tebyanian. There are a variety of different types of silicone implant available today for lip enhancement. One of the most frequent lip implants that Dr. Tebyanian uses on his patients is the Surgisil PermaLip™ silicone implant. What makes the Surgisil PermaLip™ silicone implant different from its competitors and predecessors, is the fact it is made of a softer type of silicone material that provides a more natural enhancement to the shape and size of the lips.

Recovery from a lip implant procedure is usually 5-7 days initially. Ultimately, it takes several more months for the lips to settle down completely. But most patients feel fairly presentable in the public eye within the first few weeks.

One of the main risks of any implant is that your body may reject it because it is a foreign material. Another risk is possible infection of the surgical site. Although not necessarily considered a risk, palpability of the implant is also possible. This means that you (or others) may feel the outline and/or edges of the implant in some cases. Fortunately, all of these risks are quite rare at our practice.

CHEEK IMPLANTS

The goal of cheek augmentation is to add volume or lift to the cheeks. Some patients are simply born with cheeks that are “flattened” in appearance. This is often a reflection of the underlying bony contour (facial skeleton) and not the soft tissue or fat pad sitting within the cheek. Unfortunately, this contributes to a hollowed look with overall poor facial definition. When this is the case, cheek implants are an excellent option to provide more fullness to the cheek region while maintaining a natural look.

Facial implants are solid implants typically made of medical silicon, which is very safe. Facial implants are intended to be permanent, but the implants can be removed if desired. The implants are custom-fitted to your facial features to provide enhanced cheek projection (contour). Surgery is done on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 2 hours. Recovery is usually completed in two weeks.

If you are looking to refine your overall facial appearance, a facial implant may be all you need. Facial implants are a safe, straightforward surgical alternative that can result in dramatic, natural-appearing improvements.