Facial Augmentation Surgery in Salt Lake City, UT
Facial Augmentation: Restore Facial Balance
This is especially true for patients with a flat or round facial appearance. Implants can be used to create higher and more defined cheekbones, give an improved and more distinguished jawline and improve the appearance of the chin.
There are many different methods that can be utilized to augment the face. These procedures can range from the injection of filler to placement of implants or repositioning portions of the facial bones to provide proper facial harmony.
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What is facial augmentation?
In facial augmentation, Dr. Ward uses facial implants to enhance or augment the physical structure of the face. Dermal fillers can also be used to even out areas, but they are not permanent like the implants.
These are the facial implants generally used for facial augmentation:
Chin implants
These can increase the size and projection of a chin that is deemed “weak” or “recessed” or is simply not in proportion with the forehead and mid-face.
Jaw implants
Jaw implants increase the width of the lower third of the face. In a similar way to the chin, a weak jaw can be described as one without definition and distinct from the neck, or one that slopes rather than angles from the ear to the chin.
Cheek implants
These implants increase the projection of the cheekbones. They add volume to areas that may be recessed or flat.
Candidates for Facial Augmentation
Many people feel self-conscious about their facial proportions. Augmentation can change that. It can strengthen a jawline or balance the chin or cheekbones with the rest of the face.
With aging, some people feel their face now appears sunken, flattened, or just tired. This is because of the natural slackening of tissues and the declining production of collagen. Implants placed over the cheekbones can return the volume to the cheeks, which is a tenet of a younger face. Jaw implants can strengthen your jawline. Chin implants can add proportion or balance to a face.
To be a good candidate, you should be generally healthy, without active diseases or conditions. It helps if you’re not a smoker. If you are, you’ll need to stop for at least one month prior to and after your augmentation.
How is facial augmentation performed?
Most facial implants are made of silicone. Others are made of polyethylene or Gore-Tex. All of the materials are compatible with the human body and are used in other surgeries. Here are the methods Dr. Ward uses for placing implants in the three main areas. For each type of implant, he makes an incision and then creates a pocket to hold the implant:
Lower jaw implants
The implant is placed inside the lower lip, back along the jawline at the crease where the inside of your cheek and gums meet. Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures that will dissolve in about one week.
Chin implants
These implants are placed through your lower lip along the crease that joins your lower lip and gums. An alternate location is through a small incision made under the chin.
Cheek implants
The incision for cheek augmentation is made inside the mouth or along the lower eyelid
Can facial augmentation be combined with other procedures?
Dr. Ward often places facial implants in conjunction with other facial procedures, such as a facelift, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift. When these procedures are combined, Dr. Ward is often able to place the facial augmentation implants through incisions used for the other procedures, eliminating the need for separate incisions.
Facial Augmentation Consultation with Dr. Ward
Dr. Ward views your consultation as a sharing of information between the two of you. He’ll ask you your goals and things you don’t like about the proportions of your face. What are you happy with? What do you not like? How would you like to add proportion?
Dr. Ward then details your options. Where implants could be useful. Where fillers would be better. He’ll tell you what can be realistically achieved.
This should be a free flow of information in both directions. This will include possible risks and complications with facial augmentation.
The two of you will go through your medical history. You’ll discuss previous surgeries you’ve had and all medications or supplements you’re taking. Dr. Ward then conducts a complete examination of your face, including the skin and underlying bone structure.
How long does facial augmentation take?
The duration of your procedure depends on what area or areas you are addressing. In most cases, facial augmentation lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
Recovery after Facial Augmentation
These are not difficult recoveries. Because there isn’t much tissue repositioning and subsequent trauma, there is little bruising and swelling with the placement of facial implants. Pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Dr. Ward may have certain implant areas covered with bandages to support the implant during the initial healing phase. We’ll give you detailed instructions on caring for your incision or incisions, whether they are inside the mouth, under the eyelid, or under the chin.
It will help to sleep with your head elevated for the first week. This minimizes any swelling. Obviously, you’ll also have to not sleep on your face.
Most patients can return to work in just 5 to 7 days. Of course, if you’re combining your facial augmentation with other procedures, such as a facelift, your recovery will be predicated on that.
What Are The Risks of Facial Augmentation Surgery?
These are minor surgeries, but they are surgeries and they involve the same risks: excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, infection, and the like.
For facial augmentation, the risks are possible nerve damage, numbness, skin discoloration, and fluid build-up. These are usually temporary. There is a slight risk of the implants shifting or of asymmetry between both sides of your face.
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Schedule a Consultation
If you’re interested in learning more about facial augmentation please contact us for a consultation at 801-513-FACE or fill out our contact us form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
