Cheek (Malar) & Chin Augmentation
Surgery performed by Dr. Schenden and Dr. Elswick
Chin Augmentation: The chin is the lower limit of the face and therefore plays an important role in the perception of appropriate facial proportions and overall facial attractiveness. In addition, the chin has a pivotal role as a reference in the appreciation of other facial features, most notably the nose. Chin malformations can be due to any combination of soft tissue/bony excess, deficiency, or asymmetry.
Cheek (Malar) Augmentation: As we age, cheek volume decreases and the effects of gravity cause a downward pull resulting in emptiness “hollowing” in the mid face and worsening of facial harmony. Cheek augmentation maybe performed with implants to produce fuller cheeks and a more youthful appearance. This will improve the overall aesthetic shape of the face by restoring the facial volume lost due to the aging process.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Good candidates for chin and cheek augmentation with implants will be determined based on the patient’s anatomy during the consultation. Frequently, these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face to enhance and improve facial contours. There are many implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. They may help strengthen a jawline or bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face to produce a natural, well-balanced result.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR CHEEK (MALAR) & CHIN AUGMENTATION
Facial implants can enhance your appearance and bolster your self-esteem. Ideal candidates for surgery are seeking improvement but not perfection for facial proportions and have realistic expectations, nonsmokers, and are healthy.
Chin and cheek augmentation with implants is often combined with other procedures to improve facial balance. For example, a rhinoplasty may be combined with chin augmentation to improve facial proportions. Another example, a facelift may be combined with cheek implants to restore a more youthful appearance with enhanced midface volume.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
Our surgeons will ensure your questions are answered and your goals are understood. Patient expectations are important to discuss at the consultation. Surgical technique is individualized to each patient based on severity of cheek or chin deficiency or deformity. Be sure to mention smoking, medications, medical history, and previous surgeries. Surgical approach and implants available are tailored to each patient. A detailed history and physical examination will be performed to assess weather chin or cheek augmentation with implants is the right surgical option.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Detailed instructions on activity before and after surgery will be discussed. Our qualified staff will give you specific instructions to prepare for the procedure, including guidelines on diet, medications, activity level, and smoking. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery and your recovery proceed more smoothly.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least 4-6 weeks before the scheduled surgery otherwise an increased risk for infection and wound healing will occur. Avoid sun exposure before and after surgery as this may interfere with your scar.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Facial implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. Overnight hospital stay may be arranged based on associated medical conditions or combined surgical procedures being performed simultaneously with the implant surgery. Patient preference will be incorporated into this decision. The facilities we are privileged to operate from include Columbia Surgery Center (our private surgical suite)and William Beaumont Hospital of Troy, MI where Dr. Schenden is currently Chief of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Elswick is privileged to operate at William Beaumont Hospital Troy and Royal Oak as well as McLaren Macomb Hospital.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
General Anesthesia or IV Sedation with local anesthesia (twilight anesthesia) may be performed depending on surgeon and patient preference.
THE SURGERY
Insertion of a cheek or chin implant may take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on complexity or combination with additional surgeries such as facelift or rhinoplasty.
Chin Surgery: During the procedure, the properly selected implant shape & size will be inserted into a pocket overlying the chin. A small incision to create the pocket for implant placement is performed either inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or through the skin just under the chin area.
Cheek Surgery: When cheek implants are being placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, brow lift or eyelid surgery, the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made either inside the upper lip or lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and the implant is safely inserted.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
Specific instructions for dental and oral hygiene will be provided during the recovery. Head elevation for 5-7 days following surgery will significantly assist in decreasing your swelling. Swelling may also affect the cheeks and eyes but this should begin to disappear in 1-2 weeks. If bandages were used, they will be removed 3-5 days after surgery.
Detailed wound care and activity instructions will be discussed at your consultation. Normally you may return to work after 1-2 weeks but with light duty and no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks. Swelling is expected with the majority of the swelling will improve within the first 4 weeks after surgery. Expect the final outcome of the cheek or chin augmentation at 3-6 months after surgery.
YOUR NEW LOOK
You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance due to the swelling for several weeks knowing the final contour of your face will not be finalized until 3-6 months. Overall, the facial portions will be improved. It may take several weeks to months to adjust to the changes in your facial features when looking in the mirror.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEEK (MALAR) & CHIN AUGMENTATION
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience complications, you should discuss them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand all possible consequences of cheek and chin augmentation.
WHY CHOOSE REVITALIZE PLASTIC SURGERY
Offering advanced procedures, our surgical practice is led by first-class surgeons and a highly skilled medical team. Combining education, experience and skill with a focus on both the science and the art of medical aesthetics, we take a holistic approach to each patient’s treatment plan. Patient education, safety and, of course, results, are our utmost priorities.