Some might think of facial implants as a fairly straightforward procedure, but patients choose to have these kinds of cosmetic surgeries for a lot of different reasons. A general kind of surgery referred to as facial implant surgery uses silicone-based implants in various areas of the face, such as the chin, cheeks or jaw line.
Each patient develops their plan for facial implant surgery in consultation with their qualified medical doctor. Here are some of the top reasons that patients seek out these kinds of treatments.
1. Corrects Birth Conditions
Many people are born with abnormal facial structures as a result of birth defects or birth conditions. In these cases, patients may be able to find a medical necessity for a facial implant. Doctors can advise on how best to correct a bone abnormality or other issues with facial implants.
2. Post-Trauma Procedures
If a person is involved in a disfiguring accident or injury, facial implants may be part of a larger program to bring back the look of the face pre-injury. In these cases, health insurance companies may cover some costs, or court awards can fund a facial cosmetic surgery plan.
3. Stronger Jawline or Chin
Some patients want to have elective facial implant surgeries in order to “correct” or enhance a jaw or chin area. These patients may feel like they have a “weak” chin or jaw and want to alter the shape in order to get more confidence or project a different look. These surgeries will often not be covered by insurers.
4. Alters Cheekbones
Many female patients want facial implants in order to change the look of their face by shifting or altering the cheekbone area.
5. Sex Changes
Some patients who are involved in a gender change may want facial implants as part of a more comprehensive cosmetic surgery plan.
6. Balances out Features
As with other kinds of cosmetic surgery, facial implants may be done to provide a more “balanced” look or improve symmetry in features. For example, a nose to chin balance may be attained with a facial implant surgery.
7. Goes Well with Other Surgeries
Facial implants may also be undertaken in conjunction with rhinoplasty or what is commonly called a “nose job.” There’s also the larger “face lift” cosmetic surgery where a patient might choose to use silicone facial implants while using a dermal filler on other parts of the face to smooth away wrinkles.
Those who are looking at facial implants should talk to their doctors about all of the risks and possible complications of this kind of surgery. Be sure to tell your medical provider about any current medical conditions and prescription medications you’re taking in order to prevent medical and drug interactions with a specific facial implant procedure and material. Doctors should also know about any known allergies in order to choose the right materials for your facial implant surgery. Good medical advice is key in choosing these kinds of cosmetic treatments.
