How Facial Implants are Done

	Face Lifts
	Eyelid Surgery
	Cheek & Chin Implants
	Brow Lifts
	Lip Augmentation
	Botox
	Photo Rejuvenation
	Facial Peels
	Dermabrasion

To insert a facial implant, the surgeon makes a small, hidden incision, lifts the skin and carefully places the implant between the skin and bone. The procedure can be performed simultaneously with a face lift, rhinoplasty or liposuction around the neck. Patients can usually go home about two to three hours after the procedure, and can resume normal exercising in about two weeks. The results are permanent.

While facial implants can be made of natural materials, coming from one's own body, they are usually constructed of solid silicone or porous materials, such as coral or plastic blends. Dr. Korpeck often uses the silicone facial implants. Unlike the liquid form silicone found in some breast implants, solid silicone does not migrate into the body. Joint prostheses, heart valves, and many other implantable devices and commonly used devices are made from solid silicone.

The body will form a light layer of scar tissue over the implant. In rare cases, the scar tissue makes the implant feel unnaturally hard, although this is very unusual in the face when compared with silicone gel filled breast implants.

Today's implants are anatomically designed to fit the facial skeleton. In the past, some facial implant surgery resulted in a false look, but because today's implants are customized, they instead give a subtle, natural look. Doctors today also have flexibility in the size of the facial implant, depending on how pronounced an effect the patient desires.

Ideal candidates for facial implants are in their 20s or older--it's best to wait until the facial skeleton is fully grown and formed--and they must have healthy gums, teeth, and sinuses, to lessen the chance of infection.