What Are Facial Implants Made Of?

If you’re seeking a solution to lost facial volume or an option to improve your facial contours, you’re probably familiar with dermal fillers. But some people want a more permanent option that doesn’t require yearly maintenance treatments. If that sounds like you, it may be time to consider facial implants.

Facial implants are a popular option for those seeking to enhance their facial features, improve a weak chin, or restore the youthful look of rounded cheeks. Implants can add definition to the cheekbones, chin, or jawline and improve overall facial symmetry.

Types of Facial Implants

Facial implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed to enhance a specific area of the face. The most common types of facial implants are:

Cheek implants: These implants are placed on the upper part of the cheekbones to add volume and definition to the face. They can create a rounder, more youthful appearance if your cheeks have lost volume with age, or just to improve your facial contour with high cheekbones.
Chin implants: Chin implants are used to create a more defined chin and improve facial balance. Chin augmentation is often beneficial to your overall facial profile and can reduce the appearance of a double chin.
Jaw implants: Jaw implants are used to enhance the jawline and add definition to the lower face. They can also be used to correct a weak chin or asymmetry in the face.

What are Facial Implants Made Of?

Facial implants can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique characteristics. The most commonly used materials for facial implants are:

Silicone: Silicone implants are made from a soft, flexible material that closely resembles natural tissue and is one of the most common types of implants. Silicone is easily molded and has a natural feel.
Gore-Tex: This porous material allows tissue to grow into it, making the implant more secure over time. Gore-Tex is popular for chin and jaw implants because it’s very stable and can be easily shaped.
Polyethylene: Polyethylene implants are made from a solid, rigid material ideal for creating strong, defined facial features. This makes them suitable for chin and jaw implants, providing firm and long-lasting results.
Hydroxyapatite: These implants are made from a ceramic material that closely resembles bone. They’re popular for cheek implants because they are stable and provide a natural, long-lasting result.

Facial Implant Procedure

Before the procedure, you’ll meet with one of our surgeons to discuss your goals and determine the best type and size of implant for your needs. During your consultation, we’ll create a customized treatment plan for you. Some patients have facial implants combined with other procedures, such as a facelift or neck lift.

A facial implant procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. Your surgeon will place incisions inconspicuously to minimize scarring, usually inside the mouth, the hairline, or the lower eyelid. They’ll then create a pocket for the implant and insert it into place. Once the implant is secure, the incisions will be closed using sutures or surgical glue.

Results and Recovery After Facial Implants

After the procedure, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These side effects are normal and should subside within a few days to a week. We’ll prescribe pain medication if necessary and give you instructions for managing any discomfort.

You’ll need to take approximately a week off of work for most facial implant procedures. Swelling and bruising typically take a couple of weeks to fade, and you should avoid strenuous activities during this time. Recovery may take longer if your implant was part of a facelift or other surgery.

The results of your facial implants will be immediately visible, although it may take several weeks for the swelling to subside fully and for the implants to settle into place. You’ll see your final results in approximately four to six months when the swelling fades. Unlike non-surgical alternatives like dermal fillers, facial implants provide life-long enhancement.

Am I a Good Candidate for Facial Implants?

Facial implants are a good option for those who want to enhance their facial features and improve their overall appearance permanently. Ideal candidates for facial implants are in good health and have realistic expectations. You may benefit from a facial implant if you have:

Want to improve your facial contours
Have a weak chin
Want a stronger, more defined jawline
Want to restore lost facial volume
Have flat or hollow cheeks
Want to reduce the appearance of a double chin

During your consultation, one of our experienced surgeons will help you determine if facial implants are right for you and which type of implant would best suit your needs. For some patients, we recommend alternative treatments like fat grafting or a facelift.

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about facelifts? Schedule your consultation online or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About Our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck.

Dr. Anna Frants is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her areas of surgical specialty include the face, neck, nose, eyelids, eyebrows, and ears.

*Individual results may vary.