When you undergo a facelift procedure, you want to admire the results and love your new appearance in the mirror! However, even after a facelift, you may still desire more facial harmony and balance with facial implants. These implants can enhance your features further, creating a well-proportioned look that complements your natural beauty and the results of your facelift.
That’s why surgeons frequently recommend performing a facelift with adjunctive procedures that refine and polish the results. These procedures could include eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and chin and cheek augmentation.
In this article, we’ll discuss the latter—implants inserted in the chin or cheeks. Here’s why you should consider them as part of your facelift journey.
You want a procedure that addresses all of the areas of concern of your whole face and enhances natural beauty, right? So why do you need implants for a facelift if you’ve just lifted skin and muscles?
Here’s why many patients opt for chin or cheek augmentation.
Some aspects remain unaffected when doctors perform aesthetic plastic surgery to lift and tighten the skin. For example, the distance between the tip of your nose and your chin might not be just right for your face shape because each person’s features are unique.
Another example is your cheeks, which might be very hollow. Adding volume to them will make a huge difference in how full and youthful your face looks.
In other words, while a facelift addresses sagging skin and wrinkles, adding implants can address asymmetry, proportion, and overall facial harmony.
A disbalance of these elements can make you look older or tired despite having a facelift. Moreover, a facelift can even accentuate these issues if not accompanied by other adjunctive procedures. That’s why combining the two procedures is the ideal way to get a comprehensive rejuvenation.
Silicone is a common material for facial implants. It is used in various medical devices and has been proven to be safe for use in the face. The implants are custom-made to fit each patient’s needs and can vary in shape and size depending on the desired outcome.
Plastic surgeons have used these implants for many years to enhance facial features, such as the chin, cheeks, and jawline. They place the implants under the skin and muscle layers to create a natural-looking result.
You don’t need to worry about the implants shifting out of place after placement. The pockets that surgeons create for the implants are snug enough to keep them in place indefinitely.
If a certified surgeon places the implants, you won’t even be able to feel them in your face. They’ll blend seamlessly with your natural facial structure and enhance your features subtly yet noticeably.
Silicone is the closest material to human tissue in terms of density and texture, making it ideal for facial implants. It also has a low risk of complications or rejection by the body, making it a safe and effective option for facial enhancements.
Chin augmentation, also known as genioplasty or mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure that enhances the shape and projection of the chin. It can create a more defined jawline and improve facial balance.
Surgeons place chin implants under the skin and muscle layers through small incisions inside the mouth or under the chin. The procedure takes about an hour and is completed under general anesthesia.
With silicone implants, the results of chin augmentation are long-lasting and can improve a person’s appearance and self-confidence.
A facelift procedure can achieve more comprehensive results with implants placed in the chin and jawline. As we age, the skin on our faces tends to sag and lose volume. A facelift addresses this by lifting and tightening the skin.
However, a facelift may not produce optimal results without proper support from the underlying facial structure. Chin augmentation enhances the lower face, creating better balance and harmony for a more youthful appearance overall.
With implants placed in the chin and jawline, your face will be more defined and contoured. The lower face will have better proportion and balance, making you look more youthful and refreshed.
You can also choose to have implants inserted in your cheeks to enhance their shape and definition. Implants give the cheeks more volume and definition, making a person’s face look fuller and younger.
Surgeons insert cheek implants through incisions inside the mouth or the lower eyelid. The procedure takes about an hour and is performed under general anesthesia.
If your face structure is more angular and less curved, cheek implants can help soften your features and create a more balanced appearance. They can also help improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, commonly seen in aging individuals.
You can achieve higher and fuller cheeks with cheek implants to enhance your overall facial structure.
When the skin is lifted and tightened during a facelift, it can create a more defined and contoured appearance on the lower face. However, if the cheeks lack volume, the results may not be as dramatic or balanced.
Combining cheek augmentation with a facelift procedure can achieve optimal results that address both sagging skin and lack of facial volume. This combination approach can give your face a more youthful and harmonious appearance.
In addition, cheek implants can also help support the lifting effects of a facelift by providing structure and definition to the mid-face region. This creates long-lasting results that can prevent future sagging and maintain a youthful look for years.
Should you do the two procedures in parallel? Well, both yes and no. It depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are already planning on getting a facelift to address sagging skin and signs of aging, adding cheek implants can provide extra volume and contouring for a more youthful appearance.
However, if you only want to address flat or sunken cheeks, without any other concerns in the lower face, then cheek implants alone may be enough to achieve your desired look. Discussing your goals with a qualified plastic surgeon who can help determine the best treatment plan for you is important.
It’s also worth noting that cheek implants are not just for older individuals seeking anti-aging benefits. They can also enhance facial symmetry and balance in younger patients who may have naturally flat or uneven cheeks.
The best approach is meeting a plastic surgeon beforehand, asking questions, and getting a personalized recommendation. You might not imagine how your face will look with cheek implants or a facelift combined. But a trained eye of the professional can advise you if implants will be needed after a facelift.
We recommend you contact Dr. Luis Macias at Aesthetic MdR to schedule a consultation and learn more about facial implants and other anti-aging procedures. Doctor can use a special visualization technology to help you see the potential results of different treatments, and guide you towards choices that align with your goals. In some cases, a combination approach may be recommended for optimal results.
When you know beforehand you need a complex approach, for example, facelift plus implants, the best approach is undergoing both procedures together at the same time.
With this combined approach, you will address any issues with sagging skin and volume loss in the face and add implants for added definition and fullness in the cheeks or chin. This approach also allows for smoother recovery and better outcomes.
It’s important to note that while cheek implants and chin implants are often mentioned together, they are different procedures that address different areas of the face. Cheek implants enhance the cheekbones, while chin implants define the jawline. Depending on your facial structure and goals, you may benefit from one or both types of implants.
Yes, it is possible to undergo a facelift even if you already have implants in your face. However, it’s important to communicate this with your surgeon during the consultation so they can properly plan and prepare for the procedure.
In some cases, the facelift may need to be modified to accommodate existing implants or vice versa. Your surgeon must also know exactly what type of implants you have and their placement in order to perform the facelift safely and effectively.
It’s important to remember that having implants may affect the overall results of a facelift, as they can alter the underlying facial structure. Therefore, it’s essential to work closely with your surgeon and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the combined procedures.
At Aesthetic MdR, you can collaborate with an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your concerns and goals. The best approach is to contact him and schedule a consultation to discuss your options and determine the best course for achieving your desired results.
Facial implants intend to provide long-lasting results, and they are designed to withstand the natural aging process. However, over time, you may feel that your implants no longer enhance your appearance as they once did.
In these cases, it may be beneficial to consider renewing or replacing your facial implants. This can be done for various reasons, such as changes in personal preferences or if the original implant has shifted or become damaged.
After consulting with your plastic surgeon, the decision to renew facial implants should be made. They will assess the current state of your implants and determine if a revision surgery is necessary. If so, they can also discuss potential risks and provide recommendations for achieving optimal outcomes.
However, it’s worth noting that, ideally, facial implants are meant to be permanent. They are durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear, so the need for replacement should be rare.
In many cases, the damage or shifting of facial implants can be prevented by choosing an experienced and skilled surgeon, properly caring for your implants post-surgery, and attending regular follow-up appointments.
Specific rules of face care should also be followed to ensure the longevity of your facial implants. These include avoiding activities that can put pressure on your face, using sunscreen daily, and refraining from smoking.
So, now, let’s get a bit more technical. The combination of a facelift and cheek implants defines the desired outcome of a more youthful, rejuvenated, and contoured appearance.
First, a surgeon will often perform a facelift—that is, the removal of excess skin and tightening of facial muscles—to address sagging and drooping in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. You will need some recovery time after this procedure, typically a few weeks, to heal from the incisions.
You can’t put cheek implants immediately because of the initial swelling and bruising. Also, your skin has been pulled tight and might need time to settle into a new position.
Once your facial skin has had time to heal, surgeons can insert cheek implants to give you the desired fullness and shape in the mid-face area. This two-step process works well because it allows for proper healing between procedures.
With cheek implants, you improve the way you smile, speak, and look. Typically, the cheek area starts to look more round, firm, and sharp. As a result, patients look more attractive and have better facial proportions once the cheek implants are in place.
And when the central area of your face looks younger + the skin is tightened, it also lifts the lower part of your face. This can give you a more pronounced jawline and fewer wrinkles around your mouth.
Correcting the chin is often performed as a standalone procedure because many people have a weak chin or jawline. Also, many faces look far better if the chin is slightly more projected. Many patients avoid rhinoplasty and other facial procedures just by having a chin implant because the chin defines the starting point of how their face looks.
The neck tissue seems more saggy when the chin is shorter or farther back. As a result, you may look older in a few years and it will be hard to tell what is causing it.
When the chin is too small or sloppy-looking, it may make the nose look larger, even if your nose is already in proportion with other facial features.
That’s why many people feel confident after undergoing chin implant surgery alone, without even needing a rhinoplasty. Once the chin implant is placed in front of the jawbone, the overall face becomes more harmonious and naturally attractive.
Chin implants can help achieve even greater results in combination with a facelift. In contrast to cheek implants, chin implants are placed directly on the jawbone to create a more defined and projected chin. This can help fill out any sagging skin in the lower face, resulting in a smoother and younger-looking appearance.
When the jawline is more pronounced, it can also help lift and tighten the skin on the lower part of the face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth.
Many plastic surgeons recommend combining chin implants with a facelift for optimal results. An experienced doctor at Aesthetic MdR can consult with you to determine the best course of action for achieving your desired look.
The less you touch your natural features, the more natural you will look. That’s why many patients fear looking unnatural after undergoing three procedures – facelift, chin implant, and cheek implant. Many are afraid they will start looking like someone else altogether – with too sharp features, like a Barbie doll or a Ken. However, these procedures can result in subtle yet significant changes that enhance your natural beauty when done right.
To ensure natural-looking results, choosing a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who understands facial harmony and balance is important. They will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns while still maintaining the unique features that make you who you are.
(Looking at board-certified aesthetic surgeon Dr. Macias’s works will show you exactly how natural-looking these procedures can be. His before and after photos speak for themselves.)
Also, how the procedures are performed is extremely important and to what extent you want to change your appearance.
Yes, a facelift that pulls the skin too tight can result in an unnatural, stretched appearance. Implants too large or placed in the wrong position can also lead to an unnatural look. However, when performed by a skilled surgeon with a conservative approach, these procedures can result in subtle yet impactful changes that enhance your natural features.
It’s also important to note that everyone’s definition of “natural” may differ. What one person considers natural may not be the same for another. That’s why it’s crucial to have open and honest communication with your plastic surgeon about your desired outcome and expectations.
Basically, nothing will happen. Aging is a natural process, and it will continue regardless of the procedures you have followed. However, the results of your facelift and facial implant procedures may be affected over time.
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and volume, making wrinkles and sagging more prominent. This means that even with a facelift or facial implants, you may still experience some signs of aging over time.
However, these procedures can still help slow down the aging process and maintain a youthful appearance for longer. By lifting and tightening the skin and adding volume to areas where it has been lost due to aging or genetics, these procedures can help prevent or delay the need for further surgery in the future.
It’s also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine after these procedures to prolong their effects. This includes protecting your skin from sun damage, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
The effect of aging on implants is also something to consider. As we age, our bone structure and facial shape can change, which may affect the appearance of facial implants. But when done correctly by a skilled surgeon, facial implants can look natural and age well with the rest of your face because they are designed to enhance and complement your existing features without drastically altering them.
After a facelift, your skin will become tighter and smoother, and you will look younger because the skin quality will be improved. But if you also want to address specific areas of your face, like balancing the overall proportions or adding definition, then facial implants may be a good option for you.
However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that the effects of these procedures will vary from person to person. Choosing a reputable and experienced surgeon who can help guide you in making the best decisions for your unique needs and desired outcome is also crucial.
We recommend you consult with a certified, experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Luis Macias, who is renowned for his expertise in facial rejuvenation procedures, including facelifts and facial implants. This way, you can ensure that you are in good hands and will achieve the most natural, long-lasting results.
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