Chin & Cheek Augmentation Redlands CA

Dr. Punjabi uses facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours. Frequently, these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look.

Facial implants are used to balance facial proportions to achieve aesthetic harmony. Implants can be used in the cheek, chin, and other parts of the face as needed.

Please call us for information about getting chin & cheek augmentation in Redlands, CA: (909) 798-9950

These implants are usually made from silicone or polytetraflourethylene. The risks associated with implants include infections, capsular contracture, extrusion and scarring.

An alternative to facial implants in some cases is autogenous fat grafting , where fat is transferred from one area of the body to areas of the face where it is needed by a specialized technique. There are many implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. They may help bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face.

What to Anticipate From Chin or Cheek Augmentation

Chin and cheek implants can improve your appearance and enhance your self esteem. If you are looking for improvement, not perfection, in your appearance and are realistic in your expectations, you may find that a facial implant is the right choice for you.

Dr. Punjabi will frequently use such implants to bring better balance to the features of a younger patient. For instance, a teenage girl may want her chin brought forward so that her face is better proportioned. The more mature patient may choose to have an implant placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure. For example, during a facelift , a patient may wish to have implants placed over the cheekbones to help restore a more youthful appearance. Cheek implants may also be selected to fill out a face that appears “sunken” or tired.

All Procedures Carry Some Uncertainty and Risk

Chin and cheek implants can produce some remarkable changes. Problems rarely occur, but you need to be informed about such possibilities.

A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation may be necessary to replace it in its proper position. Infection can occur with any operation. If infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time. Other, less-frequent risks may be associated with certain implants.

Some of the implant materials are made of a solid silicone. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that this is a harmful substance.

Planning Your Surgery

When you discuss your surgery with Dr. Punjabi , be certain that you clearly express your expectations. He will help you determine what it is possible to achieve. Be sure you understand the details of the proposed surgery, including the cost and what to expect during your recovery.

If the surgery will entail an incision inside your mouth, it is important that you inform your physician if you smoke or if you have any dental or gum problems. In preparing for your surgery, be sure to find out if you’ll be able to drive home afterward or will require transportation. You should also ask if you’ll need to refrain from eating or drinking the night before your surgery, and if you should stop taking any medications, including aspirin and similar drugs. You may be instructed to take oral antibiotics both before and after the procedure to help guard against infection.

We will provide information about these important matters during your pre-operative consultation.

Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed

Your operation may take place in an office-based facility, a freestanding surgical center or a hospital outpatient facility. Sometimes, your plastic surgeon may require that you stay overnight. We will make such a recommendation based on your overall medical condition and whether another cosmetic procedure was performed simultaneously with the facial implant surgery.

Types of Anesthesia

In some cases, facial implant surgery may require only local anesthesia combined with a sedative. However, more frequently, a general anesthesia may be recommended.

Chin Surgery

Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, the surgeon selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance and inserts it into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area.

Usually, the chin is taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days. If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.

Recovering From Chin Surgery

You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days. It’s normal to experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking. Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck. There may be numbness and tingling of the lips, chin and teeth. We will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to your activities after surgery.

Cheek Surgery

Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When cheek implants are being placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift , forehead lift or eyelid surgery , the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted.

After surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and swelling. The severity and duration of such side effects may vary, especially if another cosmetic procedure was performed at the same time.

Recovering From Cheek Surgery

We will provide you with instructions about post-operative care. There will be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities. Again, these instructions will vary, especially if another procedure was performed along with your implant surgery. However, you should be aware that your ability to move your mouth and lips may be diminished temporarily. There may be numbness and tingling of the cheeks, lips and teeth. Stitches used to close the incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days.

Getting Back to Normal

Remember, with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better in a short period of time. However, it may not be advisable to participate in certain activities — especially activity that may result in the face being jarred or bumped — for several weeks. It’s best to check with your plastic surgeon about such matters.

Your New Look

You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks, or perhaps even months. Give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new look.

You may be surprised to find that most people won’t recognize that you’ve had facial implant surgery — only that you look better.