Plastic surgeons use 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.

There are many implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. They may help strengthen a jaw line or bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face.

This e-brochure describes some of the facial implants currently available as well as the techniques for their use. It will familiarize you with these procedures but cannot provide all the details, which may be relevant to your particular needs.

One or more of the procedures described in this brochure may be of benefit to you. Please ask Dr. Freedland if there is anything about the procedure you do not understand.

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Facial implants can enhance your appearance and bolster 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.

Plastic surgeons will frequently use such implants to bring better balance to the features of a younger patient. For instance, a teenage girl may want her nose reshaped or her chin brought forward so that these traits are 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. Implants may also be selected to fill out a face that appears "sunken" or tired.

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Thousands of these procedures are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.

Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. Often there is temporary loss of sensation, which may last up to a year after surgery.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Freedland's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

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When you discuss your surgery with your plastic surgeon, be certain that you clearly express your expectations. Dr. Freedland will help you determine what it is possible to achieve. It may be helpful to provide Dr. Freedland with photos of people who have facial features similar to those you would like to have.

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. Dr. Freedland will advise you on these matters.

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.

Dr. Freedland will provide information about these important matters during your pre-operative consultation. Don't hesitate to ask Dr. Freedland any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results. If you are interested in chin implant view Dr. Freedland's before and after photos of his patients.

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Individuals considering facial implants often feel a bit overwhelmed by the number of options and techniques being promoted today. However, Dr. Freedland can help. In deciding which is the right treatment approach for you, Dr. Freedland will consider effectiveness, safety, cost and appropriateness for your needs. This is called surgical judgment, a skill that is developed through surgical training and experience. Dr. Freedland also uses this judgment to prevent complications; to handle unexpected occurrences during surgery; and to treat complications when they occur.

Dr. Freedland's education and training, which he received at the University of Michigan, has helped to form his surgical judgment. Patients are encouraged to consider a doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ("ABPS"). By choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABPS, a patient can be assured that the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency - usually three years of general surgery (or its equivalent) and two years of plastic surgery. To be certified by the ABPS, a doctor must also practice surgery for two years and pass comprehensive written and oral exams.

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Your operation may take place in an office-based facility, a freestanding surgical center or a hospital outpatient facility. Dr. Freedland feels a hospital provides the safest environment for your surgery and therefore performs almost all of his procedures at a JCAHO accredited hospital. The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis; rarely does it require an inpatient stay.

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

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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.

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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. Dr. Freedland will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to your activities after surgery.

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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 Dr. Freedland about such matters. Dr. Freedland can instruct you on skin care products that can help make your scars less visible.

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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.

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