Facial Implants

Facial implants are specially formed solid, biocompatible materials designed to enhance or augment the physical structure of the face. The precise type and size of implants depends on the patient and requires an evaluation of the goals and features that each patient wishes to correct.

Chin implants can increase the size and projection of the chin that is not proportionate to the forehead or mid-face. A small or recessed chin is a chin that seems to disappear into the neck, rather than protrude and appear as a distinct facial feature.

Jaw implants increase the width of the lower third of the face. Much like the chin, a weak jaw is one that is not well defined and distinct from the neck or one that slopes rather than angles from the ear to the chin. In some cases, both the chin and jaw can contribute to facial imbalance.

Cheek implants increase the projection of the cheekbones. They add volume to recessed areas or flat areas.

The term "plastic surgery" comes from the Greek term for mold or shape "plastikos." The field of plastic surgery encompasses cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. From reconstructing limbs and faces during the World War I, to microvascular surgery and face transplants, plastic surgery is at the forefront of medical and scientific research. The most common plastic surgery procedures are liposuction and breast augmentation, however plastic surgeons regularly correct cleft lips and palates in children who would otherwise not be able to eat or speak properly. Surgeons reconstruct faces and limbs after severe trauma and can use one part of the body to restore another body part affected by cancer. Recently, with ongoing research in the field of transplantation, plastic surgeons around the globe have transplanted hands and faces on to severely deformed individuals. The long-term survival of such grafts remains under investigation, however, the surgical possibilities in restoring function and wholeness in individuals continues to expand with modern scientific research.