Before & After Photos
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
When you look at your face in the mirror, your attention probably focuses first on your eyes, nose, and mouth. But of these features, only the nose is one of the three facial landmarks. The other two—the chin and cheekbones—may be less noticeable, but they are essential to a pleasing and balanced facial aesthetic.
What is Chin & Cheek Augmentation?
You may not notice your chin unless it is an unusual shape or is extremely under or over-projected, but it still has a significant effect on your overall appearance. During chin augmentation (mentoplasty) the surgeon uses an implant to contour and increase the size of the chin. Ideally, the chin projects to a point immediately below the lower lip.
Strong cheekbones have always created an impression of beauty and refinement. The surgical approach to cheek enhancement involves the use of cheek implants to add contour and definition to the facial structures. Cheek implant surgery is known as malarplasty.
When evaluating the face for facial implants, the proportions of all facial features are considered. A large nose may appear larger because of a weak projection of the chin. Rhinoplasty and chin augmentation are often performed at the same time to achieve the most desirable effects: balance and symmetry.
Benefits of Cheek & Chin Surgery
As our most prominent features, the nose, and the eyes get a lot of attention. However, the nose isn’t always the biggest problem when it comes to refining facial aesthetics.
The most significant benefits of cheek and chin implants are the aesthetic changes and the improvements to overall facial balance and harmony they offer. Cosmetic chin and cheek surgery are both relatively straightforward procedures and recovery is minimal.
Facial implants can also boost patients’ confidence. Men and women alike typically feel more comfortable in their skin and experience a boost in their overall self-esteem after they have healed from their procedure of choice.
Benefits of Mentoplasty (Chin Surgery)
The chin’s most important role is in facial balance. A small or poorly-projected chin can make the nose appear larger, create the illusion of a double chin, and affect the attractiveness of the profile. In many cases, when something is not quite “right” it has to do with a facial balance issue related to the chin.
Chin implants improve the overall aesthetics of the face. They also help patients with a round “baby face” achieve a more refined look. The implant adds new, mature contours and makes the face appear more angular.
Benefits of Malarplasty (Cheek Surgery)
Cheek implant surgery is frequently used to correct early facial sagging, much like a facelift. Prominent cheekbones enhance the appearance of the eyes and reverse the appearance of shallow cheekbones that make the face look flat. Shallow cheekbones are usually hereditary or a result of the natural reabsorption of bone tissue as we age.
Dr. Agarwal discusses the rise in popularity of chin implant procedures with NBC News in Fort Myers. The chin implant and implant positioning are demonstrated, and one of Dr. Agarwal’s patient’s discusses his experience.
Cheek Implants and Endoscopic Brow Lift
Your Facial Augmentation Consultation
Individual consultation with our plastic surgeon, Dr. Agarwal, is the best way to determine which procedure is best suited to meet your goals. During this consultation, the surgeon will examine you and computer imaging will be utilized to demonstrate proposed changes to you.
Aesthetic ideals and facial proportions are analyzed to determine if an implant would benefit you. The consultation is also a great time for you to address any questions or concerns you may have about your surgery.
Preparation
In preparation for facial implant surgery, review the comprehensive list of medications (both prescription and non-prescription) that are known to increase bleeding and affect wound healing after surgery. These should be stopped about 14 days pre-operatively. Your surgeon may also ask you to complete lab testing or a medical evaluation before your procedure.
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The Facial Implant Procedure
Most of our patients’ chin and cheek surgeries are performed at our accredited in-office surgical center. We maintain an impeccable operating room and suite, with utmost attention to your safety. The results of both procedures will be apparent immediately following surgery, though swelling and bruising will be present and will subside gradually over the next two to three weeks.
The Chin Implant Procedure
Chin augmentation surgery is a surprisingly simple procedure. First, the surgeon administers local anesthesia with IV sedation.
Once the anesthesia is working, the surgeon will make a small incision. Usually, this is placed under the chin in a natural crease. Any scarring will be discreet and difficult to see.
The surgeon then makes a space for the implant, orients it, and secures it over the existing chin structure. Once the implant is secure, the surgeon closes the incision. The entire process usually takes under an hour.
The Cheek Implant Procedure
Cheek implant procedures are performed through an incision placed inside the mouth. Silastic implants are then inserted through the incision and the body’s tissues heal and conform to the implant. The healing process usually takes about three days.
This surgery can be done with local anesthetic or twilight sedation. While under this type of anesthesia, you will breathe on your own, but you will not remember anything. It is a quick-acting type of anesthesia that also wears off quickly.
Recovery
Cheek and chin implants generally heal in about three days. The resulting swelling and bruising will gradually subside within two to three weeks. Implants are a permanent enhancement to the face but can be removed if necessary with the help of a plastic surgeon.
Our plastic surgeons use fine, delicate sutures to close all incisions. The majority of these are dissolvable. The remaining sutures are removed about 7 days post-operatively.
Avoid any rigorous activity in the first few weeks following your procedure. Most people can resume normal activities within 10 days after surgery.
FAQs
The average cost of cheek implants is between $3000 and $4000. Meanwhile, chin implants cost between $2500 and $3500. Prices will vary based on location and type of procedure.
Since both cheek and chin augmentation are considered voluntary cosmetic procedures, they are typically not covered by health insurance. Financing options are available.
Facial fat transfer and dermal fillers are both notable alternatives to facial implants.
Facial fat transfer is a popular option to add volume in strategic areas of the face. Because the aging process involves the loss of fat cells, adding new fat cells from another part of the body to these areas is a wonderful way to give the face a natural boost.
Another option for cheek enhancement is a dermal filler injection. These biocompatible formulas are a great way to create definition and restore volume lost due to the aging process. For many patients, results will last up to two years following the procedure.
Generally speaking, it takes about two weeks for most of the swelling to resolve. This can vary from individual to individual.
Both procedures’ results are permanent since the implants (usually made out of silicone) will not degrade or change shape. Patients can enjoy their new look for a lifetime. Complications are rare, and patients very seldom need to have their implants removed.
Contact Us Today
The renowned plastic surgeons at Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL, are specialists with expertise in facial balance and symmetry who gladly help you create a custom treatment plan that suits your needs. To schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons, please call (239)-594-9100 today.
Why choose Aesthetic Surgery Center
Dr. Anurag Agarwal, M.D., F.A.C.S.
- Received his Doctor of Medicine at Philadelphia’s MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine in 1999 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
- Board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
- In 2016, Dr. Agarwal was honored at the annual American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery national meeting.
Richard W. Maloney, M.D., F.A.C.S.
- Certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Served as chief investigator for numerous laser application systems for CO2, Argon, Nd:YAG, ER:YAG and Krypton lasers used in Facial surgery.
- Fellow American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons
Casey Holmes, M.D.
- Attended medical school at UNMC (University of Nebraska Medical College).
- Was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
- Member of The Aesthetic Society, the Florida Medical Association, and Collier County Medical Society.
- General surgery residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL
- Plastic surgery residency at Cleveland Clinic Florida
Related Procedures: Facelift, Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty, The UpLift Facelift, Endoscopic Mid Facelift Surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Eyebrow Transplant, Skin Cancer Reconstruction, Hair Transplant Surgery, Surgery of the Ears, Fat Transfer, Lip Augmentation, Endoscopic Eyebrow Lift, Scar Revision