Throughout different cultures and times concepts of beauty may change. But it is unequivocally
recognized that young faces that are fuller are more attractive. In the early part of the century procedures for
rejuvenation of the face were aimed at counteracting sagginess due to gravity and removing excess skin. It is only
in the recent decade or two that it has become evident that with aging, there is a loss of volume in the face that
contributes to sagging. In addition, there are some facial contour deficiencies that can only be corrected by addition of volume.
Currently there are many options of fillers that can add volume to the face. For example, Collagen, CosmoDerm,
Hylaform, Restylane, Sculptra, Captique, etc. are some of the available fillers on the market today. The oldest
filler available is “fat” which can be obtained from some other part of the body. Unfortunately, most of these
fillers are only temporary and last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. An alternative and simple way
to add volume to the face is by placement of facial implants that are permanent. The most commonly used facial
implants are cheek implants, chin implants and mandibular angle (jaw line) implants.
Cheek Augmentation:
High cheekbones are generally considered a sign of beauty, giving the appearance of elegance, youth and vitality.
Famous figures such as Bo Derek and Raquel Welch have facial contours that many have desired over the years. One way to
create an illusion of high cheekbones is through the application of cosmetic makeup, which is done on a daily basis by women.
After time, makeup may not be sufficient to create that illusion. Surgery to insert implants in the cheek area has become
more popular in today’s society. This surgery can give definition to a face that has a flat contour due to underdeveloped
cheekbones or replace lost volume in the mid face. This surgery can also be done in those that may have some facial defects
or asymmetries. It may be performed in conjunction with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lift and facelift.
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Although there are different approaches to placement of the cheek
implant, the best and least invasive is placement through a small incision inside the mouth, which leaves NO scars on the face.
The implants come in a large variety of shapes and sizes, so that the proper one can be selected for each individual.
The implants are carefully designed to fit the skeletal form resulting in a very natural appearance. Most are made of
Silastic, a soft inert material that has been found safe for implantation. Following surgery, pain is minimal to moderate
and is easily controlled by oral medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Some temporary swelling
and bruising of the face are to be expected and resolve spontaneously within a few days.
CHEEK AUGMENTATION
Chin Augmentation:
The Chin has also been considered a sign of physical beauty throughout the ages. Some individuals who exhibit "weak" chins
or a receding chin, their faces may seem unbalanced to them. Chin augmentation, or mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure that
has helped thousands improve their appearance by altering the contours of their faces. The best candidate for chin augmentation
is the individual with a receding chin and a normal dental bite. For those with a bite dysfunction, jaw surgery, in conjunction
with mentoplasty, may be necessary. In some cases, a chin augmentation is done in conjunction with liposuction or other cosmetic
facial procedures such as rhinoplasty and facelift.
When it comes to profiles and facial balance a chin implant plays a very important role and is usually brought up in the
discussion with the patient. This procedure is also done on an outpatient basis. The incision is made either inside the mouth
or externally, under the chin. A silastic prosthesis, sized exactly to fit the patient, is placed in a pocket above the chin
bone and beneath the muscles. Recent improvements in the design help augment the chin and the lower jaw with anatomic implants
giving the patients a very natural result. Following surgery pain is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medications.
Patients are up and around the day of surgery, however, strenuous activities must be avoided for some time.
CHIN AUGMENTATION
Fat Transplantation:
People have always tried to improve their appearance since the beginning of civilization. Disfigurement of the skin has been
particularly distressful for many. With the advent of new fillers there are excellent procedures available to correct such skin
defects such as deep furrows and wrinkles on the face. Depressions on other areas of the body can also be corrected through a
procedure called autologous (from the same individual) fat transplantation. This procedure can help contour the face, enhance
the cheek and chin and correct facial or body deformities.
This procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis. Fat is removed from a donor site and then re-injected into the
recipient site. This can be done under local anesthesia. The process is repeated until the desired amount of fat has been
transferred and the defect is corrected.
With this procedure, problems of rejection or allergic reactions are not factors, because the fat is transplanted within
the same body. Recovery time is very short and patients are usually up and around the day of surgery. The only downside of
fat grafting is that some of the fat may dissolve and the patient may need additional fat grafting procedures to achieve the
desired contour.
Facial implants and fat grafting is a way of restoring lost volume and proportion in the face through minimal incisions
and minimal scars with a fairly quick recovery.
Dr. Haiavy specializes in facial rejuvenation and reconstruction with years of experience, training and expertise in a
range of cosmetic surgery procedures. He is well known for performing endoscopic procedures with minimal incisions and scarring.
For more information regarding this and other procedures that are available, please contact 1-800-6-COSMETIC or
310-470-9678 or visit their website at www.inlandcosmetic.com.
We will be happy to answer your questions.
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