Plastic Surgery: The Pros and Cons of Chin and Cheek Implants

Chin and cheek augmentation surgeries are becoming two of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Chin implant surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a procedure in which an incision is made inside the lower lip or under the chin, and a hard silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implant that has been molded specifically for your face. This is often done to create a more prominent chin and to balance out the face.

Cheek implants, also known as malar augmentation, also attempt to balance all the features of the face. During surgery, incisions are made inside the mouth and the custom implant is placed in place. Said augmentation can be performed individually or can be combined with each other or with additional plastic surgeries, such as rhinoplasty or facelift.

Both implant surgeries are usually performed under general anesthesia and require at least an overnight stay in the hospital. Total recovery time for both is approximately six weeks. Since this is a major operation, it is important to seriously consider both the pros and cons of the procedures.

advantages

Such implants will give the face a more harmonious balanced look.

A more prominent chin or cheeks will draw attention away from the nose and the nose will appear smaller.

After the cheek implant operation, the cheekbones will no longer have a sad and tired look.

The outline of the face will be redrawn.

Both procedures leave virtually no scars because the incisions can be hidden inside the mouth.

Chin and cheek implants make the face look young and full.

Cons:

A common side effect is numbness in the lower lip and cheek. Loss of sensation is usually temporary, but may be permanent.

An implant can migrate out of position, and on rare occasions, implants can even slip out of the body.

There is a risk of damaging the roots of nearby teeth. Infections inside the mouth can also occur as a result of surgery.

Because implants are generally made of hard silicone, a material that is harder than natural bone, the body can accept or reject the implant.

Like most plastic surgery procedures, such augmentations are considered cosmetic and are generally not covered by insurance. Patients will need to pay for the procedure out of pocket and each procedure ranges from $1500 to $5000.