Facial Implants
Men and women come to Dr. Daniel C. Mills’ Aesthetic Plastic Surgery practice in Orange County with concerns about the aesthetic balance of their facial features. With the use of facial implants, Dr. Mills can create a balanced facial appearance to increase self-confidence by addressing the individual concerns of each patient. Whether his patients would like to alter disproportionate features, strengthen their jaw line, or accentuate a particular feature such as the cheekbones, Dr. Mills uses FDA-approved facial implants to help his patients achieve the aesthetic appearance they desire.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Mills will combine his patients’ aesthetic desires and his expertise to formulate a plan and determine not only which patients are best suited for facial implants, but also the type of facial implants that will provide the best outcome.
There are several types of facial implants Dr. Mills uses at his Aesthetic Plastic Surgery practice, which are used to address a variety of concerns. The following is a list of the most common types of implants that are performed either separately or in conjunction with other facial implants, or other facial procedures such as a face lift or eyebrow lift:
- Cheek implants are used to improve a reduced bone structure or to create a more youthful, vibrant appearance if a patient’s cheeks have become hollow or sunken with age or dramatic weight loss.
- Chin implants are used to improve a patient’s profile and overall aesthetic balance by addressing otherwise disproportionate facial features.
- Jaw implants help strengthen a weakened jawline and further improve overall facial balance for patients looking for a more defined facial profile.
What to Expect
About two weeks prior to surgery, Dr. Mills’ patients will meet with the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery practice pre-operative patient coordinator. She will review all pre-operative instructions to ensure that each patient thoroughly understands the procedure, and has completed all necessary lab tests and health screenings. If a patient happens to be a smoker, they will be advised to quit smoking at least two weeks before the procedure, and to avoid smoking for two weeks following the procedure. In addition, if patients are taking certain medications or herbal supplements, they will be advised to cease taking them for a similar period of time. To close the pre-operative appointment, patients will be able to address any final questions or concerns to further ensure they are prepared for surgery and will have an optimal recovery period.
To prepare for the swelling, bruising, and inflammation that typically accompanies most surgeries, including the facial implant procedure, Dr. Mills suggests his patients take herbal supplements Arnica Montana and Bromelain, which help reduce these symptoms.
On the day of the surgery, patients should allow approximately 30 to 60 minutes for their surgery if it is performed on its own. From the moment a patient enters the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery practice, they will be under the care of Dr. Mills and his experienced surgical team, including a nurse anesthetist, a registered nurse, and a surgical technician. Throughout the procedure, the team is committed to providing each patient with the best care possible, further enhanced by the fact that Dr. Mills has worked with some of his surgical team since the beginning of his practice.
About Chin Augmentation
For the chin augmentation, a small incision is made either under the chin or inside the lower lip. The chin implant is then inserted into place either by slipping it into a pocket made by Dr. Mills, or by attaching it to bone or soft tissue. The results of the chin augmentation are almost immediately apparent, and will continue to improve as swelling is reduced.
About Cheek Augmentation
The cheek implant procedure involves an incision made inside the mouth on either side of the upper lip or under the lower eyelid. Once Dr. Mills creates a pocket for the implant, he will insert it, and close the incision.
Recovery is wholly dependent upon the particular patient and procedure performed, but Dr. Mills typically sees his facial implant patients feeling pretty good within a couple of days. For the first 72 hours, he recommends keeping the head elevated while applying a crushed ice compress to the area where the procedure was performed. Doing so can reduce swelling and bruising, help his patients manage their pain, and speed up the recovery process.
Dr. Mills will schedule frequent follow-up appointments over the next few months after the procedure to closely monitor the healing process. He and his staff are also available between visits if any unexpected or unusual symptoms arise.
With facial implants, complications and risks are limited and infrequent; however, as with any surgery, they are possible. Complications may include an infection or reaction to anesthesia, as well as a potential for scarring or nerve damage, which is rare. Dr. Mills stresses the need to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure quality results, and minimize the chance for most complications.