Cheek Augmentation
The size and shape of cheeks can contribute to facial beauty, especially
in women. Flat cheek bones can make a face look long and gaunt. For
the right face a change in cheek size and shape can positively effect
facial balance and attractiveness.
Cheek implants, usually made of silicone, are designed to fit over the
cheek bone and increase its projection and shape. There are many different
sizes and shapes of implants and your surgeon will explain which one
would be the most suitable for you. The operation is carried out under
light general anaesthesia. Although cheek implants can be inserted through
face lift or eyelid incisions, most implants are inserted through the
mouth. Incisions are made inside the mouth, just above the incisor teeth,
and through these incisions pockets are made over the cheek bone, large
enough for the selected implant. The implant is inserted into the pocket
and checked for position and symmetry with the opposite side. Once the
symmetry and position are ascertained the wounds are closed and tapes
placed over the cheeks to stabilize the implants.
The surgery is carried out as a day-case and there is minimal discomfort.
However, bruising and significant swelling can occur during the first
week. Brushing of the upper teeth has to be avoided for ten days. Within
ten days of the operation the implants are firmly adherent in their
new position.
As with all surgery there are potential complications associated with
this procedure. These are infection, bleeding, numbness and malposition.
They all are uncommon.
Chin Augmentation Facial balance contributes to what is known as facial beauty.
There are many different proportions and balances in the face and one
of them is the size of the chin which balances the nose.
The ideal size of the chin is that when a vertical line drawn between
the lower lip and chin meet. Slightly receding, or week chin, is more
feminine than a protruding, or strong chin. Moreover, there is a fine
balance between the nose and chin. A weak chin makes a nose look large
and strong chin makes it look small. The same applies the other way
round; a large nose makes a chin look small and a small nose makes the
chin look strong.
In the absence of dental problems, such as malocclusion, it is relatively
simple to change the chin size and, in some cases shape. One way is
to cut the chin bone and slide it either back or forward, thus changing
the chin protrusion. The bone is then fixed in its new position by small
screws. A simple way of achieving a similar effect is to place an implant
in front of the chin bone. Many different man-made materials are used
but the most frequent is a solid silicone implant. The implant is placed
in a pocket fashioned in front of the chin bone either through an incision
in the skin just under the chin or preferably through an incision below
the front teeth inside the mouth. The operation can be carried out under
local anaesthetic and sedation or under light general anaesthesia, as
a day case.
Post-operative discomfort is minimal and brushing of lower teeth has
to be avoided for ten days. There is minimal bruising, if any. The main
risks of this procedure are infection, numbness, malposition of the
implant and rejection. All complications are uncommon.
