Dr. Denton – Facial Implant Surgery in Vancouver
Facial implants are an increasingly popular surgical procedure, aiding in a fuller, more youthful appearance.
When it comes to facial implants, well-balanced facial features – including the cheeks and chin – add beauty and definition to an individual’s appearance. The chin and the cheeks provide structure and anchor the lower and middle face, respectively.
As a board certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Denton has extensive experience in facial implant surgery, and expertise in chin implant and cheek implant surgery in Vancouver. During your facial implant consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Denton in a confidential and unhurried setting. Computer imaging will be performed to show you the expected result following your procedure. Cosmetic facial plastic surgery is performed in Dr. Denton’s fully accredited private operating facility in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Chin Implant Surgery
A small chin detracts from an otherwise well-balanced face and can make the nose appear more prominent than it actually is. If the teeth are in proper alignment, some patients can benefit from chin augmentation or facial implant surgery.
During chin augmentation surgery for facial implants, a small incision is made either inside the mouth or in a skin crease just behind the rounded area of the chin. The chin implant, which has a consistency similar to the soft tissues of the chin, is secured in position in front of the jawbone. The incision is then closed, undetectably concealing the chin implant. Chin augmentation and facial implant procedures can be carried out as a stand-alone procedure but are often performed in combination with neck liposuction, rhinoplasty (nasal reshaping) or facelift surgery, all of which can be done in our Vancouver state-of-the-art facial cosmetic surgery clinic.
Cheek Implant Surgery
Cheek (malar) augmentation surgery is indicated in some individuals who have small cheekbones or hollowed mid facial areas (the area under the cheekbone). This type of facial implant helps to address the sad or tired appearance that exists in these cases.
Like chin implants, cheek implants are made of a medical material that has a consistency similar to the soft tissues of the cheeks. Cheek implants are placed over the cheekbone through small incisions inside the mouth. Healing is generally quite rapid and there are no external scars.
Learn more about Facial Implants
Facial implant techniques
Cheek implants are placed through the inside of the lip to avoid any skin incisions. Chin implants are placed either through the inside of the lip or through an incision hidden within the skin crease normally found under the chin. Not infrequently, chin implant surgery is combined with rhinoplasty and/or neck liposuction.
Candidates for facial implants
Any individual with a small, short or narrow chin or flat and sunken cheeks could be considered for this type of surgery.
Preparing for surgery
On the night before your surgery, we ask that you not have anything to eat or drink (including coffee, tea and juice) after 12:00 am. This allows your stomach to empty thereby minimizing any postoperative nausea.
Two weeks prior to your surgery, all blood thinning medications and supplements (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, ginko, ginseng and vitamin E) must be stopped. This reduces the amount of bruising and swelling experienced postoperatively. A prescription for antibiotics and pain medication will be supplied to you.
A simple blood test to measure your hemoglobin level is performed prior to surgery if you are over 50 years of age. An electrocardiogram is required for your safety if you are over 60 years of age.
Your surgery
Surgery is performed in our fully accredited operating room under twilight anesthesia. After surgery, patients are taken to our specially equipped recovery area. Once recovered, all patients proceed home accompanied by a responsible adult or to an aftercare facility.
Follow-up
Moderate swelling and some bruising are normal in the early postoperative period. A tape dressing is placed following surgery and is kept in place for 1 week. Stitches used to close any incisions inside the mouth dissolve on their own and skin stitches placed under the chin are removed in 5 to 7 days.
Resuming normal activities
Following surgery, you should rest quietly for the first 24 hours. Sleeping with two pillows under your head for the first 2 nights helps minimize swelling and bruising. Cold compresses are soothing and will also help with swelling.
Patients are permitted to shower and wash their hair 3 days after surgery.
Bending, heavy lifting and straining are prohibited during the first two weeks. Light non-cardiac exercise can be resumed 2 weeks following surgery and slowly increased over the ensuing 7 days.
Most patients are back at work within 7 to 10 days of surgery.
Costs of facial implant surgery
Following your consultation, a quote is provided which is guaranteed for one year. Our quotes include all costs: pre-operative tests, anesthesia, facility charges, the services of our staff, and applicable taxes. You are encouraged to make cost comparisons. In comparing, be sure you determine the total of all costs related to the surgery.
A deposit is required at the time the surgery is scheduled in order to hold a specific date for you. The balance is due four to five weeks prior to your surgery. For your convenience, we accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA and debit cards.
We have arranged a financing plan for our patients with an outside financial institution. Ask our patient care coordinators for details about how to qualify.