Cheek and Chin Implants

When we, as plastic surgeons, look at a face we look at several areas. We look for balance and for the classic proportions. There are proportions to the facial structure which are pleasing to the human eye and impart "beauty". Many of these proportions are cross cultural and are known worldwide by artists.

One important feature that we look for when analyzing as face is good skeletal foundation. Just as a house needs a good foundation, the facial skin and soft tissues age much more gracefully with a strong bony foundation. Unfortunately, with time, the skin and soft tisssues lose their elasticity and stretch downward, and the bony skeleton underlying may also lose volume and projection. Loss of bony volume is most prevelant in women after childbearing years, and is seen in all parts of the skeleton as osteoporosis.

The area of the bony skeleton which brings a pleasing balance to the face is known as the "aesthetic triangle" and consists of the cheek to chin to cheek. Whether as a part of a rejuvenation procedure, or in a younger person to create pleasing facial balance, strengthening this triangle is often performed and frequently brings about striking results.

The two ways to strengthen the foundation are by using the existing bony structure, or by adding to it with implants. The first method consists of bringing the bone forward by meticulously "breaking" the existing bones, sliding them forward and fixing them in place with plates and or screws. The second method is performed by using solid surgical implants which are placed on the bone to augment or enhance their projection. This is performed under general or local anesthesia and can be performed through the mouth, leaving no external scars.

Facial implants and sliding osteotomies have been performed for decades and serious complications are rare. There are ,however, risks which include but are not limited to infection, bleeding problems, extrusion, bony erosion, and temporary or permanent numbness.