Facial Augmentation

Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California

Strong cheek bones are a great asset as a person ages. We’re all subject to the downward pull of gravity which does so much to bring the cheek pads down closer to the mouth, creating those nasolabial folds. But bones never sag. If the cheek bones are prominent, they can maintain a youthful look even after the soft tissue has fallen. Sometimes the cheek tissue disappears altogether, leaving a sunken look or a flat, thin look.

A strong chin is also an asset in creating a firm and balanced jawline, in good harmony with the rest of the face. A “weak” chin recedes so that as we age, the downward slide of the facial soft tissue is not offset by a strong jawline.

Cheek and chin implants

Cheek and chin implants are a way of firming up those two areas which do so much to define the profile and the facial shape. There are many types available, as manufacturers continue their quest for the perfect implant material. Two popular materials are

• Solid silicone – which cannot leak, as they are solid
• Porex – which is porous but solid when touched

Implants come in different sizes and shapes and Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Weil will discuss the possibilities with you to determine the best way to go.

The procedure

It takes one to two hours and is done on an outpatient basis, but typically with general anesthesia. It can be done along with a nose reshaping procedure or a facelift. Whether for a chin implant or a cheek implant, incisions are hidden inside the mouth so no scar will be visible afterwards. A pocket is made in the facial tissue, the implant inserted, and the incision closed. Bandages or tape is put in place for protection.

Recovery

Be sure and follow Dr. Weil’s self-care instructions following facial augmentation. Stitches inside the mouth will dissolve within five to ten days. For a day or two you might have some discomfort for which you can take an over-the-counter pain medication. Bruising and swelling will subside gradually and you can probably return to your normal activities in a week or so. Avoid any vigorous activity for a month or two.

The results will be permanent and will give you a more pleasing, balanced facial appearance.

Other ways to augment the facial shape

• Fat injections – these use a person’s own fat, taken from another part of the body. There will be no allergic reaction to it.
• Collagen injections – this natural protein is found throughout the body and gives strength to the skin. The injected collagen can be bovine or from a human donor.
• Synthetic fillers – there are many of these, and more appear all the time. An allergy test is required first. Some examples are Gore-Tex and Softform.

Please contact our cosmetic surgery center if you would like to schedule a complimentary facial augmentation consultation. Dr. Weil has many satisfied cosmetic surgery patients who are delighted with the results of their customized facial augmentation. Please see our Cosmetic Surgery Patient Photos page for Before and After pictures of various procedures we offer to our San Francisco, San Jose, and Walnut Creek patients.

For questions about Financing options please see our cosmetic surgery finance page.

Randall B. Weil M.D., F.A.C.S

San Francisco Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

909 Hyde St., Ste. 602, San Francisco, CA 94109 | 415-781-2081