Cheeks, Jaw, and Chin Implants

The eyes may be the windows of the soul, but it is the cheeks, jaw, and chin that give a person's face its distinctive shape and form. While some people are born with proportional, chiseled facial features, there are those who just weren't blessed with a perfectly-looking jaw, chin, and pair of cheeks. For this reason, many people who are not satisfied with their facial features opt to have implants. Just like the other cosmetic procedures and augmentations available today, implants are meant to enhance the look of a certain body part. An implant is usually a non-hazardous material that is inserted into a particular body part to improve its appearance and in some cases, its health condition.

Implant materials
Implants are made from several different types of materials: ceramics, composite, trabecular metal, dacron, bioabsorbable, teflon, and silicone. Of these materials, the silicone is the most popular and frequently-used for cheeks, chin, and jaw implants. A silicone (polysiloxanes or polymerized siloxanes) is a synthetic material that can either be in gel, liquid, plastic, or rubber form. It is durable, resistant, and flexible. Unlike other synthetic materials used for implants, silicones do not easily react with other chemicals. Another good thing about silicones is that they have low toxicity levels. Furthermore, they can easily be molded into different shapes and sizes, and can be fitted in a variety of places. As such, most clinicians who perform surgical implants prefer using them.

Preparation
People who wish to have implants should be physically, mentally, and psychologically fit. More often than not, a person who expresses a desire to have implants is examined by a group of health experts first.  He typically undergoes a series of physical tests to make sure that his body would be able to handle the surgical process. In most cases, the patient is advised to consult a psychologist to ensure that he is mentally and emotionally prepared for the entire procedure.

Procedure
Generally, implants are inserted by means of a simple surgery, which is usually aided by anesthesia. During a surgery, incisions or slits are done in areas where they will be less visible or will not be seen at all. For inserting implants in the cheeks, chin, and jaw, incisions or slits are often made to the mouth's interior. However, there are a few instances and special cases when slits are done on the exterior part of one's face. When these happen, advanced methods are used so that no scar will be left after the healing. Surgery for implants may last from 30 minutes up to 3 hours.

Healing
After the surgical procedure, a patient will normally feel pain on the affected areas that may even radiate to the other parts of his body. There will also be inflammation that can last for more than two days. The other facial parts will also have difficulty in performing their functions, especially the mouth. It will be hard for the patient to eat, hence, soft or liquid food--- preferably something cold like ice cream--- is advised.  As part of the healing process, the patient will not be allowed to do heavy and stressful work and will be advised to take a long rest. Moreover, he will need to regularly visit his doctors for check-up and cleaning. It may take several weeks before the expected outcome of the implants may be seen.

Possible Risks
There are certain unpredictable yet possible risks that may occur after the surgery for implants is done. One of these is the probable disoriented positioning of bones, muscles, and cartilages due to the new object inserted in the face. Other possible risks include infection of the surgical slit or cut and inflammation.