Dying for Star-Glamorous Cheekbones or a Manly-Man's Jawline ? Consider Facial Implants

Manufactured from a variety of materials including solid silicone and collagen, facial implants are used to improve and enhance facial contours, providing a more harmonious balance to the jawline, cheekbones, or chin. According to the most recent statistics provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 20,000 people had facial implant surgery in 2006, with 8,803 choosing cheek, and 14,609 choosing jaw implants.

Taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours and usually performed under general anesthesia, facial implant surgery, whether of the cheek, chin, or jaw, involves a small incision in the face followed by the insertion of the implant just under the skin. At this point the surgeon stitches then bandages the area. Although this procedure frequently takes place in an outpatient clinic, in some cases the surgeon will suggest patients remain in the facility for a day or more. This is more likely if the patient is undergoing other cosmetic procedures, such as a face lift, in conjunction with the facial implant surgery.

Following the surgery, swelling, bruising and discomfort lasting anywhere from several days to several months, depending upon the area of insertion, is not uncommon. Patients are usually instructed to take oral antibiotics both before and after the procedure to help guard against infection as well as pain killers to ease post-surgical discomfort. Applying ice packs to the face and keeping the head elevated are also suggested. Though not the norm, there are some instances in which the implant slips out of place. At this point the surgery must be repeated and the implant readjusted.

Although the cost of facial implant surgery varies depending upon the nature of the implant and other factors such as geography and the doctor's credentials, according to infoplasticsurgery.com, an online cosmetic informational portal, the average cost for cheek, chin, or jaw implants in the United States is $3,000 to $4,500.

Facial implants, though relatively inexpensive in the world of cosmetic surgery, provide dramatic results for anyone looking to change the contour of their face or accentuate otherwise unnoticed features. To find out if facial implants are the right choice for you, consult your plastic surgeon.