Facial Implants – cheeks, chin, jawline

The era of changing facial contours or “sculpturing faces”, has arrived. The use of facial implants by plastic surgeons began in the 1950s. In the late 1980s, facial implant technology progressed into anatomically and aesthetically designed implants which produce natural, attractive facial contours. Using such implants to alter the shape of the cheek and jawline region, as well as other less important areas of the face is called facial contouring. They are also very effective when combined with other aesthetic surgeries such as a face lift, nasal contouring and forehead procedures.

What are the standards for beautiful faces in the 2000s?

The contemporary ideal masculine image has strong cheek bones, strong straight noses and jutting jawlines. Examples are seen in the images of Tom Cruise, Silvester Stallone, Arnold Schwartzenaeger, and Brad Pitt. For women, the sophisticated sexy, exotic and erotic looks of Kim Bassinger, Sharon Stone, Cindy Crawford and Michelle Pfeiffer are “definitely in”. In addition to the fullness of their lips, these ladies are popular for their full sensuous cheeks and well defined jawline contours.

Can these images be imitated by facial implants in the 2000s?

Almost! And it is not a miracle, it is reality! Today’s facial implant surgery can easily contour faces without radical bone surgery. The technique involves using the most popular facial implants which are composed of a type of silicone rubber. Silicone has been used harmlessly on human bodies for medical purposes for the past 45 years. To the present, all research has disproved any scientific evidence of damaging effects from this inert material. The new facial implants, many of which have been designed by Dr. Terino, are contoured to imitate mother nature’s natural anatomic structure. There is also a variety of shapes and locations which can emphasize certain specific regions of the jawline and cheek.

Today, plastic surgery and patients alike are fortunate to have this new implant technology which can improve and alter faces to be more attractive. Facial contouring by implants is not only for the youthful. In older individuals, they significantly compliment and enhance the results of other facial cosmetic surgery. Excellent bone structure makes the aging process wear well. Aging beauties, such as Linda Evans, Joan Collins, Jacqueline Smith, and Sophia Loren attest to the fact that strong cheek contours and jawlines enhance the beauty of the mature face. This principle also applies to men, as evidenced by Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Cary Grant and Gregory Peck.

Redraping and tightening the soft tissues of the face are essential elements for facial rejuvenation surgery. However, enhancing and improving facial contours by using implants on the facial bone structure is the very foundation for the architecture of beauty enhancement. Most people are highly conscious and analytical about their own facial contours. They are aware of structures which are excessive or deficient, such as a prominent nose, or weak chin, flat cheek bones, a round face or a pointed jawline. They also have an inborn wisdom about the way they feel that their facial contours could be better. An exciting fact about this new era of facial contouring by implants is that for the first time in the history of plastic surgery, various changes can be made by selecting different size and shape implants according to the patient’s desires.

What are the medical facts about these surgeries? 

Very few plastic surgeons are trained in and experienced in facial contouring with implants. 

The majority of facial implant procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Each operation requires approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour of anesthesia time depending on the complexity of the alteration. Facial contouring procedures are easy for the patient to endure. They create minimal or no pain and discomfort. There is, however, persistent swelling in the operated area which requires many months and even one year before the final contour emerges.

Nasal refinement and sculpturing may require up to two hours because of the complexity of nasal anatomy and the subtlety of contour change which the patient may need or desire. Today’s nose operation should not have a standard post-operative “nose job” appearance. Instead, they can be tailored to the patient’s total and unique facial image desires. Frequently this involves consideration of ethnic characteristics. A small scooped out pugged nose appearance is not in demand for the 2000s. Most patients desire a strong, straight profile in conjunction with strong chin and cheek prominences.

A competent plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, can help patients differentiate facial characteristics and understand the limitations of their own facial structure. Facial contour is the art and science of applying plastic surgery techniques and implant technology for altering the relative balance of these architectural facial elements to enhance beauty. These building blocks of the facial skeleton are the foundation for facial cosmetic surgery of the 2000s and the future.

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