Biocompatible Facial Implant Procedures
Facial contours are usually attractive components of one’s appearance. The underlying structures of the most visible area of a person create relative proportions to other features. The three common factors that play a role in contours of the face are genetics, disease, and past trauma. Fortunately, modern facial plastics allow Dr. Shapiro to complete a wide range of changes,from redesigning entire structures to defining small areas of the face. Surgical additions to the face are sometimes preferred over non-surgical injectable fillers, especially when a person seeks greater volume as the end result of his or her transformation.
Changes to the Face
Entire areas of the face can be restructured through cosmetic facial implants. The cheeks, chin, and jaw can be altered to change the overall appearance of the bone structure, while nasal implants offer more subtle corrections to the nasal bridge or tip. The implant material may be composed of acrylic, Gore-Tex, or semisoft silicone, depending on the stability required of that area. The doctor has extensive knowledge of each material and how they interact in different areas of the face, so a consultation offers prospective patients the perfect opportunity to learn about their options.
Materials of Facial Implants
Acrylic
This implant material is very lightweight, yet exceptionally durable. The feel of this sort of implant is meant to mimic bone. Facial implants are intended for permanent placement, which is especially true of those constructed from acrylic, due to the tight bond the material forms with bone. Patient discomfort is not widely reported with the use of acrylic, though silicone has been noted to cause discomfort for a time following a facial implant surgery.
Gore-Tex
This variation of Teflon is made as a porous implant so that the synthetic implant incorporates with the patient’s natural tissues. The result is a more stable implant that is not likely to be rejected by the body. While acrylic is a solid material, Gore-Tex is flexible and tends to be a bit thinner than other materials. This type of facial implant will create realistic results, though less dramatic than other materials. Gore-Tex is commonly used during jaw implant surgery.
Semisoft Silicone
While acrylic implants are meant to mimic bone, silicone implants are created with the likeness of soft tissues. Silicone reacts differently within the facial pockets created for their implantation. A patient’s own tissues encapsulate the implant, keeping it in place. Dr. Shapiro may create ridges in the silicone to help it remain in place. Aside from texture, this is another way silicone differs from materials like Gore-Tex. As is the case with the other materials mentioned, silicone is biocompatible but may cause initial inflammation at the implant site. This material is most likely to be used during cheek augmentation.
Natural
Implants harvested from the patient or other human or animal donors tend to be most commonly used during reconstructive procedures where structures of the face are rebuilt. Dr. Shapiro may use bone, cartilage or other natural materials to restore a look of normalcy or achieve a cosmetic result. Patient material can be utilized during rhinoplasty, where cartilage from the ears or ribs is harvested. When facial bone is abnormal, other bone sources can contribute to areas of depletion.
Combining Procedures for Optimal Results
Facial implant surgery can be performed as a standalone procedure, though a total face transformation is appealing to many patients. Often, a chin augmentation surgery is paired with rhinoplasty to create balance among these two projecting features. Jaw implants are also popular in profileplasty surgery, where a nose job corrects the mid-face while jaw augmentation restructures the lower face. A second way jaw implants can be part of a dual procedure is when the surgery is performed alongside a neck lift or liposuction of the area. This ensures the results of a new lower jaw structure are not obscured by extra tissues in this area. Cheek implants complement a facelift for the ultimate facial rejuvenation. The two procedures create excellent anti-aging benefits for patients with skin laxity and a loss of facial volume.
Contact Dr. Shapiro
Dr. Shapiro and his staff offer a variety of surgeries and services at his Scottsdale, Arizona, practice. Patients who desire a facial implant surgery can also inquire about any combination of procedures to help them achieve their desired aesthetics. Dr. Shapiro uniquely offers facial plastics, surgeries of the body, as well as a number of non-surgical options to complete any look. The doctor is supported by a longtime full, professional staff. Email the office through the Patient Contact Form, or call 480-451-1700 to set up a consultation appointment.
