The Role of Facial Implants in Elevating Facelift Results
Dr. Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has devoted his career exclusively to surgery of the face. As Director of the Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship and an innovator in rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation techniques, he evaluates aging through the lens of skeletal support, soft tissue position, and long-term facial balance.
A facelift repositions descended tissue and restores youthful contours. It does not increase projection where bone structure is naturally limited. Facial implants enhance facelift results by adding definition to the chin, cheeks, or jawline, giving lifted tissues stronger support and clearer contours. When thoughtfully combined, these procedures create refinement that appears proportionate from every angle. In this blog, we’ll examine when and why implants can meaningfully elevate facelift outcomes.
Why Lifting Alone May Not Be Enough
Facial aging involves more than skin laxity. Gradual bone resorption and volume changes can soften projection in the midface and lower face. Even a meticulously performed facelift cannot correct a recessed chin or inherently flat cheekbones.
If underlying projection is limited, lifting may reduce sagging yet leave the profile lacking definition. Enhancing key structural points can improve facial harmony and ensure that rejuvenation looks intentional rather than incomplete.
How Facial Implants Complement A Facelift
Facial implants are soft, medical-grade devices composed of silicone or ePTFE and placed directly over bone to enhance contour. Dr. Miller customizes implant size, shape, and placement based on facial proportions, profile analysis, and surgical goals.
Common areas of enhancement include:
- Chin enhancement: Improves lower-face projection and strengthens overall profile balance.
- Cheek augmentation: Restores midface contour and provides support that enhances the visual impact of a lift.
- Jawline definition: Sharpens lower-face angles and refines the transition between the jaw and neck.
Unlike injectable fillers, implants provide lasting definition without ongoing maintenance. When paired with a facelift, they help ensure that repositioned tissues are supported by proportionate contours rather than relying on soft tissue lift alone.
Surgical Planning And Recovery Considerations
Implant placement may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, particularly when combined with facelift surgery. Incisions are small and discreet, often hidden within the mouth or natural creases. Implants are secured to maintain stability and are designed to integrate comfortably with surrounding tissue.
Swelling and mild discomfort are typical during the first week. Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks, while exercise and strenuous activity resume only after medical clearance. Careful follow-up allows Dr. Miller to monitor healing and confirm that contours settle as planned.
Who May Benefit From Combined Surgery
Patients who benefit most from combining procedures often present with:
- Retrusive chin: A recessed lower third that disrupts facial balance.
- Limited cheek projection: Insufficient midface contour that reduces lift impact.
- Soft jawline structure: Minimal angular definition despite skin tightening.
Dr. Miller frequently treats physicians and discerning patients who seek subtle but technically precise refinement. His facial-only focus allows him to determine when structural enhancement will genuinely improve a facelift and when a lift alone is sufficient.
Refine Your Facelift With Comprehensive Planning
A facelift addresses descent, while facial implants address projection. Together, they create rejuvenation that appears cohesive, balanced, and anatomically sound. Dr. Miller brings double board certification, fellowship leadership, and decades of facial surgical specialization to every surgical plan.
If you are considering facelift surgery and want a comprehensive evaluation of both lift and structural enhancement, schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller to discuss a strategy tailored specifically to your facial anatomy and goals.
