Facial Implants

Fillers can work wonders to improve facial contouring, but they require consistent maintenance. Facial implants are a permanent, natural-looking alternative.

Dr. Phillip Miller Working on a Patient's Face

What are facial implants?

For some, the upkeep of facial fillers for their cheek, chin, or jaw is simply too time-consuming. Facial implants are soft and flexible inserts made of either medical-grade silicone or Gore-Tex ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene). They can be used to augment any part of the face, either for cosmetic purposes or to correct genetic facial defects or disfigurements. Facial implants are most often used in the chin, cheek, and jaw and can be customized to meet your exact needs.

How does facial implantation work?

Patients can be under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia depending on the scope of correction desired. During a facial implant surgery, Dr. Miller determines the best incision point and makes the smallest opening possible. Muscle and soft tissue are gently lifted off the bone, and Dr. Miller seamlessly inserts the silicone or ePTFE implant into the pocket. The implant is either secured with stitches, micro-screws fixed to the bone, or is held in place by the surrounding local muscles. The modality to anchor the implant depends on the type of procedure. To complete the surgery, Dr. Miller sews up the incision. If the incision point is inside the mouth, dissolvable sutures are used.

Chin implants

If your chin doesn’t project enough, or the lower third of your face is retrusive (convex instead of flat), a chin implant may help. A chin implant can bring the chin forward and balance the nose to create a symmetrical, pleasing profile. Chin implants are inserted through a small incision and can be performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Miller places and secures the implant over the bone; it does not move and is completely undetectable.

Cheek implants

Do you want the beautiful elevated cheekbones of models and starlets? Cheek fillers can work wonders, but they require routine injections. Cheek implants will give you lasting contour and elevation that extends gracefully and naturally towards the side of your face. Cheek implantation happens under sedation. Incisions are either made under the eyes or inside the mouth, and leave no visible scarring.

Jaw implants

A wide, square jaw is universally attractive, but can prove elusive to some because of genetics. Jaw implants work similarly to chin implants, and are so popular that Dr. Miller has dubbed the procedure GI Jaw. Even women seek jaw implants for a sharper jawline and a beautiful, sleek neck profile. Like a chin implant, only a small, local incision is necessary. Once the implant is inserted, it remains unmovable and you will not be able to distinguish implant from bone.

Custom facial implants

Dr. Miller values every chance to create customized implants for his patients. Custom implants can be used for aesthetic purposes and to correct congenital face defects or deformities. When designing custom implants, Dr. Miller uses advanced imaging technology to create the precise shape and depth needed to perfectly fit your face.

Before & After

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How much time is needed to recover?

Recovery for facial implants is fairly light. The first few 4-6 days may be uncomfortable and prescription painkillers can be used to ease discomfort. After that period, patients are typically able to return to desk work and light socializing. Two weeks of downtime is the general recommendation, but this varies from patient to patient.

You will experience swelling for about a week. Bruising happens to some patients, and should diminish in a few days. Patients are to avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by Dr. Miller. You will receive a customized healing plan and also be scheduled for follow-up appointments so Dr. Miller can ensure that healing is going well.

Dr. Miller will give you aesthetic confidence

When you feel proud of the way you look, the rest of your life benefits from your confidence and self-assuredness. Dr. Miller has helped multiple people feel great about themselves and considers this to be the most fulfilling aspect of his career.

Double board certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Dr. Miller has developed unsurpassable expertise in facial cosmetic rejuvenation and reconstruction. Contact our offices to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller today!

What results can I expect?

After a facial implant surgery, you will have beautiful, defined facial contours. Skin will be tighter, and in addition to looking younger, your face will look slimmer. Your facial profile will be elegant and symmetrical, and like with all of Dr. Miller’s surgeries, everything will look totally natural. Many patients couldn’t be happier with their results and often say they wished they’d gotten implants sooner. Another bonus is that implants are permanent, with no need for semi-annual touch-ups like fillers require.