Facial implants were created to add fullness or contour to give facial features a more proportional look. They may also be used to reconstruct a face after an injury or surgery, or to rejuvenate an area of the face that has been compromised due to aging or disease.

Facial implants can alter a feature by:

• Changing its size
• Sculpting or adding contours
• Correcting a deformity

Facial implant surgery is best performed on adult men and women who feel their outward facial profile negatively affects the way they feel about themselves.

Good candidates include people who:

• Are at least 18 years of age who no longer experience growth spurts
• Do not have life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that impair healing
• Don’t smoke
• Have a positive outlook but realistic goals for their appearance improvement

First, you will:

• Discuss your goals and the look you want to achieve
• Learn about options available to you
• Learn the likely outcomes and potential risks of the procedure
• Get a course of treatment recommended by Dr. Swier
• Ask questions and get answers to help you understand the process

Be sure to:

• Openly share your expectations
• Disclose your complete health history, current medications, and use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Commit to precisely follow all of Dr. Swier’s instructions

Dr. Swier will make a small incision under the upper lip or lower lip, inside the mouth or at the gum or lip junction. A pocket is made over the cheeks or chin, the implant is inserted and the area is stitched. The entire procedure usually takes between one and two hours.

You will:

• Be given diagnostic testing
• Be given medication prescriptions
• Be given day-of-surgery instructions and medications
• Be given specific information related to the use of anesthesia
• Be asked to sign consent papers
• Learn the risks associated with surgery

Once your procedure is completed:

• Small sutures close the incisions
• The incision will be bandaged or taped
• You will learn how to care for the surgical site
• You’ll be given medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce potential for infection
• You’ll learn what to look for in the surgical site and overall
• You’ll be asked to keep your head elevated at all times for 48 to 72 hours
• You’ll be given specific postoperative instructions, including how to cleanse your face
• You’ll learn when you may return to light activity
• You’ll receive a follow-up appointment with Dr. Swier

Most incisions are well-healed within a week. Healing will continue for at least several weeks afterward as swelling resolves and incision lines continue to improve.

At first you may experience common conditions including:

• Swelling
• Numbness and discomfort
• Bruising or discoloring
• Temporary restriction of facial movements

Within one week:

• Your stitches will be removed
• You may return to work

Within four to six weeks:

• Strenuous activity and exercising may be resumed