Facial Implant Surgery in Lexington KY

Who doesn’t see some room for improvement when they look in the mirror? Through the magic of modern plastic surgery, there are so many ways to gain the confidence and self-esteem you’ve always craved. It is now possible for you to look in the mirror and see you, only better!

Many people desire additional volume and fullness in specific areas of their face. Sometimes, Dr. Gerstle is able to achieve these goals with injectable fillers or application of the patient’s own fat. Other times, to achieve a patient’s cosmetic goals, Dr. Gerstle will place an implant specific to the area of the face—such as lips, cheeks, or chin—to obtain the look the patient desires. If you have tried using fillers to get the look you want but are looking for more volume or perhaps a more permanent appearance, then a chin, cheek, or lip implant may well be for you.

Implants have many benefits, including the ability to create more distinct facial features and a firmer, more youthful appearance. They are made mostly of materials such as silicone rubber which are created to be accepted and easily tolerated by your body. They are an affordable and generally permanent solution, requiring far less recovery time than a facelift, brow lift, or dermabrasion treatment.

To find out more about Facial Implants in Lexington KY with Lexington Plastic Surgery, PLLC, request a consultation or call our office at (859) 279-2111.

Schedule an appointment in our Lexington, KY office today!

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Facial Implants vs Fillers

You and Dr. Gerstle may have a discussion about the differences between fillers and implants for improving the overall look of your face. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you make that choice.

Do you want to create more symmetry or a better balance among your facial features?

If the answer to the question is yes, these goals cannot be accomplished with fillers alone. Sagging cheeks, a receding chin, or ill-defined facial structure requires the insertion of implants in the relevant areas to bring the facial features into better balance and alignment with each other.

An easier, safer way to improve the look of a nose that is too large or prominent is to create a stronger chin by using implants. This surgery is far less invasive and heals much more quickly than rhinoplasty.

Do you want overall improved facial definition?

You may not be dissatisfied with your facial features, but you may wish they were a bit stronger and gave you more of an impact. Implants are a big help to weak facial structures or aging features that are beginning to fall. Defined cheeks, jawline, and chin create a much stronger and more attractive impression than meek, understated ones.

Are you looking for a permanent change?

Dermal fillers only last up to a year. When you are sure about the look you want, implants are usually placed permanently (although it is possible to remove them) and thus are far more cost effective than continuous filler injections. You only recover from the procedure once, and then your new look is permanent.

Are you looking for significant change?

Only implants can significantly change facial structure. Whether you would like to correct a deformity, asymmetry caused by an injury, or are just not satisfied with one or more facial features, implants may be your best way to address these issues. There is no reason to be unhappy with the look you see in the mirror. Talk to Dr. Gerstle about your goals, and he will be happy to advise you on the best way of meeting them!

Facial Implant Safety

Dr. Gerstle considers facial implants to be very safe. The silicone used to manufacture the implants is very well tolerated by the body, although occasionally it can have complications.

We usually use local anesthesia to place facial implants, which has a better safety profile than general anesthesia. Occasionally, patients may have a reaction to materials used in the procedure such as the glue, sutures, or surgical tape.

Dr. Gerstle takes every precaution to minimize scarring risk, promote proper healing of incisions, and prevent infection. Any infection that does occur can usually be treated with antibiotics.

Most of our patients do very well with facial implants, experiencing some swelling, moderate pain, and temporary numbness following the surgery. These generally resolve within days to a couple of weeks. Shifting of implants that requires revision surgery is possible but not likely.

The Facial Implant Procedure

Most implant procedures will be completed within one to two hours, and patients can generally return home on the same day of the procedure. Unless combined with other, more complex procedures, facial implants can usually be inserted in our office under local anesthesia for those in good health. Dr. Gerstle will choose the area or areas to make the incisions that will cause the least amount (if any) visible scarring possible.

Facial Implant Post Op

Some swelling is expected right after the procedure but should diminish within five to ten days. You will follow up with Dr. Gerstle the day after the procedure and then schedule further post-op visits. Dr. Gerstle is always available by cell phone and email for any questions regarding facial implants or concerns that arise in between office visits.

As we’ve mentioned, a distinct benefit of having facial implants placed over other procedures is that the recovery period is very minimal.

Immediately following the surgery, it is normal to experience some redness, inflammation, and minor bruising around the incision sites. Follow his instructions carefully regarding when you can return to work and strenuous exercise. It’s important to allow yourself to heal and to refrain from disturbing the incisions. The good news is that once you’ve completely healed, your implants will create a permanent effect! Take care of yourself by sticking with soft foods such as smoothies, soups, and shakes to minimize the use of your facial muscles for a week or two.

At your follow up visit in the office, Dr. Gerstle will perform an exam to ensure you are healing well and that the implants haven’t shifted at all.

Benefits of Facial Implants

Enhanced facial features
A more permanent solution to injectable fillers or fat grafting
Correcting facial imbalance, whether congenital or due to injury
A more youthful appearance
Builds cheekbones, the jawline, thin lips, or a receding chin
Strengthens weak features
Highly customizable results are achievable
Excellent safety profile and relatively quick recovery
Enhanced confidence and self-esteem

The New You—Working With Dr. Gerstle

Your facial implant journey will begin with an in-depth conversation with Dr. Gerstle that will include a detailed medical history. We will rule out any allergies to the implant materials. Conditions that can be treated with facial implants include sagging in the cheeks or jawline, asymmetries, weak features, sunken or flat cheeks, and a weak or receding chin.

Once you’ve decided on a solution, the two of you will review our state-of-the-art digital imaging system called “Mirror Imaging,” which will represent how you can expect your own face to look after surgical alteration. This is a great way for you to get an accurate picture of what you look like now and how you would like your appearance to be after the procedure. We all know a “picture is worth a thousand words,” and this is a fantastic way to make sure you are both on the same page. Once you decide to move forward, Dr. Gerstle can suggest the appropriate implants and discuss whether any other procedures are indicated to help you achieve your goals.

Common Types of Facial Implants

Chin Implants

Chin implants can add depth and volume to a receding chin that is out of balance with the rest of the facial features. A dominant nose can even be balanced by a more prominent chin, avoiding the need for rhinoplasty. If you decide a chin implant is best for you, the procedure is done under local anesthetic, sedation, or occasionally a general anesthetic in our outpatient surgery center. Dr. Gerstle will place a small pocket under the chin with a very small incision and place the implant.

Jaw Implants

Jaw implants are applied over your existing bone structure to make the jawline more defined and prominent. A jaw implant is often placed along with a chin implant. A stronger jawline is often considered more masculine, making jaw implants a very popular procedure among men.

Cheek Implants

High cheekbones project a sense of youth, beauty, and elegance and are frequently requested by our patients. This surgery is suitable for younger and middle aged patients who want a permanent reshape of their features. It may be possible to insert them via the inside of the mouth or around the lower eyelid to minimize scarring.

Lip Implants

Silicone lip implants impart fuller, more sensuous lips without the need for continuous plumping injections. They can be inserted without causing any visible scars. For simple lip implants, Dr. Gerstle will perform the procedure in his private surgical suite under local anesthetic or light sedation. Small incisions are discretely hidden in the sides of the mouth where the implants are placed, and once you’ve healed, your lips will feel completely natural.

Facial Implant FAQ

Does the incision used to place facial implants cause visible scarring?

Usually it is possible insert facial implants with little to no visible scarring.

Is implant surgery painful?

Any pain associated with the procedure is usually mild to moderate and can be managed with painkillers. It is usual for the pain to subside within a week.

What makes a good candidate for facial implant insertion?

Healthy non-smokers tend to be very good candidates for this procedure. Smokers will be asked to stop smoking for six weeks before and after the implant placement as nicotine is known to delay the body’s natural healing response. We will generally prefer to perform implant surgery on adults, but children who have sustained an accident may need to have their facial features rebuilt after their injury.

Can facial implant surgery be combined with other plastic surgery procedures?

Yes! Dr. Gerstle will be happy to discuss combining this procedure with others that will meet your goals such as a face lift or brow lift. A more complex surgery may require general anesthesia.

How can I prepare for the surgery?

Patients who are fit and have a healthy weight tend to do very well with facial implant surgery. Take this opportunity to eat extra healthy and lose those few extra pounds if you have any! Dr. Gerstle may require you to stop taking any medications or supplements that thin the blood prior to the procedure; please follow all instructions closely.

Will I be able to move my face normally?

After the initial healing period, yes, you will be able to move your face as usual. Being gentle and minimizing movement during the recovery phase will help you to heal more quickly.

When will I see the final results of the surgery?

It can take six to twelve weeks for all healing to be complete and your final look to be achieved, but you will have a good idea of how you will look once any swelling and bruising subside.

What areas can be altered using facial implants?

There are implants especially designed for lips, cheeks, the chin and jaw, and even nose implants that can recontour the tip or bridge of the nose.

Facial Implants Financing

Cherry is a payment plan designed for your health, beauty, and wellness needs and procedures and allows you to make convenient monthly payments.

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs that can be used by your entire family. Use it to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance. Special financing options are available that you may not be able to get with other cards.

Pay for health and wellness care at over 200,000 enrolled providers across the nation. Once you’ve applied, you can use it again and again at any location that accepts CareCredit. For more information and to apply, please visit CareCredit.com.