If you are unhappy with the shape and proportions of your face, something can be done about it. Facial implants provide plastic surgeons with the means to sculpt a patient’s face to an extent that is not possible to achieve with injectable fillers.

In the hands of skilled plastic surgeons, implants can bring about a more balanced, proportioned, and more attractive facial contour.

Dr. James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS, is an award-winning reconstructive and plastic surgeon in Bellevue who has dedicated his career to perfecting the art and science of plastic facial surgeries. His focus is on achieving natural and harmonious results that highlight your beauty, inside and out. If you would like to enhance the physical structure of your face, contact our outpatient clinic in Bellevue, Washington to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ridgway.

What Are Facial Implants?

Our Bellevue Facial implants are made from solid materials that are compatible with human tissue, such as silicone and porous polyethylene, porous materials that allow in-growth of the patient’s tissues. They are specially designed for use in augmenting or enhancing the structure of the face.

These implants are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. The size and type of implant used in a procedure will depend on the feature to be corrected, the surgeon’s judgment, and the patient’s treatment goals.

When implanted in a properly performed procedure, facial implants are non-migrating and permanent, with the appearance of a natural bone structure. They can be used to augment, reconstruct, or rejuvenate the contours of the face.

Types of Facial Implants

Virtually any part of the face can be augmented with implants, including:

Nose

Nasal implants are often used to augment the bridge or the tip of the nose. Some nasal implants are specially designed for Asians who want to undergo a Seattle rhinoplasty to increase volume in the bridge or tip of the nose. Learn more about ethnic rhinoplasty.

Chin

A small, weak, or recessed chin may seem to disappear into a person’s neck instead of appearing as a distinct facial feature. Chin implants can correct this by increasing the size and projection of the chin, bringing it into better proportion with the rest of the face.

Temple

Hollows in the temples can contribute to the appearance of aging. Temple implants can help a person appear healthier and younger again.

Cheeks

High cheekbones can enhance the aesthetic appearance of the face. Cheek implants can increase the projection of the cheekbones and add volume to recessed or flat areas of the cheeks.

Jaw

Similar to a weak chin, a weak jaw is one that is not distinct from the neck or well defined, or one that slopes instead of angling from the ear to the chin. Jaw implants are used to enhance jaw shape and size by increasing the width of the lower third of the face.

Forehead

Implants in the forehead can help counteract the effects of aging and gravity by lifting the forehead to help maintain a youthful appearance on the upper face. Some are inserted in the scalp under the hair to help lift the mid-face and cheeks.

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How Facial Implant Procedures are Performed

In your Seattle facial implant procedure, surgical markings will be drawn on your face to assist the surgeon with placement. You will lie face up on the operating table and anesthesia will be administered so you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. The surgeon will make a small incision and create a pocket in the facial tissue in which the implant will be inserted. The implant is gently inserted with a sterilized tool, and the incision is closed with sutures.

The location of the incision depends on the facial feature being augmented and other factors. Incisions leaving no visible scars can be made inside the mouth for many chin, cheek, and jaw implants. Incisions may also be placed behind the hairline or through the eyelid to avoid visible scarring.

What to Expect After Facial Implant Surgery

You can expect mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after the procedure, along with post-operative bruising and swelling. Use a cold compress and keep the head elevated to help minimize swelling and bruising. Depending on the location of the incisions, you may be restricted to a liquid diet for a day or two.

Most patients can return to work and resume normal activities within a week. You may be restricted to soft foods for up to ten days. In four to six weeks after the surgery, you should be able to resume your more vigorous activities.

Results are visible almost immediately after the surgery, but they may be obscured by post-surgical swelling that will eventually completely subside, in some cases over several months. When the swelling has gone, your beautiful, permanent results and more aesthetically pleasing facial contours will be revealed for the world to see.

Dr. James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS, is dedicated to each individual patient’s personal and facial transformation. In your initial consultation, Dr. Ridgway can inform you of your options and assist you in making a treatment decision that is right for you.

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Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about facial implants from Dr. James Ridgway, call our office today or schedule an online consultation!

Schedule a consultation

Schedule A Consultation

If you are ready to refresh and rejuvenate your look today, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the best plastic surgeons Seattle has to offer: Dr. James M. Ridgway. During your private consultation Dr. Ridgway will carefully evaluate your face and the subtle imperfections that concern you most before providing you with a personalized blend of Bellevue cosmetic surgery procedures that will help you achieve your ideal facial appearance.

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