Facial implants are becoming more popular as plastic surgery benefits are becoming more well known and publicized. People of all ages are eager to maximize their natural potential to look and feel their best, which is something facial implants can often achieve.
However, patients often have questions about the process of choosing and receiving facial implants. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Will I be able to feel my facial implants?”
Not surprisingly, the answer to this question has a lot to do with the skill and experience of the plastic surgeon you select. Read on to learn what you need to know about facial implants.
What Are Facial Implants?
Facial implants are designed to be solid, durable, lightweight and fully compatible with the natural human tissues and structures in your face. There are many different sizes of facial implants to deliver the results you are seeking.
Facial implants can be placed in multiple locations within the facial structure. Cheek implants, chin implants and jaw implants are three of the most common and popular types of facial implants. Choosing the shape, size and placement of your facial implants will be a collaborative process you share with Dr. Frankel.
Can You Feel Facial Implants?
As mentioned in the introduction here, this is perhaps the part of facial implant procedures that patients are most worried about. The good news is that no, you should not be able to feel your facial implants at all!
However, there will be a post-operative recovery period, and during this time you may feel some normal and temporary pain, pressure, swelling or itching as the surgical sites heal.
Dr. Frankel will give you specific instructions regarding post-operative recovery and site care, including prescriptions to manage any discomfort you may feel. Once this initial recovery period has passed, your facial implants will fully integrate with the surrounding tissues to become a seamless part of your facial anatomy.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facial Implants?
For general purposes, it is best to wait until your facial anatomy has matured fully before seeking facial implants. It is also ideal to be healthy in every other way and to be a non-smoker (or be willing to stop smoking for a period of time before and after your surgery so your body can have its best chance to heal).
Having realistic expectations for post-operative outcomes and a generally optimistic outlook can also be important criteria for successful facial implant procedures.
What Is the First Step to Schedule Facial Implants Surgery?
Your one-to-one consultation with Dr. Frankel is your first step on the road to scheduling a facial implants procedure. This is your personal time to share your goals, review your medical history, share pictures of your desired results if you wish, ask your questions and discuss the best approach to achieving your facial appearance goals.
Dr. Frankel will do a physical examination of the procedure area and take photographs for your medical file. He will talk to you about what to expect, the costs, the post-operative recovery period and enjoying life with your enhanced facial appearance. If you are a good candidate, then before you leave Dr. Frankel’s office, you can schedule your procedure date.
Are There Any Risks to Be Aware Of?
As with any invasive (surgical) procedure, there is also some minimal risk of bleeding, scarring, uneven wound healing and surgical site infection. However, every precaution will be taken to ensure your post-operative experience is free from these risks.
It s very important to carefully review your medical history with Dr. Frankel as well as any current medications you may be taking to ensure there are no possible interactions with the anesthesia. As well, be sure to tell Dr. Frankel if you have any allergies to any medications or you have ever had a reaction to sutures, stitches or surgical tape. This will be essential to planning for your optimal surgical experience.
What Is Recovery from Facial Implants Like?
Another very common question most patients are eager to ask is what the postoperative recovery period is really like after getting facial implants.
There are two vital things to know about the post-operative recovery period: first, your results will be visible right away, and second, your full results may not be visible for a few months.
This is because even though the surface swelling will subside within several days, there are deeper internal tissues that can take longer to heal fully. However, once all of these structures have recovered completely, your beautiful results will be with you for life!
How Do You Prepare for Facial Implants Surgery?
The best way to prepare for your facial implants procedure is to be sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, stay physically fit, eat a healthy diet and arrange for any post-operative care you may need (including childcare as you recover) before your procedure.
This way, you will arrive on the day of your procedure with a calm, clear mind and a healthy, rested body. Also plan to bring someone with you who can drive you home and remain with you to care for you for a period of time following your procedure.
Also, be sure to have any prescriptions filled so you have them if needed as you recovery.
Dr. Andrew Frankel is double board certified. He focuses exclusively on performing produces his practice wholly on the head, neck and face. In addition to his busy practice, Dr. Frankel holds two professorships and has been chosen as one of just 36 Fellowship Directors (American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). He also consults for a Hollywood-based special effects group to support their efforts at transformative aging for actors.
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