What Are My Options for Chin Augmentation & Other Facial Implant Procedures?

Implants for the face can be created using a variety of both natural (typically patient-derived) or synthetic materials. Dr. Greco typically uses fat graft, SMAS, and/or silicone implants to augment the face or fill in lines, wrinkles, or folds (or for both functions simultaneously, depending on the unique concerns and goals of each patient).

• Structural fat grafts: Fat is removed via a liposuction cannula from an area on the body having it in excess. Once extracted, it is processed to a state suitable for injection, and then implanted in tiny droplets into the face. As the fat is the patient's own biological material, rejection is negligible. Fat grafts can be used to augment an area of the face and/or to fill in wrinkles and folds.
• Superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) implants: Below the skin and fat is a sheath of tissue known as the SMAS. During a facelift, this layer is tightened, and excess tissue removed from it (which is otherwise disposed of) can be implanted in other areas of the face. Similar to fat grafts, patient-derived SMAS implants are very unlikely to be rejected by the body, and can be used to either augment areas or fill in folds and wrinkles. Due to the nature of how the material is extracted, SMAS implants may only be performed in conjunction with a facelift.
• Silicone implants: Solid materials, such as medical-grade silicone, are manufactured under stringent FDA standards to be compatible with human tissue. Today's silicone implants can be customized to any shape and size that will best fit the unique profiles of individual patients. Silicone implants are used for the augmentation of particular parts of the face. At Dr. Greco's practice, silicone implants are only used for the chin area, as solid implants placed in other parts of the face could move and create issues for the patient.

Facial implants can be used to achieve a variety of goals, such as those listed below.

• Cheek augmentation is performed using a technique which utilizes your own body fat for precise structural alterations that provide a natural-looking result. Once the fat grafts are introduced into the mid-face area, it is recontoured, and the "apple" of the cheek is fuller, making the face as a whole look more balanced, fresh, and youthful.
• Chin augmentation or genioplasty is performed with a chin implant, which is inserted through a small incision in the natural skin crease under the chin or on the inside of the mouth. These implants are uniquely constructed and customized to each patient's face, as they can be made in different sizes and shapes that provide vertical, horizontal, or square width that can extend back along the jawline. The subdermal (i.e. placed under the skin) chin implant is made from a medical-grade material (silicone is the chin implant choice for most of Dr. Greco’s patients), which is eventually incorporated into the body's own tissues as the healing process occurs. The patient's tissues will heal over the implant to create a newly augmented surface that is more proportionate with the rest of the face.
• Lip augmentation is performed on patients looking for a longer-term solution to naturally thin lips or age-related thinning and receding. Since solid materials typically cannot mimic the natural flexibility and softness of lips, softer patient-derived materials such as fat grafts or SMAS implants are preferred. During the time of implantation, some amount of reshaping may also be performed to provide the lips with a more symmetrical look that fits the rest of the patient's face. Please visit the dedicated lip augmentation page to learn more about the options for enhancing your lips.
• Both structural fat grafting and SMAS implants may be used to fill in a variety of areas and address tear troughs/undereye hollows, hollowed temples, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and the pre-jowl sulcus.

Facial implant procedures are often performed in conjunction with other surgeries to add the finishing touches to a patient's appearance. Such procedures include rhinoplasty, face lift, or liposuction at the neck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect immediately after the surgery?

For most facial surgeries, at least two weeks of rest is required. For several weeks, you will experience minor swelling around the implant location. This is a very normal reaction after surgery, and is the body's way of promoting healing. You will also feel some tightness and numbness in the same area, which will improve along with the swelling.

How can I accelerate the recovery process?

Mild discomfort may accompany the post-surgical swelling and bruising, but this can easily be treated with oral medication. Our practice also offers additional services such as Vbeam Perfecta to surgical patients to aid in the recovery process.

Is it possible for the implant to move after it is placed?

Immediately following surgery, the skin covering the implant is taped to prevent movement. However, you must not manipulate the implant with your hands and should avoid contact sports of any kind for at least 6 weeks.

What are the risks?

With facial augmentation, it is important to remember that facial asymmetries present before surgery may remain after surgery, although there will be significant improvement. In addition, anytime an implant of any kind (chin, breast, calf, etc.) is placed in the body, the body almost always accepts the implant. On rare occasions, there can be complications. During your consultation, Dr. Greco and his staff will discuss these potential risks as well as ways to minimize them as much as possible.