Facial Implants

Conveniently located to serve Houston and Montgomery County

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Facial Implants are a commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure designed to augment or enhance your face’s physical structure.

Dr. Rivela, one of the Greater Houston area’s most respected plastic surgeons, has performed many facial implant procedures.

Where Can Facial Implants be Placed?

Although any area can be reconstructed by adding contour and proportion to your face, the most common sites for facial implants are:

  • Cheekbones, by increasing projection and adding volume to areas of your face that may be flat or recessed.
  • Jaw, by increasing the width of your face’s lower third.
  • Chin, by increasing projection in proportion to the forehead and mid-face.

Your Consultation with Dr. Rivela

A one-on-one, personal consultation with Dr. Rivela is your time to ask and answer questions. Complete disclosure during the consultation is important for devising a procedural plan tailor-made for you.

Be prepared to discuss:

  • Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
  • Expectations and desired outcome
  • Available options
  • All medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs that you are currently taking or using
  • Previous surgical history

Dr. Rivela may also:

  • Evaluate your general health status including pre-existing conditions and risk factors
  • Examine your face
  • Take photographs for your medical records
  • Discuss your options and recommend a surgical course of action
  • Discuss likely outcome, risks, and potential complications associated with your surgery

Contact us for more information on facial implants or any other cosmetic procedure you may be considering. Our caring staff looks forward to scheduling your in-depth consultation with Dr. Rivela. We are committed to helping you look and feel your best.

Your Facial Implants Procedure

Dr. Rivela performs facial implant procedures under general anesthesia, usually in a surgery center on an outpatient basis. The surgery takes between 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours, depending upon which features are reconstructed and the individual patient. Often selected by choice, facial implants may also be performed after a facial trauma that has altered the face’s appearance.

By creating symmetry between all areas of your face, a more pleasing overall appearance may be achieved. This often leads to significant improvement in self-image. If you are physically and emotionally healthy and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure, you may be considered a good candidate for facial implants.

About the Procedure

  • AnesthesiaGeneral
  • Location of OperationHospital or surgery center in The Woodlands/North Houston area
  • Length of Surgery1 ½-2 ½ hours
  • Length of StayOutpatient (home same day)

Your Facial Implant Recovery Notes

Discomfort: Mild to moderate. Anticipate 1-5 days of prescription pain medication. If you have pain beyond what seems to be normal, it’s important to contact our office immediately to ensure there are no complications.

Swelling and Bruising: Bruising after a facial implant does not usually occur but swelling may be expected. Following chin implants, swelling may last for 1-2 weeks. Following cheek implants, swelling may last for 2-3 weeks. Constant head elevation and frequent application of ice packs may help reduce swelling.

Bandages: Will be applied after surgery and are changed in 1-2 days.

Stitches: Skin stitches will be removed in seven days. Any stitches placed inside the mouth are absorbable and do not require removal.

Make-up: Make-up may be worn the day after surgery and you will be presentable to appear in public in about seven days.

Work: If you have to return to work you should be physically ready in about five days.

Driving: May be resumed in 1-2 weeks if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.

Exercise: Wait 4-6 weeks before doing any strenuous exercise.

Final result: Will be seen in 1-2 months. To protect your investment and the health of your skin, always wear sunscreen – and don’t forget the rule: SPF should be 15 or higher.

Facial Implants FAQs

How should I prepare for a facial implant?

As with any surgery, good overall health is key. Eat a balanced diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Certain medications must be avoided before surgery, while others may need to be adjusted. Another important factor is having well-controlled blood pressure. It is very important for smokers to stop smoking before the surgery. Smoking is proven to delay healing and can cause wound complications. Beyond these, Dr. Rivela will discuss with you everything required for a successful surgery at the consultation. Make sure to follow Dr. Rivela’s instructions carefully, ensuring a speedy recovery.

What factors should be considered when selecting a facial implant surgeon?

Always choose a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Make sure he is trained and experienced in all areas of cosmetic surgery. He should have at least five years of surgical experience, no less than two being in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery. With many years of experience, Dr. Rivela has trained under some of the country’s leading plastic surgeons and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and many other medical societies. By popular vote, he was also named “Best Plastic Surgeon” by Woodlands Online for 2010 to present.

What happens during a facial implant procedure?

Depending on the area of the face being implanted, the procedure may include incisions at the following sites:nChin - beneath your chin or along the crease joining the lower lip and gums inside your mouthnJaw - usually along the crease joining the inside of your cheek with the gum inside your mouthnCheek - depending on the specific area being augmented, often through your mouth. If other surgeries are being performed simultaneously, alternate sites may be accessed.

What are the risks associated with a facial implant?

With any surgery, there are certain risks. Dr. Rivela will explain all risks associated with this particular surgery and you will be asked to sign a consent form, making sure you fully understand the procedure and risks. Following facial implants, contact Rivela Plastic Surgery immediately if you experience abnormal pain or swelling, experience abnormal discharge from the incision site, or develop a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

What are the benefits of a facial implant?

By creating contours and angles in balance with your face, facial implants help define features for a more attractive overall appearance. Anyone bothered by a weak jaw, lack of facial contour or a small chin may find facial implant beneficial.

“Amazing!”

Dr. Rivela’s office is so peaceful and everyone is so welcoming! I first met Dr. Rivela and he was so kind and personal. I had chemical peels and derma-pen done, and everyone went so smoothly! Wendy did all my procedures and she is absolutely amazing! She knows what she is doing! She will bring you a blanket and make you feel at home during the procedure. 🙂 I highly recommend Rivela Plastic Surgery to anyone, don’t go anywhere else except here!.

Facial Implants Cost

The cost of a Facial Implant will depend on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, type of technique performed, surgical complications, and even allergies. Find out more by scheduling a consultation.

Contact DR. Lucian Rivela