Generally about the treatment
Plastic surgeons use face implants to improve and accentuate the contours of the face. These implants create more harmony and balance to the face.
Jaw augmentation primarily serve the purpose of accentuating the patient's jaw.
Inserting of a jaw implant can be done exclusively, but many have it done in connection with a different cosmetic operation. With a nose correction, for example, a facelift, a lift of the forehead, or eyelid surgery.
Implants can vary in shape and size, making individual customisation, according to the needs of the patient, possible.
The procedure
The insertion of face implants is a relatively minor operation. This also goes for Jaw augmentation surgery.
A cut is made, most often in the mouth, making it possible to insert the implant directly onto the jawbone. When using an intra-oral incision (cut in the mouth) the surgeon will be using self-dissolving threads to close up the cut in the mouth.
After the surgery, a bandage is added in order to minimise swelling and discomfort.
Anaesthesia
Depending on the circumstances the insertion of a jaw implant can be done under local anaesthesia combined with soothing medicine. However, general anaesthesia is often preferable.
Side-effects
The patient's ability to smile, speak, and open/move the mouth will be limited for several days. Other side effects include discomfort, swelling, contusions (bruising), numbness, and/or stiffness of the face.
Risk of complications
There is a risk of imprecise placement of the implant or for an infection to occur around it, making another operation necessary.
There is a risk of the scar tissue surrounding the artificial implant becoming very tight and hard. This is caused by the organism's reaction of the unnatural shape of the implant, and is called capsular contracture, or capsular contraction.
As with any form of surgery, there is a risk of complications related to the anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, poor healing, and blood accumulation.
No form of surgery is risk free, but please note that severe complications are very rare.
Healing and recovery
Work can be resumed after a week's time, though normally it will take 2-4 weeks before your face returns to normal. The head should generally be kept at ease after the surgery, and it's advised not to begin activities that can cause bumps or bloes to the head, until 6 weeks have passed.
Duration of the result
1-2 hours.