Our skin defines our identity, and is arguably the most visible and noticeable features about our bodies,
even from a distance. Taking great care of your skin should rank among the most essential things in not
only your grooming but also in enhancing your general body health. The skin has numerous functions in
the promotion of health and is the most exposed area of the body. Skincare starts with the basic hygiene
measures like washing with soap and water, with great emphasis put on skincare products that enhance
the beauty and general health of the skin. Although there are numerous skincare products in the
market, settling on one that conveniently suits your skincare routine and needs should always be a
priority. Eryfotona Antinica stands out as a vital skincare product with amazing features that will leave
your skin nourished, glowing, and healthy throughout.
Features of Eryfotona Antinica

This amazing skincare product is endowed with amazing ingredients all designed to ensure that your skin
is at its utmost health and beauty. it is important to note that Eryfotona Antinica is backed by numerous
peer-reviewed clinical articles that pay tribute to its efficacy, giving evidence to its potency as an
undisputed skincare product. Some of the standout features of Eryfotona Antinica include the following;

• It is endowed with DNA Repairsomes and Antioxidants that work to ensure that the skin is
  repaired and well maintained from its core. The DNA Repairesomes helps to address existing
  actinic damage by promptly delivering the essential encapsulated photolyase enzymes.
• Works as an ideal adjuvant product for a range of patients that include; patients on treatment
  for various diseases that include PDT, Cryo, and Topical treatments, patients with a prior history
  of Actinic Keratoses and patients at high risk of sun damage. It promotes healing in the affected
  patients, ensuring that their skin regains its healthy status in the shortest time.
•  It is enriched with Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps protect against environmental skin
  damage, promoting the general health of your skin throughout.
•  Contains Zinc Oxide, a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB mineral sunscreen that ensures that your skin
  is protected against the harmful UV light from the scorching sun.
  The 100% pure mineral sunscreen protects your skin against the scorching UV Rays that might
  potentially damage the skin. Eryfotona Antinica is useful not only to those exposed to the dangers of the
  direct sunlight or people already undergoing treatment for various diseases but can be used by anyone
  looking to promote their skin growth. This amazing product is particularly essential to those whose skins
  are sensitive to the sunlight, giving you the freedom to enjoy the outside world without the worry of
  sunburns.

Conclusion

Take charge of your skin health by investing in this worthwhile and healthy skincare product, Eryfotona
Antinica. It allows you to step out in style, without the worry of the direct scorching sun while at the
same time promoting the general health of your skin. Check out this fantastic product for healthy and
glowing skin.

The post Eryfotona Antinica – Daily Mineral Sun Protection appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.

All ladies love to stand out and invest in immensely in their looks. Cosmetic routines add verve and color
to any look, a practice that is at the heart of any lady's beauty. Before stepping out, nothing short of a
perfect, glowing look will give a lady satisfaction and the ultimate confidence. Several beauty products
enhance that ultimate perfect look. While settling for a beauty product, it is important to look out for
one that will not only compliment your look but also promote your skin health. One of the magnificent
products to add to your cosmetic routine is the Eryfotona Ageless.

The amazing Eryfotona Ageless should be on top of your list of must-have beauty products. It comes
endowed with incredible ingredients and additives that make it a great pick when selecting a product to
compliment your cosmetic routine.

This fine product guarantees you a healthy and glowing skin while at the same time enhancing your
beauty. The ingredients in the product are professionally selected, fine-tuned, and designed to provide a
lasting, sensational, and stand out beauty effect. Eryfotona Ageless is an innovative, all-in-one tinted
emulsion purposefully designed to supplement your usual cosmetic routine.
Eryfotona Ageless features

Eryfotona Ageless comes endowed with amazing features all geared towards enhancing that your skin is
healthy and strikingly beautiful. The product contains a proprietary blend of innovative ingredients that
help reduce the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, and in the process, promote the synthesis of
collagen. The standout features of the fantastic Eryfotona Ageless include the following;

• Its key ingredients aids in the fight against free radicals solely responsible for photoaging and
  targets accumulated skin damage.
• Endowed with DNA Repairsomes containing encapsulated photolyase enzymes that focus at the
  core of the skin, promoting its healthy state throughout
   Contains the essential Peptide Q10, which is important in boosting your skin natural antioxidant
  defense, helping in keeping likely skin conditions at bay, leaving your skin glowing and healthy
  all through
• It has the vital Peptide Complex, an important agent in addressing photoaging which comes as a
  result of excessive exposure to the direct scorching sun
• Contains Zinc Oxide, a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB mineral sunscreen, protecting your skin
  against the many harmful rays of the direct scorching sun, giving you the freedom to step out in
  style.
• Contains Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that actively protects the skin against likely
  environmental damage that one is likely to face on our daily routines
  The ultralight tinted sunscreen is the ultimate choice when it comes to defending against photoaging. It
  is highly essential especially to people with sensitive skin and those looking to enhance their beauty atop
  their usual cosmetic routine.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a product that guarantees you that perfect standout look, then Eryfotona Ageless
should be your to-go-to beauty product. Every aspect of the sensational product works towards
promoting the ultimate perfect look while at the same time promoting your general skin growth. Try out
this amazing product for a beautiful transformation.

The post Eryfotona Ageless – Ultralight Tinted Mineral Sunscreen appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.

Do you ever find yourself looking in the mirror and not recognize the face looking back at you? As we age, women may see noticeable changes to the structure of their skin, this is especially true for the face and jowls. Our skin naturally loses elasticity as we age and skin may start to noticeably sag. Let’s not forget that our worry lines and wrinkles may become more prominent too. These changes are unavoidable and can cause many women to lose confidence in their appearance. If you’re tired of trying every face cream or anti-aging product on the market, with little or no results, a liquid facelift may be right for you.

What is a liquid facelift?

A liquid facelift is a procedure performed by a licensed practitioner involving the strategic placement of dermal fillers via injections to problematic areas. This procedure is less invasive than surgical facelifts because there are no incisions necessary to achieve the desired look. Ideally, candidates for a liquid facelift have relatively fewer wrinkles and minimal sagging. Women seeking more dramatic results for excessive skin sagging should consider a surgical facelift to achieve desired results. While the main goal of a liquid facelift is to reduce sagging and wrinkles, it can also be beneficial to:

• Create fuller looking cheeks
• Add plumpness to lips
• Reduce the look of hollowed eyes
• Diminish the appearance of scars
• Tighten the wrinkles surrounding the lips, eyes, and forehead

How does a liquid facelift work?

As we age, the connective tissues in our skin known as collagen and elastin can break down more rapidly. This leads to noticeable wrinkles and lines on the skin. Many see a loss in fat in the face which can cause the face to appear gaunt or hollow. These factors lead many women to appear visibly older and most will search for procedures or products to reverse these effects. Liquid facelifts involve the use of fillers injected into the skin. These injections literally fill in the space between the layers of skin. A liquid facelift will add plumpness to the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. This procedure is exceptional for any woman who wishes to have a more contoured, fuller looking face.

Target areas for a liquid facelift
While liquid facelifts generally target the face, the fillers can also be used on your hands. Everyone’s procedure is different and depends entirely on the desired results. When focusing on the face

Your dermatologist may target areas such as:

• Jowls
• Cheeks
• Temples
• Eyebrows
• Under eyes
• Folds between the mouth and nose
• scars

What are the risks and side effects involved?

Unlike the more invasive surgical facelifts, a liquid facelift generally has no serious side effects or limitations after the procedure.

Typically there is less bruising than a traditional facelift. However, some light bruising is perfectly fine after receiving the injections. Bruising will typically appear worse if you use blood-thinning medications prior to your procedure or have the injections inserted around the eyes. It is essential you talk to your doctor and discuss all medications you are currently taking, even supplements and vitamins.

After receiving the injections it is not uncommon to experience some pain, swelling, and redness.

Although rare, serious side effects have been reported including:

• Allergic reactions
• Infections caused by bacteria (i.e. staph or strep) entering through the injection site
• Triggering herpes simplex virus (HSV) flare-ups
• Fillers entering blood vessels in the injection sites, which can lead to skin necrosis

It is recommended you always monitor your skin for reactions after injections and report to your doctor if you start to have flu or allergy-like symptoms.

What to expect and how to be prepared for the procedure
Typically a liquid facelift requires very little preparation. Ideally, before arriving the day of the procedure, your skin should be free of:

• Makeup
• Sunburn
• Skin infections or wounds near the injection site

In order to reduce the amount of bruising after the procedure, the following should be avoided at least two days prior to the procedure:

• Alcohol
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen
• Aspirin products

The night before the procedure you’ll need to get plenty of rest. Try to arrive at your appointment early in order to have time to relax and prepare mentally for the procedure. Always consult your doctor to make sure no specific measures need to be taken in order to prepare for your procedure.

Recovery

Typically once your procedure is through you may return to work and normal activities. However, consider taking a day or two off if bruising is worse than anticipated. Some physicians will advise you to ice your face immediately after the procedure to reduce swelling. Your physician may also warn you to avoid strenuous exercise, direct sun exposure, and tanning for at least 24 hours after the procedure. When using fillers such as poly-L-lactic acid, you may be instructed by your doctor to massage the injected areas. Otherwise, avoid touching the injected areas for a minimum of three days after the procedure.

How long does a liquid facelift last?

Results are typically immediate unless your dermatologist used poly-L-lactic acid in which case you’ll see more gradual results over the next couple of weeks. Results will generally last between 6 and 24 months depending on the type of filler used. Repeat procedures are usually recommended to maintain the desired appearance. Discuss with your dermatologist how long your fillers will last and when they recommend you schedule your next procedure.

How much does a liquid facelift cost?

While liquid facelift costs are typically less than a traditional (surgical) facelift, it depends on a few factors including:

• The area your dermatologist or plastic surgeon is located. Prices can vary from city to city.
• The type of filler you decide to go with such as Botox or Juvederm.
• The number of injections expected at the time of treatment.

It’s best to talk with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon in your area for an accurate quote. Unfortunately, since this is an elective cosmetic procedure it is highly unlikely insurance will cover it.

Search for providers in your area today and enjoy a beautiful more youthful-looking complexion with a liquid facelift.

The post Liquid Facelift appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.

Aging is a natural process that has to be experienced by all human beings. It is mainly brought about by deterioration of cells. Cell deterioration also occurs when the person is young, however at that juncture one’s body is strong and is capable of new cell production and growth. However, this capability of new cell generation gradually decreases as the person moves up the ladder of age. This is when the process of aging kicks off.

Youth is generally associated with beautiful, glowing skin; betraying all signs of young vitality. However, over exposure to the sun can easily affect the quality of your skin. Although, there are various preventive measures for this such as the application of sun screen and wearing protective clothing, however once the damage has been done, one has to look for alternative techniques to redress this damage.

What are the causes of wrinkles, apart from sun exposure?

These causes have been given below:

• Muscular Action

Your underlying muscles are constantly in motion. These continuous movements also prompt your skin to be modified and thus form lines in your skin.

• Modification in your dermal constituents

A junction is formed between dermis and epidermis as the person begins to age. This is also a very potent cause for wrinkles.

• Modification in your skin’s elasticity

Age tends to distend those lines which keep your skin taut and thus wrinkles are formed.

Generally, these processes tend to speed up as the person crosses the age of sixty.

Since centuries, man has been looking for the elixir of youth since most of us want to appear younger than we actually are. Owing to this very reason, the domain of anti-aging skin care has grown progressively through the years.

All those techniques which seek to prevent, slow and ultimately reverse the aging process come under this inclusive term of anti-aging skin care. Now, you can come across a multitude of anti-aging treatments. Some of these include lasers, peels, moisturizing agents, fillers etc. Most of these treatments are successful in retaining or restoring the youthful vitality of your skin. Moreover, these treatments also claim to fight any probable risks of skin cancer.

What is the objective of anti-aging treatments?

These treatments and procedures mainly aim for the removal of all aging signs from one’s skin. These aging signs not only include wrinkles but pigmentation and age spots as well. Moreover, these treatments also claim to restore the firmness of your skin as well as its youthful elasticity. The issue of skin, dryness, as well as the visibility of blood vessels can also be treated through these procedures.

Who is the ideal candidate for anti-aging treatments?

– Those patients whose skin appears to be dehydrated. Dehydration also reduces the production of collagen.

– Those people who skin has lost its natural tone and firmness.

– People with wrinkles on the surface of their skin. Wrinkles tend to be the first signs of aging. They may be present at the corners of the mouth, eyes, between eyebrows, on forehead etc.

– Double chin and visible bags present under the eyes can also be treated through these procedures.

How to select the ideal anti-aging skin care product?

More and more people want to stay young and beautiful and thus in order to cater to this growing demand, there is a wide array of anti-aging skin care products available out there. With so many different options available, it becomes difficult for a person to decide which skin-care product would work the best for him/her. Moreover, different products are meant to address different anti-aging issues. Therefore, before using any product it is strongly recommended that you visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. The doctor would examine your skin and other associated factors and after thorough examination would prescribe products which would work the best for you. Moreover, the doctor would also be able to determine your particular skin type and then recommend the appropriate skin care product for you.

Most products are meant to target specific skin types and thus it is very important that you get your skin consulted by a dermatologist. In fact, the use of an inappropriate product may even worsen your aging symptoms.

If the damage is minimal then many people are able to reverse it by the application of moisturizing agents, however, this doesn’t work in every case. As a corollary, others techniques such as dermal fillers and lasers are the last resort.

– Sunscreen and moisturizer: Your plastic surgeon will primarily recommend a sun screen and moisturizer for you according to your particular skin type. Both these products have proved to be the most effective anti-aging entities.

These products have to be applied daily so that they serve dual purposes; i.e. they slow down the aging process and prevent any skin damage. They may not necessarily be a treatment for wrinkles and other lines of aging, however, many good moisturizing agents now claim to reduce these lines as well.

It is recommended that you choose a water resistant sun screen which has a broad spectrum (SPF 30 or higher). Also, if you are in the sun then sun screen needs to be re-applied after two hours.

Qualities of a good Anti-aging skin care product:

Make sure that your anti-aging skin care product has the following traits.

– It ought to be Hypoallergenic.

– It should be Non-comedogenic (which means that it should not cause acne).

– It should be manufactured by a recognized and well-known laboratory.

Also, the patient ought to have realistic expectations from the surgery. They should understand that anti-aging treatment is not a miracle and will not make you appear 10 years younger instantly. Also, all signs of aging would not be eliminated entirely. The results yielded by these skin care products are modest enough but if you are seeking a more dramatic change, then you may have to consider other techniques such as a face-lift.

Price should not be your only consideration while choosing a skin care product for yourself. It is not always true that the most expensive products tend to produce the best results. It has been mentioned formerly as well that your skin type ought to be a very important consideration while choosing products for your skin. Always make sure that you choose products for your skin after having consulted with a dermatologist.

Moreover, product ingredients ought to be given due consideration as well. If your product has anti-oxidants (i.e. Vitamins A and C), peptides and retin then it is sure to produce much more effective results as compared to those products which lack these ingredients.

What are antioxidants?

These are nutrients which bring about neutralization of free radicals before they have the chance of harming your skin. The importance of these topical anti-oxidants has been proved scientifically for the protection and rejuvenation of skin (particularly Vitamin C and E).

What are peptides?

These are small proteins constituting of amino acid chains. Peptides are noted for their stimulation of collagen production. Peptides can either be synthetic or natural; however mostly the peptides that are used in cosmetics are synthetic.

What is vitamin A – Retinol?

Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A. Different derivatives such as Renova, Retinol and Retin A are present in commercial products. These retinoids address skin issues related to aging by escalating the production of collagen and bringing down the reduction of collagen.

What is the purpose of sunscreen?

Electronic magnetic light from the sun in the form of UV radiations continually reaches the earth. These UV radiations have different wavelengths according to which they are classified. UVC rays are unable to reach the earth’s surface and thus do not harm your skin. UVA and UVB on the other hand not only reach the earth’s surface but they also have the potential of damaging your skin. The extent of this damage is quite vast. For instance, these harmful radiations may trigger pre mature aging or they may even cause cancers and other ailments. Your immune system may also be affected due to these radiations.

Sun screens play a vital role in reduction and at times complete elimination of the effect of these UV radiations.

DR. Amjadi- The Ideal Solution:

Dr. Amjadi provides the ultimate solution for the treatment of this damaged skin:

– La Roche-Posay: This is a dermatologic laboratory which has come up with a wide array of skin care products. These products constitute of active ingredients that target wrinkles. These ingredients include anti-oxidants, nutrients like Vitamin C and moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid.

-The Redermic line: This line of skin care products comprises of approximately 6 products which primarily target wrinkles. Moreover, these products restore the skin’s firmness and elasticity, thus making your complexion smooth and uniform.

It comprises of two basic active ingredients which are as follows:

* Mannose: Mannose enables your skin to get rid of all irregularities and it enhances the effect that light has on your skin.

* Hyaluronic acid: The second ingredient i.e. hyaluronic acid can go a long way in smoothing your skin. Its effect is immediate and since it is non-greasy, therefore it can serve as an ideal make-up base as well.

– SkinCeuticals: This dermatologic laboratory has come up with approximately 52-anti aging products so far. Each of these caters to the needs of a specific skin type and by extension a specific patient. Your doctor may recommend you to use some of these products together. Each one of these products fights the effects of aging and enhances your skin’s brightness.

The three most recommended products from this line are given below:

– C E FERULIC: This product comprises of a number of ingredients which include anti-oxidants, ferulic acid and Vitamins E and C. These ingredients bring about neutralization of free radicals and thus they slow down the process of aging.

– A.G.E. INTERRUPTER: This product specifically aims to enhance your skin’s elasticity and restore its firmness. Also, it seeks to reduce your wrinkles by almost 20%. Blueberry extract, Proxylane and phytosphinegosine are its active ingredients which make sure that the formerly mentioned aims are achieved.

– RESVERATROL B E: This skin care product constitutes of anti-oxidants and should be applied at night. Its active ingredients are Vitamin E, baicalin and pure resveratrol. These ingredients help to fortify the defense system of your skin so that any further damage can be prevented. Moreover, it helps to fix the damage that has been done already.

– Senté: This product has been approved by scientists across the globe. The innovative technology deployed in this skin-care product ensures maximum hydration. Furthermore, it minimizes your wrinkles and fine lines along with improving the overall texture of your skin. The Senté (HSA – heparan sulfate analog) present in this product rejuvenates your skin, prompting it to look healthier

– Peptide-9: peptide-9 is a product by the SkinBeautica laboratory. It rejuvenates the texture of your skin and makes it healthier. It comprises of 9 active peptides which give proven results. These results are apparent no matter what skin type and chemistry you might have. The molecules of these peptides are quite small, due to which they have the capability of penetrating deeper into your skin and thus their action is much more profound. In order to yield its best results, it ought to be used twice every day.

What should a person do if all these anti-aging skin care products do not provide the desired results?

If all of these skin-care products fail to produce the desired results, then the first thing which you ought to do is go visit a doctor, preferably a plastic surgeon. Then, you ought to convey your desired goals and requirements openly so that the doctor can acquaint you with all the available techniques.

Dr. Amjadi not only guides you comprehensively about the skin care products that you can use, rather he also provides you with other options as an alternative to these skin care products if they fail to produce the desired results.

– Laser skin resurfacing: Beams of laser or light energy are deployed in this process. This laser energy produces heat which stimulates the production of collagen as a corollary. There are two laser options that can be used for this purpose, i.e. Erbium and CO2.

– Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers play a crucial role in minimizing your facial lines. They also restore volume to your face. Plastic surgeons deploy these fillers to fill up your wrinkles, facial contours and others creases. Moreover, the appearance of your recessed scars may also be improved because of these fillers. Examples of these dermal fillers include Drysport, Botox, Juvederm etc.

– Chemical peels: Chemical peeling is also a minimally invasive technique whereby the texture of your skin is improved and it becomes smooth. Chemical solutions are used is order to peel off your skin’s external layer. These chemical peels also come in different types and you can choose any one from amongst these depending upon your particular skin type.

The techniques mentioned above should only be performed by plastic surgeons as they are specialized and need expertise as well as qualification. If performed inappropriately, they can produce many adverse side effects.

Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons

915 Gessner Rd #870

Houston, TX 77024

713-465-6198

The post Anti-Aging appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.

These implants are specially formed with materials which are not rejected by human tissues; they are created in different sizes and shapes and are selected according the physical structure of the face and the specific zone to enhance or augment.
Basically, any part of the face may be changed with implants. The cheek (or malar area), chin, and jaw are the sites where facial implants are mostly used.

– Chin implants: This type of implant can improve the projection of the chin. This is desired by patients who have a disproportion between the upper and the lower half of the face (forehead and chin). Some people have a chin so small that it tends to “disappear” in its connection with the neck. With this implant, they recover the chin as a more projected part of the face.

– Cheek implants: These implants are used to improve the shape of the cheekbones and add projection to flat areas.

According to new statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), chin augmentation is the fastest growing plastic surgery trend; the procedure recently skyrocketed in both women and men, as well as in all patients over the age of 20, with the largest increase seen in patients age 40 or older. Chin augmentation grew more than breast augmentation, Botox®, and liposuction combined in 2011.

Who is an ideal candidate for facial implants?

A good candidate for a facial implant is someone in good health who has reasonable and specific goals in mind for improvement of the facial contours, Likewise, his/her bone maturity and growth should be completed (especially in the skull). Most people reach bone maturity at the end of adolescence.

Likewise, other good candidates are patients who are bothered by a small and retracted chin, who want to improve the contour and roundness of the cheeks (which may become flat with aging process), and people who desire to enhance facial asymmetries or deformities caused by traumas or from birth (congenital).

It is important for the patient to be aware of other alternatives to change the face contours; even facial implants can be combined with other procedures as fat grafting, bone repositioning and grafting, and others.

What are the advantages of facial implants?

– They can correct facial asymmetries.

– They are placed through a localized surgery, which means that it is not necessary to perform a procedure in another area of the body.

– These implants are relatively easy and quick to place, and they offer permanent results.

What are the disadvantages of facial implants?

– If the patient has complications like graft rejection or infection, he/she may need another surgery to remove the implant.

– If the implant is not properly fixed and it moves from the correct position, the face contour will look altered.

– During the procedure, the plastic surgeon may cause injuries to the nerves or muscles.

How much does a facial implant surgery cost?

The cost of facial implants varies a lot, based on the surgeon experience, the type of procedure used, and the kind of implant. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average is $2,400, though this doesn’t include the anesthesia fees, hospital or surgical facility costs, medical tests, and other expenses.

Because facial implants are elective surgery, insurance does not cover these costs, but in the case of reconstructive surgeries, it could cover them.

What is the preoperative preparation for a facial implant procedure?

During the consultation with the plastic surgeon, the patient will discuss his/her medical history, any dental problems he/she has had, and any prior cosmetic or reconstructive surgery he/she has had done on his/her face. The surgeon can write a letter detailing the case and provide photos that will be taken before the surgery.

The surgeon should also know what the patient wants to change about his/her appearance, why he/she has those goals, and whether the patient is planning on getting other surgeries or cosmetic procedures done. He/she will evaluate the patient’s health condition and any potential risk factors. During the consultation, photographs to decide the best technique with the patient are also taken.

Before the procedure, the surgeon will instruct the patient about precautions to avoid all conditions that predispose bleeding and delay the healing process, such as smoking and taking certain medications and supplements. This is recommended between 6 and 2 weeks before and after the procedure.

What is the general procedure of a facial implant surgery?

Most facial implant procedures take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to be performed (in some cases it may take more time). Facial implant surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure (meaning no overnight stay) in the hospital, surgeon’s office, or surgical center.

General anesthesia is commonly used during a facial implant procedure, although local anesthesia or intravenous sedation may be better in some instances. The surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed before surgery.

In general terms, the procedures that the plastic surgeon uses to place each type of facial implants are similar. The first step consists in drawing marks to indicate the specific place where the implant should be located during the procedure. During the surgery, the patient will be maintained in the supine position (face-up). Later, the plastic surgeon will create an incision to insert the implant; a pocket is made under the skin to maintain the implant in its place.

– Cheek implants: The plastic surgeon selects the specific area where the implant will be placed, but this is always over the cheekbone. Usually, the implant should be located in the lower eyelid border to improve this area too. To insert the cheek implants, the plastic surgeon creates incisions inside the mouth and in the border between the gums and the upper lip, but when these implants are combined with other plastic surgeries, other incisions may be used, like on the lower eyelid or even the hairline.

– Chin implant: For a chin implant, the incision can be performed inside the mouth, in the joint between the gum and the upper lip, or under the chin. Chin implants may help give better balance to the profile.
Currently, facial implants can be made of different materials, but the most used are those made with solid silicone rubber; in addition, other options widely used are high-density porous polyethylene (Medpor) and ePTFE, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex).

In the market, there are 3 general shapes of cheek implants: malar, submalar, or a combination.

– Malar implants: This is the most commonly used type; the plastic surgeon can place it directly in the cheekbones to achieve a better projection of these bones. The result is a “higher” projection of the face.

– Submalar implants: These implants are not placed over the cheekbones; these implants provide fuller cheeks, improving a sunken appearance in this area.

– Malar/submalar combination: This is a more extended type of implant, as it allows the surgeon to improve all of the lower and mid-face with only one implant.

The 3 general shapes of chin implants are:

– Central chin implants: This is the most common implant to change the shape of the chin, it mainly changes the projection of the chin (in different degrees) and in some cases, it may include changes in the jawline.

– Anatomical chin implants: This type of implant improves the chin and jawline at the same time. It is shaped by two wings united in an angle of 45 degrees. It molds very well to the mandibular bone, so once it is fixed, it is very stable and provides excellent contours.

– Extended anatomical chin implants: This is a variety of the anatomical implant; they differ because this implant has larger wings, improving the jawline even more. Likewise, its anatomical shape and wrap-around design allows it to counter jowls, too.
In other cases, this implant is used to expand the jaw; it can be more angular and square, which is why it is recommended for men.

Standard 4mm commercial shells are suitable to produce natural augmentations in most patients; but, for a more subtle effect, some patients choose a 3mm shell; in the other hand, for patients who desire a more dramatic effect, a 5 or 6mm shell is used. For more demanding patients, custom-designed implants can also be created (but these are more time-consuming and more expensive). This type of implant is also used in reconstructive surgeries. Actually, it may be created or adapted according to the patient’s CT scans. This is important because customized implants correct in better measure the specific defects or asymmetries.

The incision is finally closed with sutures and may be bandaged or taped. Once the surgery is finished, the patient is maintained in a recovery room, to be monitored until the effects of the anesthesia have passed.

Likewise, the plastic surgeon can cover the treated area with surgical dressings. Usually, the patient can go home right away, unless the plastic surgeon suggests otherwise.
On the day of the surgery, the patient should wear a loose blouse or shirt that does not have to be pulled over the face.

What is the postoperative care in a facial implant surgery?

Typically, recovery from a facial implant is quick. The patient should only need one week off from work and other normal activities at the most, though it is important to remember that the total recovery period will depend on the personal habits and whether or not the patient is having another surgery done at the same time. The surgeon will indicate when the patient can return to his/her regular level of daily activity and work.

During recovery, the patient should remain with the head elevated at 45 degrees for a week, and should set up an area specially conditioned with a lot of ice or freezer bags, ointments or creams (recommended by the surgeon) for any external incision sites, clean gauzes, soft foods, and mouthwash (if the surgeon recommends not brushing the teeth while the face recovers). The cold compresses and liquid/soft diet are generally indicated for 2 to 10 days.

After the surgery, the patient will have bruising and swelling that can last at least two days. Bandages or dressings may be used to keep the surgical site clean and to support the position of the implant during initial healing once the procedure is finished.

If the patient follows all of the plastic surgeon’s recommendations, the patient will have an excellent recovery. Recommendations may include the use of surgical dressings, antibiotics or painkillers safe to take, and activities that are allowed; the surgical incisions should not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing.
Stitches will be removed between 5 and 10 days later. Some kinds of sutures (like those used inside the mouth) do not need to be removed, as they dissolve by themselves during the same period of time. Strenuous physical activity is prohibited for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

What are the risks and potential complications of a facial implant surgery?

Serious complications are infrequent in this procedure. However, as all surgeries do, this surgery has risks and potential complications. One of the most common complications is that contour abnormalities can occur if implants shift or become malpositioned. Extrusion of implants is rare, but it can be caused by excessive trauma or infection.

Some patients may present an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Blood and other fluids can accumulate under the skin, infection of the treated areas can occur, or the patient can have altered sensation, dissatisfaction with the results, or persistent pain.

What are the results of facial implant surgery?

The results of a facial implant surgery can be noticed almost immediately, but during the first days, swelling and discoloration can alter the appearance. In some cases, the swelling dissipates completely after months. Movements of the face should be restricted at the beginning, especially when the implant was inserted.

Facial implants are essentially permanent, but all implants can fracture as a result of normal activity or facial trauma, and on occasion, they can become infected. Most patients can expect a lifetime of improvement after facial implant surgery; but, in some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure, and another surgery may be necessary.

For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to the plastic surgeon’s office for a follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever the patient notices any changes in his/her facial implants. The patient should not hesitate to contact his/her surgeon when he/she has any questions or concerns.

Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons

915 Gessner Rd #870

Houston, TX 77024

713-465-6198

The post Chin and Cheek Implants appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.