Our facial implants in Pittsburgh can be used to contour, augment and enhance areas of the face lacking definition or character. With the right size and placement, facial implants can restore the proportion and symmetry of the face, while enhancing attractive features.
Common areas where facial implants are often inserted include the chin (which can often blend in with the neck), cheeks (which can appear hollow) and jawline (which can lack definition). Chin implants are often performed in combination with a facelift or rhinoplasty surgery to further enhance facial harmony.
Some of the most attractive people have pronounced jawlines, projecting chins, and full, defined cheeks. It is rumored that blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe had a chin implant in 1950, but this is highly debated due to her natural looking appearance.
In addition to enhancing facial features, facial implants can be inserted with the goal of making other facial features appear less prominent (for example: augmenting a chin may make the nose appear smaller). Facial implants can also be added for a more youthful and rejuvenated look or to correct facial deformities formed at birth or from injury. Many men are interested in facial implants to subtly enhance the masculinity of the face with a more angular flavor.
What happens during the facial implants consultation?
A good patient/doctor relationship is the foundation for a great surgical result. Dr. Leong takes pride in meeting with all his surgical patients one on one to provide them with honest, realistic expectations. At Leong Facial Plastic Surgery, we believe in transparency and will only perform procedures we feel will be beneficial to the patient and worth their time, effort and money.
Who is a good candidate for facial implants?
A good candidate for our Pittsurgh facial implants may be a man or woman (both young and old) with a weak chin, jawline, or cheeks, looking for a long-lasting augmentation. During a consultation, Dr. Leong will determine a treatment plan that works best for your facial profile and your specific needs. The goal is not to make you look unrecognizable or like someone else, but to improve your facial features.
Are facial implants safe?
Facial implants have been used throughout the last century but have significantly increased in popularity in the last few decades. The material that makes up facial implants is biocompatible, which means it is less likely to be rejected by the body. With the right surgeon and careful precautions taken during surgery, facial implant surgery is a relatively safe and straightforward procedure. However, no surgery is without risks. Rare complications associated with facial implants include moving of the implant over time and infections involving the implant. These will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
Paul Leong MD FACS
The Facial Specialist
Dr. Leong's education included earning a medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and then specializing in head, face, and neck surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, ranked as a top five otolaryngology program in the US. He further developed his surgical skills through two fellowships, the first in Advanced Oncologic Surgery of the Head and Neck at Pittsburgh Medical Center and the second in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University.
What to expect the day of facial implant surgery
You will be made comfortable prior to the procedure with local or general anesthesia. The surgical technique for implant surgery varies depending on the area of the face being addressed.
- Chin implants – the incision occurs along the inside lower lip or beneath the chin (Dr. Leong typically makes the incision beneath the chin)
- Jaw implants – the incision is made on the inside of the lower lip
- Cheek implants – an incision is made in the mouth or laterally on the lower eyelid
If you are having another surgery in addition to an implant surgery, placement of the incision may differ.
The size of your implant is carefully selected prior to surgery, depending upon the size and characteristics of your face and the goal you are hoping to achieve. Surgery can take up to two hours depending on each patient and will be performed on an outpatient basis at either Sewickley Valley Hospital, St. Clair Hospital or West Penn Hospital. In addition to facial implant surgery, you may be an excellent candidate for other procedures such as rhinoplasty surgery, facial filler injections, or Botox® Cosmetic/Dysport® injections.
What to expect after surgery
You will be able to see an immediate difference after surgery, but the true results can be seen once swelling and bruising dissipates. Swelling and bruising typically last around two weeks. It is important to refrain from physical exercise and to adhere to all post-op instructions. A follow-up appointment will be made to discuss your progress and compare your before and after facial implants pictures.
What is the cost of facial implants in Pittsburgh?
The pricing for facial implants can vary depending on several factors, including the specific area of the face where the implant is placed, the type of implant used, the skill level of the physician, and the geographical location of the surgery. While facial implant procedures in Pittsburgh typically fall within a certain price range, the Leong Facial Plastic Surgery team will provide detailed pricing information during your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Leong. For any further inquiries, please feel free to contact our office at 412-693-6475.
Now Serving Morgantown
Dr. Paul Leong is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in aesthetic facial plastic surgery. With an international reputation for the quality of his facial implants surgery, Dr. Leong’s practice has a regional scope, drawing patients from well beyond Pittsburgh. To better serve his patients in the region, Dr. Leong has expanded with an additional office in Morgantown, WV.
Financing
Since the facial implants Dr. Leong inserts are for cosmetic purposes, we do not accept insurance; however, we accept cash, check, CareCredit and all major credit cards.
Contact Leong Facial Plastic Surgery
For more information on facial implant surgery or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Leong to talk more about your options, please contact Leong Facial Plastic Surgery today.