Facial implants are used to provide a subtle but profound improvement for people who have an area of the facial skeleton which is insufficiently developed, by providing them with the missing, and more attractive, bone structure.

An attractive facial skeleton provides the basis for a beautifully shaped face and also slows the rate at which facial ageing occurs. Correction of the skeleton using implants also produces an improved result for people undergoing facial rejuvenation surgery.

Recent changes to the implant material itself have made the use of implants more appealing. The new material (hydroxyapatite) is a naturally occurring product derived from coral which is mixed to a putty-like consistency and applied directly on to the bone. It is a significant improvement over the pre-formed silicone implants as it allows precise shaping to meet the patient's individual requirements.

Over time the body's own bone grows into and replaces the implant, creating a stable result. Hydroxyapatite is used extensively in orthopedic surgery procedures, such as hip joint replacements.

Implants are often used in conjunction with correction of lower eyelid bags or with a facelift, as a stronger bone structure highlights the result, but they can also be used on their own. While the cheek and jawline are the commonest areas corrected, hydroxyapatite is also used around the edge of the eye socket, remodelling it from a flat or sunken look to a pleasing contour.

Using computer imaging, patients can 'see' the potential benefits of implants prior to surgery and determine the extent of augmentation they would like.


If you would like to know more about facial implants, click here to email the surgery and request a copy of our Patient Information Notes Augmentation of the Facial Skeleton using Hydroxyapatite.