Facial augmentation

Need to know

• What happens icon plus

  Facial augmentation procedures are straightforward and quick. They're carried out under general anaesthetic which means you'll be asleep. For cheek implants, your surgeon makes a small cut inside your mouth. With chin implants, your surgeon makes a discrete cut underneath your chin (to minimise visible scarring) or inside your mouth. They then put the implants in place and stitch the cut. For a fat transfer treatment, your surgeon will take fat cells from one area of your body - usually your legs or stomach - and inject them into your face. If you're having your chin remodelled, your surgeon will access the bone via the inside of your mouth.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you, and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll need to have a general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand. And you should arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital.

• Afterwards icon plus

  You should be able to go home the same day as your operation. If your surgeon made cuts in your mouth, you'll need to drink liquids through a straw until the cuts have healed. You should use an antibacterial mouthwash, too. If you have your chin remodelled, you'll need to wear a chin support. After lipomodelling, you'll have some bruising, swelling and possibly numbness in the affected areas. None of these procedures should leave significant scars. Any scars will be well hidden. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine but you'll probably need to take a week off work.