Facial implants Facial implants can enhance facial appearance in those individuals who desire more prominence in certain facial structures, such as the cheekbone or the chin. There are many types of materials used to make facial implants. I prefer to use the implants made by the Gore Corporation. These Gortex implants are easy to insert, look and feel natural and are resistant to infection and displacement. They can also be trimmed to a custom shape and size at the time of surgery. I will examine your face at the initial consultation and determine the appropriate size and shape of facial implant for you. Cheekbone (malar) implants are usually placed though incisions made in the mouth just above the canine teeth. A pocket for the implant is made by lifting the cheek skin off the underlying bone with a special instrument. The implant is then carefully placed and the incision closed. Chin implants are placed either through an incision inside the mouth under the lower incisors or through a small incision under the skin. A special instrument is used to make a pocket on the chin bone. After positioning the implant, the incision is closed. This surgery is done either in my AAAASF certified office operating room with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or at Seattle Surgery Center, which is located next door to my office building under a general anesthetic. There is bruising and swelling at the operative site for about one week. Most patients are able to return to work in one week and to other activities after two to three weeks.