This type of treatment is not compulsory or life-saving for any patient, and whilst there is a very small risk of not waking up after a general anaesthetic, this must be balanced with how much your face is a concern to you and whether an operation can improve your overall facial balance.

Straight after a general anaesthetic, you may feel tired, dizzy or weak. You must have someone to collect you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

During the first 24 hours, you must not drive or operate any motorised vehicle and electrical equipment, sign any legal documents or make any important decisions, or drink any alcohol.

You may feel weak or dizzy at times during your first 7 – 10 days. If this happens, sit down until the feeling passes.

You may also have the postoperative “blues”, though this should soon pass.

This is usually a very safe procedure which is carried out regularly in this hospital by specialised and experienced clinical staff. Complications with this type of surgery are fortunately rare and may not apply to you, but it is important that you are aware of them.

The most commonly reported ones are numbness and altered sensation of the upper teeth, upper lip and cheek. If a mandibular (lower jaw and chin) implant is placed there is the risk of numbness to the lower lip and chin. If a mandibular or chin implant is placed, we would hope that any altered sensation would be temporary, but there is a risk that it could be permanent.

Initially following the surgery, you will expect to have some soreness, swelling and tightness, but this will settle with time.

Other complications include bleeding, infection, facial asymmetry and numbness which is usually temporary and can take a few weeks to settle.

Implant infection may mean that the implant needs removal and if this occurs, then we would need to wait until the tissues have totally healed before another implant could be considered.

It may also be possible to feel the edges of the implant under the skin if you have thin skin.

With all facial implants, there is also the risk of dissatisfaction with the appearance after the surgery.

Your surgeon will discuss your individual risks.

The operation is usually carried out inside the mouth so that there are no external scars.

The placement of the facial implants are generally placed under general anaesthetic, sometimes they can be performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation.

Lower Jaw Implants (mandibular patient specific implants)

During this surgery a small incision is made in the mouth adjacent to the lower back teeth and the implants are placed directly onto the jaw, and secured with two to three small titanium screws to prevent any movement of the implants following placement. The wounds are then closed with dissolving stitches.

Chin Implant

Chin implants are placed by an incision made from inside the mouth or from an incision made directly under the chin.

The chin implant is usually placed adjacent to the chin point before being fixed in position with very small titanium screws and then the wound is closed using sutures in the mouth and/or under the chin.

Cheek Bone Implants (zygoma patient specific implants)

A small incision is made in the mouth above the upper teeth and these implants are placed directly onto the cheek bone and screwed into the bone with small titanium screws to prevent any movement of the implants following placement. The wound in the mouth is closed with dissolving stitches.

When you are ready for your operation, you will be seen on a planning clinic with your team to discuss with you your expectations and proposed desires.

Planning continues with the production of your facial implant which we fit onto the bones of your face.

To make these facial implants, we require a CBCT scan. A CBCT scan is a low dose x-ray examination which produces a very precise 3D image of the bones of your face.

We only perform this type of surgery if the implant is appropriate for you and you would like to undergo treatment.

Facial implants have been used for people who have an under-development of the mid part of the face with an overall flatter appearance. They can also be used for facial rejuvenation.

As we get older the tissues of the midface tend to lose the youthful experience that we once had and a small cheek zygoma implant can restore the fullness of the cheek bone that we had when we were younger.

If you have sustained previous trauma to your cheekbone (zygoma), then a facial implant can be helpful in reconstructing the face reducing flatness and improving your overall symmetry.

If you have a congenital asymmetry of the face, implants of the cheek (zygoma) and mandible can also be used to help restore and improve the symmetry.

Your treatment is carried out within Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and is led by a team of Consultants which might include a Maxillofacial Surgeon and an Ophthalmic Surgeon.

Our Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons have undergone a full surgical training coupled with dental expertise. All surgeons are under the General Medical Council Specialist for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Sometimes other health professionals may need to be involved in your care. This might include dietitians, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists.

Facial implants are custom made implants used to reconstruct the face and usually made from Medpor, PEEK (Polyethetherketone) or titanium. All materials have been commonly and successfully used in surgery for many years.

Custom made implants are made following a CT scan of the bony structures of your face and are bespoke and personal to you.