Facial Implants in Seattle
Also serving Bellevue, Kirkland, & Everett
Facial implants can help correct and enhance facial contours, improving the harmony and balance of your facial features and boosting your self esteem. Dr. Pratt is a highly skilled plastic surgeon Seattle, Bellevue, Everett and Tacoma patients visit in order to achieve their desired results. He has extensive training and experience in this cosmetic procedure and has been offering facial implants to patients in Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, Seattle and Kirkland, Washington since 1995.
Whether it is better-defined cheekbones, or a stronger, more prominent chin. Facial implants can improving the proportion between the upper and lower portion of the face. Dr. Pratt combines his extensive knowledge of facial anatomy with a keen sense of aesthetic to make the best judgment on proper patient selection, as well as the correct size and positioning of the implant.
Are Facial Implants used by both young adults and by older patients seeking facial rejuvenation?
Yes. A younger patient may opt for an implant to improve the facial contours that nature has given them. For example, a person in their 20s might want a stronger-looking chin. Older patients often choose implants to rejuvenate the face – for example, augmenting the cheekbones, thus compensating for age-related soft tissue droop or the natural loss of bone mass that occurs as we age.
What type of anesthesia is utilized for Facial Implant surgery?
Facial implant surgery is usually performed under “twilight anesthesia” in which a sedative is administered intravenously to induce sleep. The surgical area is then numbed with a local anesthetic. Following surgery, the long-acting numbing effect of the local anesthetic continues to provide comfort for the patient in the recovery period. “Twilight anesthesia” has the benefits of providing adequate comfort for the patient, and rapid recovery, without the downsides of a general anesthesia, namely a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting, sore throat, and anesthesia hangover. In certain cases however, such as when facial implant surgery is combined with more invasive procedures like a rhinoplasty, general anesthesia may be used.
Tell me more about the Facial Implant
Facial implants are typically made of a variety of solid substances which have been safely used in implantable medical devices for many years. Silastic is a special silicone rubber which is most commonly used, however other materials such as Medpore (solid bone-like material with tiny perforations), Radiesse (injectable paste-like material similar to bone) can also be used to augment the facial structure. The latest injectable implant material to be approved by the FDA is Sculptra or Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) which is biocompatible (does not harm the body), and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Sculptra is used primarily to augment the soft tissues of the face, replacing fullness in areas where fat loss (lipoatrophy) has occurred.
The proper size implant is important in producing a “natural look”, and fortunately Dr. Pratt is quite skilled in choosing the size and shape implant that will best suit you.
How long is recovery for Bellevue / Seattle Facial Implants patients?
Most facial implants Seattle / Bellevue patients have significant improvement in swelling and bruising after five to seven days and are able to return to work within four to seven days. Heavy lifting and straining, however, are discouraged for two weeks following facial implant surgery. The changed facial contours are typically evident between two and four weeks, but final results may take up to six months. Dr. Pratt will give you post-surgery instructions ahead of time, and you’ll be able to fill any pain medication prescription before you need it.
Chin Implants for Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma Patients
Chin augmentation (Genioplasty) is a procedure which is utilized in improving the balance and harmony of the face. A small chin can also make the nose appear disproportionately large, throwing off the fine balance which exists between the mid and lower face. If you have a “weak” chin which bothers you and wish for a stronger and more proportionate chin and jaw line, chin augmentation may be the procedure for you. The surgery is carried out most often under “twilight anesthesia and entails placing the synthetic implant through a small incision inside of the mouth, over the bony chin. The implant acts as a solid extension of your own chin, creating a stronger and more prominent chin profile. The procedure takes about an hour and there is no visible scar.
Cheek Implants for Seattle, Bellevue and Everett Patients
Throughout time, prominent cheekbones have been are considered a very aesthetic and desirable facial feature, in fact, one of royalty in many cultures. If you were born with flat cheeks or have had loss of your cheek prominence as a result of the natural aging process, you may be an excellent candidate for cheek implants. Cheek implants can help restore your attractive facial contours of the past or actually “throw mother nature a curve” and give those born with flat cheeks that “regal” appearance that they have always wished for.
Cheek implant surgery is carried out most often under “twilight anesthesia” and entails placing the synthetic implant through a small incision inside of the mouth or on the lower eyelid. A pocket is surgically created by Dr. Pratt and then the implant is carefully positioned over the existing cheekbone. Surgery typically takes about ninety minutes. Incisions inside the mouth leave no visible scar and sutures and dissolvable.
Why should I consider Dr. David F. Pratt to perform my Facial Implant surgery?
Dr. Pratt is widely regarded as a world-class, board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience in performing facial implant surgery. Since 1995, Dr. Pratt has used his artistic flair and exceptional surgical skills to improve the lives of many cosmetic surgery patients, including facelift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, rhinoplasty and lip augmentation patients. His dramatic, yet natural-appearing surgical results certainly speak for themselves. Dr. Pratt and his staff are passionate about cosmetic surgery, compassionate, and dedicated to patient education. Dr. Pratt’s primary concern is the comfort and safety of each and every patient. Our modern Seattle area offices offer a warm and friendly feeling, as well as the most recent advances and sophisticated technology available today.
I am interested, what do I do next?
There’s no need these days to suffer from facial features that you find embarrassing. If you wish to improve the contours of your face, Dr. David Pratt can assist you in achieving the look you’ve always wanted. His knowledge, training and experience, combined with his artistic flair, can help you obtain beautiful, long lasting, safe results. So if you think facial implants make sense for you, we encourage you to schedule a facial implant consultation with Dr. Pratt to get all of your questions answered right away. Remember, Dr. Pratt has been serving the greater Seattle area since 1999 and has many happy and satisfied patients. Why not get started towards your new shapely face today?