mandibular angle implants
Blunted mandibular angles create a softer oval appearance of the lower face, which may be undesirable, especially to men, who want to have a "strong, chiseled jaw" or a more masculine appearance.
Mandibular angle implants are very useful for adding volume and contour to the posterior lower face. Reasons for seeking augmentation of the mandibular angle include congenitally small mandible or micrognathia reconstruction, reconstruction after a trauma or resection.
Lower facial implants are relatively simple—on one hand, they can be easily removed, and on the other hand, they can provide permanent augmentation.
page topYour consultation
As with all plastic and reconstructive surgeries, careful planning before the operation increases the likelihood of a good outcome. Communication with your surgeon is critical, particularly with respects to your facial contour and the results you expect. You should bring with you your folder of questions, photos, and anything else you think may help you convey your desires and remind you of what to ask.
After a careful assessment, your surgeon will discuss your many options available and he will help you amend unrealistic expectations, as he will not set out to achieve something impossible to accomplish.
Your surgeon will note down your medical history, will discuss your options in anesthesia, implant or augmentation materials, incisions and more. As part of your consultation, he will feel your jaw, your facial muscles or tug at your skin to determine elasticity. He will also note your other facial features in determining your appropriate post-operative size.
page topPreparing for surgery
If you are a smoker, you should quit at least 2 week prior to the operation date. It will highly reduce your risk of necrotic tissue. Smoking and major surgery like this can cause problems while under anesthesia not to mention possible necrosis during the healing stage. Your surgeon will also give you a list of medications that you must cease or avoid taking.
page topYour operation
Depending upon the amount of augmentation and the technique or material used, jaw augmentation can last between 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Possibly more if bone grafts, reconstruction, revision surgery or additional procedures are performed.
The surgery will be performed under IV sedation and your surgeon will mark with a magic marker type pen the implants placement areas and incisions if your placement is to be performed extra-orally.
The incision will be made in the predetermined placement, the implant situated directly on top of the jaw bone (or if need be, right below it) and checked for the proper look suitable for the patient's features. Then, the implant will be either sutured or screwed into place.
At the end of surgery, you may have an antibiotic-soaked piece of gauze placed between your upper molars, gums and your inner jaw and a pressure dressing placed around your head such as you would see in a face lift patient or a neck liposuction patient.
page topRecovery
After surgery, your face may feel tight and quite tender as the anesthesia wears off. You may even feel emotional or upset, this will depend upon your body's reaction to anesthesia. Your prescribed medication should alleviate this pain and discomfort. However, if you believe your pain to be out of the ordinary once you get home, call your surgeon immediately. You will also need to arrange for somebody to drive you home.
Please keep your incisions/suture line dry if they are extra-oral. Also take care in not getting creams or lotions, nor topical arnica into the incision, as these can cause inflammation.
For intra-oral incisions, keep your mouth clean! You may be asked to use Listerine several times a day and stay on a liquid diet until the incisions are healed. Do not tongue your incisions, or feel them with your fingers.
Pain tolerances depend upon the individual but you will feel tender, stiff and sore for a few says and will more than likely not want to move too much. This will subside. Be sure to take your required medications and follow the precise instructions provided to you by your surgeon.
As with all surgeries, swelling will be an issue. Swelling is a normal reaction to an injury and is categorized as a natural inflammatory action. You may be swollen for up to 3 to 5 months, although this could be very slight and only noticed by you.
Bruises may or may not be present after your surgery. Cold compresses will reduce the chances of bruising and reduce swelling during the first 48 hours. They can also assist in pain relief and swelling reduction thereafter however, please be careful that you do not injure your skin. The ice may hurt at first but will feel better as your skin gets used to it.
Warm, gentle compresses starting at the 48 hours post-op mark can assist in bruise removal by dilating the blood vessels to help the body remove blood and damaged tissue away from the treatment area. However, warm compresses should only be used after the 48 hour mark, and not before.
Sleeping is going to be difficult at first. It is important to sleep with at least 2 to 3 fluffy pillows under your upper back and head to keep yourself elevated. This helps relieve pressure from your treatment area hence reducing swelling and pain.
Even though you may not feel like it, your surgeon will more than likely advise you to walk and move around as soon as you are able. If you do not and lie around you may develop clots and or hold fluid (swelling, edema) a lot longer.
You will be instructed not to exercise or engage in strenuous activities for at least 3 weeks. Don't lift anything over 5 lb. and try not to raise anything over your head until your surgeon releases you for activity. Take your time in healing so that you give yourself the best healing environment possible.
page topRisks and Complications
Permanent bruising is a risk but very rare. If this is the case and you have discolorations after several months post op, you may wish to seek Intense Pulsed Light treatments. These treatments target the hemoglobin in the blood. The penetration depth and degree of heat is highly controlled so that most complications contributed to these specific factors are not an issue with Pulsed Light Therapy.
Most patients will have some temporary dysfunction of the mimetic muscles, especially with an intraoral approach. The dysfunction returns to normal within several weeks, but the patient must be forewarned.
page topCost of your surgery
A few things to remember when considering the cost of surgery:
- Dr Stavros Eleftheriou is a Specialist in Cosmetic Facial Surgery offering the latest techniques available in the field today.
- Our prices are very affordable within Europe and are all inclusive: consultation, admission, surgical fee, anesthetist fee, and hospital fee, all medication while at the clinic, and all our after care. You don’t have to worry about any hidden costs that may appear after your surgery.
- Your surgery takes place in a hospital based environment, where you are in the good hands of a professional, caring staff, happy to address your concerns and needs.
- Post-surgery consultations and aftercare will be performed in the UK. You will not need to travel to Cyprus for your routine check ups.
- The procedures recommended are tailor made to suit your individual needs.
- Deciding on what kind of anaesthetic is most appropriate and how long you will need to stay in hospital are also important factors when you are quoted a price.
In addition, there is an obvious price advantage when having surgery in our clinic in Cyprus compared to a UK hospital. Cyprus is a country with significant lower healthcare costs than the ones in UK or other Western European countries.
To help you decide easier, the following comparison list should give you an idea of the advantages in choosing our clinic. Once you have decided on surgery, please contact us to receive a detailed quotation that reflects the actual cost of your surgery.
| Procedure | Average UK Price | Price guidance Cyprus |
| Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty | £ 3,000 | £ 1,100 |
| Facelift with neck lift | £ 6,300 | £ 3,350 |
| Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty | £ 4,500 | £ 1,450 |
We understand your need to consult with more surgeons before making a decision. During your research period, make sure you compare similar operations when comparing.
Note: Patients who are having one more than one procedure at one time, will be offered discounted prices for the additional procedures. For example a face lift and a neck lift will be less costly when done together, as there will be only one hospital stay and one anesthesia.
page toplearn more
If you'd like to know more about our cheek implant procedure or wish to print this article, we invite you to download our brochure on mandibular angle implants or call our office at +44 (0) 123 456789. Alternatively, fill in the online contact form and one of our patient advisors will get in touch as soon as possible.
