Facial Implants - Cheek, Jawline Augmentation

On This Page

Benefits of Facial Implants

Permanent, Predictable Results

Unlike fillers that dissolve over time, facial implants provide permanent enhancement. Once placed, they become part of your facial structure—delivering consistent, predictable results that won't fade or require ongoing maintenance.

True Structural Change

Fillers add volume on top of bone; implants augment the bone itself. This allows for genuine architectural changes stronger cheekbones, a more defined jawline, improved chin projection that reshape your facial foundation.

Cost-Effective Over Time

A single cheek implant delivers more volume than dozens of filler syringes. When you factor in years of filler maintenance, facial implants often prove to be the smarter long-term investment for permanent enhancement.

Customizable & Reversible

Implants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and can even be custom-made for your anatomy. If your goals change, implants can be removed or exchanged giving you flexibility that permanent fillers don't offer.

Expected Results

Facial implants deliver permanent structural enhancement that becomes part of your facial architecture. Results are visible immediately after swelling subsides and continue to refine as tissues settle. Unlike fillers that require ongoing maintenance, implants provide a one-time solution for lasting facial definition and balance.

Enhanced Facial Definition

Whether it's stronger cheekbones, a more projected chin, or a chiseled jawline, implants create the structural definition that forms the foundation of an attractive face. You'll notice improved contours from every angle.

Improved Facial Balance

A weak chin can make the nose appear larger; flat cheeks can make the face look long and gaunt. Implants restore proper proportions, bringing harmony to your features and creating a more aesthetically balanced appearance.

Masculine or Feminine Enhancement

The same implant can create different effects depending on placement. Dr. Neavin uses this knowledge to strengthen masculine features like a square jaw, or enhance feminine features like high cheekbones—tailored to your goals.

Real Patient Results

Browse our extensive gallery to see the natural, symmetrical results Dr. Neavin achieves.

OPEN GALLERY

Patient Stories

5-Star Experiences

“

I always felt like my chin was holding back my entire face. Dr. Neavin recommended a chin implant and the difference is incredible. My profile finally looks balanced, and people keep telling me I look more confident—they just can't pinpoint why. Exactly what I wanted.

— RealSelf Review

"Dr. Neavin took the time to really analyze my face and explain what would work best for my goals. He was honest about what implants could and couldn't do. The results exceeded my expectations my jawline is stronger and my whole face looks more masculine and defined."

— Jaw Impalnt Patient

Types of Facial Implants

Facial implants are available for nearly every area of the face, each designed to address specific aesthetic goals. Implants are made from biocompatible materials—most commonly solid silicone or ePTFE (Gore-Tex)—and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Dr. Neavin will recommend the implant type best suited to your anatomy and desired outcome.

Chin Implants

Chin implants are the most commonly placed facial implant. They augment a weak or recessed chin, improving profile balance and creating better harmony between the nose, lips, and jawline. A well-projected chin can make the nose appear smaller and the neck more defined. Chin implants are placed through a small incision either inside the mouth or beneath the chin, and can be combined with rhinoplasty for comprehensive facial balancing.

Cheek Implants (Malar & Submalar)

Cheek implants enhance the cheekbones and midface. Malar implants sit directly on the cheekbone, creating more prominent, chiseled cheeks. Submalar implants fill the midface below the cheekbone, correcting gaunt or hollow appearances. Combined malar-submalar implants address both areas for comprehensive cheek enhancement. Implants are placed through incisions inside the mouth and secured with screws or sutures.

Jaw Implants (Mandible Implants)

Jaw implants augment the angles and body of the mandible to create a stronger, more defined jawline. They’re particularly popular among men seeking a more masculine, squared facial shape—think Hollywood leading men. Jaw implants can widen a narrow lower face, define the jaw angles, and create a more powerful profile. They’re placed through incisions inside the mouth with no visible scarring.

Nasal & Pyriform Implants

Nasal implants augment the bridge or columella of the nose, commonly used in patients of Asian or African descent seeking increased dorsal height or projection. Pyriform (paranasal) implants augment the base of the nose and midface, increasing projection at the nasal base and improving the nasolabial angle. These implants can make a prominent nose appear more balanced and correct midface retrusion.

Patient Profile

Candidates

Ideal Candidates

Facial implants are ideal for men and women who want to permanently enhance their facial structure, improve proportions, or create a more balanced, attractive appearance.

You may be a good candidate if you:

Have a weak or recessed chin that affects facial balance
Want more prominent, defined cheekbones
Desire a stronger, more chiseled jawline
Have a “negative vector” face with midface retrusion
Look gaunt or hollow due to lack of facial skeletal projection
Are tired of repeated filler treatments and want a permanent solution
Want to feminize or masculinize your facial features
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations

Facial implants work for both younger patients seeking enhanced facial definition and older patients looking to restore structure lost to aging.

Not Ideal Candidates

Facial implants may not be the right choice for everyone. You may not be an ideal candidate if you:

Have active infections in the face or mouth
Have significant dental or jaw issues that need to be addressed first
Are unwilling to undergo general anesthesia
Have unrealistic expectations about results
Prefer non-surgical options with no downtime (fillers may be better suited)
Have thin skin that may show implant edges (fat grafting may be recommended instead or in combination)
Are heavy smokers unwilling to quit before and after surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Neavin will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether implants alone or combined with other procedures are the best approach for you.

Which Implant Is Right for You?

Answer a few questions to discover which facial implant may best address your goals

Question 1 of 5

What bothers you most about your facial profile?

My chin looks weak or recessed when I see my side profile

My cheeks look flat, hollow, or lack definition

My jawline is soft, undefined, or too narrow

My face just looks unbalanced overall

Question 2 of 5

How would you describe your ideal outcome?

A stronger, more masculine and angular appearance

A softer, more refined and feminine look

Better overall balance and proportion

A more youthful, less tired or gaunt appearance

Question 3 of 5

When you look in the mirror, which area draws your attention?

My lower face: chin, jawline, or the area below my mouth

My midface: cheeks, under eyes, or the area beside my nose

Both areas bother me equally

My nose seems too prominent for the rest of my face

Question 4 of 5

Have you tried dermal fillers in the past?

Yes, I liked the results but want something permanent

Yes, but I wanted more dramatic structural change

No, I prefer to start with a permanent solution

I am still deciding between fillers and implants

Question 5 of 5

What level of enhancement are you seeking?

Subtle improvement that no one will notice directly

Noticeable but natural enhancement

Significant, transformative change

I am not sure yet and want guidance

Your Personalized Recommendation

Schedule Your Consultation

Estimated Investment

$5,000 – $12,000+

The cost of facial implants depends on the type of implant, the area being augmented, and whether multiple implants or combination procedures are performed. Chin implants are typically at the lower end of the range, while comprehensive jawline augmentation with multiple implants will be higher. Your costs will include surgeon's fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and the implants themselves. Custom implants designed specifically for your anatomy may add to the overall cost. When compared to years of filler injections which can cost $1,000 - $3,000 per session and require maintenance every 6–12 months facial implants often prove to be the more cost-effective choice for permanent enhancement. A single medium-sized cheek implant provides approximately 2.5cc of volume permanently, while that same volume in filler would dissolve within a year. Financing options are available to qualified candidates to help make your procedure more accessible.

Get a Quote

Facial Implants vs. Dermal Fillers

Which Is Right for You?

Both facial implants and dermal fillers enhance facial structure, but they serve different purposes and deliver different results. Fillers are ideal for subtle, temporary enhancement with no downtime. They work well for fine-tuning, softening lines, and adding modest volume. However, fillers dissolve within 6 to 18 months, require ongoing maintenance, and cannot create true structural change.

Facial implants, on the other hand, augment the bone itself. They deliver permanent, predictable results and can create dramatic improvements in facial definition that fillers simply cannot achieve. A single cheek implant provides the equivalent of multiple filler syringes, permanently. For patients who want lasting transformation and are willing to undergo a surgical procedure with some downtime, implants offer superior value and results.

In some cases, Dr. Neavin recommends combining both. Implants create the structural foundation while fillers fine-tune soft tissue contours. During your consultation, he will assess your goals and anatomy to determine the best approach for you.

Surgery Day Journey

Arrival and Preparation

You will arrive at our surgical facility where our team will greet you and ensure you are comfortable. Pre-operative photos will be taken, and Dr. Neavin will meet with you to review your surgical plan, confirm implant selection, and mark the treatment areas. You will change into a surgical gown, and the anesthesia team will prepare you for general anesthesia.

Anesthesia and Incisions

Once you are comfortably asleep under general anesthesia, Dr. Neavin will make small incisions in carefully hidden locations. For cheek and jaw implants, incisions are typically placed inside the mouth along the gumline, leaving no visible scars. For chin implants, the incision may be inside the mouth or beneath the chin in a natural crease. The surgical site is cleaned with antiseptic and antibiotic solution.

Implant Placement and Securing

Dr. Neavin carefully creates a pocket directly on the bone, sized precisely to fit your implant. The implant is washed with antibiotic solution and positioned in the optimal location for your desired outcome. Depending on the implant type and location, it is secured with a small titanium screw or sutures to prevent movement. The pocket is then closed with dissolvable stitches.

The Artisan Promise

Comprehensive
Aftercare Support

Aftercare Intro: Your results depend not only on surgical precision but also on proper healing. Dr. Neavin and his team provide comprehensive aftercare support to ensure your recovery is smooth and your implants settle beautifully into position.

Detailed Post-Operative Instructions

Before you leave, you will receive personalized instructions covering medication schedules, wound care, diet guidelines, oral hygiene protocols (for implants placed through the mouth), and activity restrictions. You will know exactly what to expect during each stage of healing and how to optimize your recovery for the best possible results.

Scheduled Follow-Up Appointments

Dr. Neavin will see you for multiple follow-up visits to monitor your healing, check implant position, and ensure everything is progressing as expected. Sutures are typically dissolvable, but any external stitches will be removed at your first post-operative appointment. These check-ins allow us to catch and address any concerns early.

Ongoing Support

Questions between appointments? Our team is available by phone or email to provide guidance and reassurance throughout your recovery. Whether you are wondering if swelling is normal or need advice on when to resume exercise, we are here to help. Your long-term satisfaction matters, and we remain a resource for you well beyond your final follow-up visit.

Healing Timeline

Every patient heals differently, but this timeline offers a general guide for your return to daily life.

Days 1–3: Initial Healing

Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness in the treated area. If your implant was placed through the mouth, you'll follow a soft or liquid diet for the first few days. Pain medication will manage any discomfort. Keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses as directed to minimize swelling. Avoid touching or putting pressure on the implant site.

Days 4–7: Swelling Peaks and Subsides

Swelling typically peaks around day 3 or 4, then gradually improves. Bruising will begin to fade. You may still have some numbness around the implant area, which is normal and temporary. If incisions were made inside the mouth, continue with soft foods and rinse gently with antiseptic mouthwash after meals. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public by day 7.

Weeks 2–4: Returning to Norma

Most visible swelling and bruising resolves during this period. You can typically return to work and social activities within 10 to 14 days. Numbness continues to improve as nerves recover. Avoid strenuous exercise, contact sports, and any activities that risk impact to the face. The implant is settling into position but is not yet fully secured by scar tissue.

Months 1–3: Final Results

Residual swelling fully resolves and your implant settles into its final position. Scar tissue forms around the implant, securing it permanently in place. Sensation returns to normal in most patients. By month 2 or 3, you will see your true, final result. Your enhanced facial structure is now permanent and will age naturally with you.

Safety &
Potential Risks

Facial implants have been used safely for over 60 years and are among the most well-established procedures in facial plastic surgery. Modern implants are made from biocompatible materials that the body tolerates well. When placed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Neavin, complications are rare and results are predictable.

Unlike some permanent procedures, facial implants can be removed or exchanged if your goals change. This flexibility is an advantage over permanent fillers, which cannot be fully reversed.’

Dr. Neavin will discuss all potential risks during your consultation and answer any questions to ensure you feel fully informed before proceeding.

Important Considerations

General Surgical Risks:

Bruising and swelling – Expected for the first 1–2 weeks; most visible swelling resolves within 7–10 days
Discomfort – Mild to moderate soreness managed with prescribed pain medication
Infection – Rare but possible; intravenous antibiotics are given before surgery and the implant is washed with antibiotic solution prior to placement. If infection cannot be controlled, the implant may need to be removed and replaced after healing
Bleeding or hematoma – Uncommon; meticulous surgical technique minimizes this risk

Implant-Specific Risks:

Asymmetry – Minor asymmetry may occur; careful implant selection and placement minimize this risk. Revision surgery can correct asymmetry if needed
Implant displacement – Implants are secured with screws or sutures to prevent movement; displacement is rare in experienced hands
Nerve injury – Temporary numbness is common and usually resolves within weeks to months. Permanent nerve damage is rare
Implant visibility or palpability – In patients with very thin skin, implant edges may be felt or seen. Dr. Neavin assesses tissue thickness during consultation and may recommend fat grafting in combination
Erosion – Extremely rare; an implant that erodes through tissue requires removal

Frequently Asked Questions

What are facial implants made of?

Most facial implants are made from solid silicone or ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known as Gore-Tex). Both materials are biocompatible, meaning the body tolerates them well. Silicone implants are smooth and can be easily removed if needed. ePTFE implants are slightly porous, allowing some tissue ingrowth for added stability. Dr. Neavin will recommend the best material based on your goals and anatomy.

Will my implants look natural?

Yes, when properly sized and placed by an experienced surgeon. Dr. Neavin carefully analyzes your facial proportions and selects implants that enhance your natural bone structure rather than creating an artificial appearance. The goal is for people to notice you look better, not that you have had work done.

Are facial implants permanent?

Yes. Once placed, facial implants become a permanent part of your facial structure. Unlike fillers that dissolve over time, implants do not need to be replaced or maintained. However, they can be removed or exchanged if your goals change in the future.

Will there be visible scars?

No. For most facial implants, incisions are made inside the mouth along the gumline, leaving no visible external scars. Chin implants may alternatively be placed through a small incision beneath the chin, which heals to be virtually undetectable in the natural crease.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to work and social activities within 10 to 14 days. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first week and gradually subside. Final results are visible within 2 to 3 months as residual swelling resolves and the implant fully settles into position.

Dr. Tim Neavin

The Artisan

Artistry Meets
Surgical Precision

Dr. Tim Neavin understands that facial beauty is about balance, proportion, and harmony. With over 20 years of experience in facial plastic surgery, he approaches every implant procedure as an exercise in architectural precision—not just augmentation, but thoughtful reshaping of the facial skeleton to enhance your natural features.

Trained under world-renowned Beverly Hills surgeons, Dr. Neavin has placed hundreds of facial implants and developed a deep understanding of how bone structure, soft tissue, and skin work together to create attractive faces. He knows that the same implant can masculinize or feminize depending on placement—and uses this knowledge to deliver results tailored to each patient’s unique goals.

Dr. Neavin takes the time to analyze your facial proportions, discuss aesthetic ideals, and recommend the implant type, size, and placement that will create the most natural, harmonious outcome. His patients trust him because he’s honest about what will work, what won’t, and what to realistically expect.

Diplomate American Board of
Plastic Surgery

Philosophy "Surgery with
Symmetry"

Beverly Hills & Santa Barbara

Start Your Transformation

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Neavin today.

Facial Implants Sculpt Stronger, More Defined Facial Contours