What is Facial Implant Surgery?
Facial implants are biocompatible, solid materials, usually made of silicone implants or porous polyethylene, that are surgically placed to enhance the physical structure of your face. Unlike dermal fillers that dissolve, implants provide a permanent, lifelong solution for facial balance and skeletal definition.
Facial Implants At A Glance
| Cost | Average $4,925 (Range $3,500–$11,025) |
| Downtime | 1–2 weeks (Socially ready by Day 10) |
| Pain Level | Mild to Moderate; managed with ease |
| Duration | 1–2 hours per area |
What Aesthetic Issues Do Facial Implants Address?
Facial implants are the gold standard for Profile Perfection. They are used to fix issues where the facial bones themselves lack projection.
Weak or Receding Chin
Often called Microgenia, a small chin can make the nose look larger and the neck look shorter. A chin augmentation projects the jaw forward, creating a stronger profile and better facial balance.
Flat or Sunken Cheekbones
If your midface lacks volume or your cheekbones appear to melt into your jawline, malar (cheek) implants restore that high-fashion, high-cheekbone look.
Narrow or Soft Jawline
For both men and women, a weak jawline can lead to a pre-jowl look. Jaw implants (mandibular augmentation) widen the lower face and create a sharp, snatched transition from the face to the neck.
Facial Asymmetries
Implants can be used to even out facial asymmetries where one side of the face may be naturally smaller or affected by past trauma.
Benefits of Facial Implants
In 2026, patients are moving away from the overfilled look of fillers and toward the permanent facial structure provided by implants.
- Permanent Results: You won't need to return every 6–12 months for maintenance like you do with a typical cosmetic procedure using injectables.
- Structural Precision: Implants mimic the feel and look of bone, providing a sharper, more athletic definition than soft tissue fillers.
- Balanced Proportions: By fixing the foundation, other facial features, like the nose, often look more balanced without needing further surgery.
- One-Time Investment: Over a lifetime, a single surgical procedure is significantly more cost-effective than decades of filler maintenance.
Am I a Candidate for Facial Implants?
Ideal candidates for facial implants are healthy adults who have a fully developed facial skeleton, which usually occurs by the late teens. This aesthetic surgery is designed for those who have realistic expectations and want to improve the underlying framework of their facial appearance.
You might not be a good fit if you have active dental infections or untreated gum disease, as many implants are placed through an intraoral approach. Dr. Horn also prefers non-smokers, as nicotine severely limits your body's ability to heal at the surgical site and increases the risk of the implant becoming infected. Before the procedure, Dr. Horn will review your medical history to ensure you are healthy enough for general anesthesia and the implant procedure.
Consultation and Preparation
Your consultation is where we plan your new profile. Dr. Horn will perform a detailed evaluation of your facial anatomy to see where a structural boost will help you the most. He will help you choose the right shape and size of implant to ensure the result looks like it was always part of the patient's face.
To prepare for facial cosmetic surgery, you will need to complete all requested health tests at least two weeks before your date. It is essential to stop all nicotine products and follow our rules for alcohol, as these can interfere with your body's ability to heal. You should also pause the use of blood-thinning supplements to reduce bruising. We suggest setting up a comfortable spot at home where you can sleep with your head propped up to manage swelling.
The Facial Implant Procedure
Dr. Horn typically performs facial implant procedures as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The surgery usually takes between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on how many areas are being treated.
The "Invisible Scar" Technique
Dr. Horn carefully hides incisions either inside the mouth (along the lower lip or gums) or in the natural creases of the skin, such as under the chin. This ensures there are no visible scars after you have fully healed. Once a small incision is made, a precise pocket is created over the bone, the implant placement is secured, and the incisions are meticulously closed.
Facial Implant Recovery
Recovery from facial plastic surgery is relatively quick, with most patients returning to light activities within seven to ten days. During the first 72 hours, you will experience the most swelling and bruising, and your face may feel tight or stiff. If your implants were placed through the mouth, you will be on a soft-food diet for several days to avoid disturbing the stitches. You should plan to keep your head elevated while sleeping for at least the first week to help the swelling go down faster.
Facial Implant Results
You will notice a change in your silhouette immediately, but the initial swelling will mask the final results. Major bruising and swelling typically subside by week two, allowing your new contours to begin peeking through. By the end of the third month, the internal tissues have finished settling, and you will see the full, permanent result of your procedure. These results are lifelong, the solid materials used for implants do not break down or move over time.
Cost of Facial Implants in Chicago
The average cost of facial implants in Chicago is $4,925, but this varies based on the implant type and how many areas are treated. This total typically includes surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, and facility fees. Pricing reflects the customization required for your individual anatomy and the complexity of the placement. We offer financing through Cherry, CareCredit, PatientFi, and Alpaeon to help you manage the cost of this permanent enhancement.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Horn for Facial Implants?
Dr. Horn has 23 years of experience in both reconstructive and facial plastic surgery. Because he understands the underlying facial bones so deeply, he knows exactly where to place an implant to bring balance to the face. As a board-certified surgeon, he combines technical mastery with an artist's eye to enhance your natural facial beauty while minimizing the risk of potential complications.
Facial Implants FAQ
Once healed, the implant should feel like your own bone. It is placed deep under the muscle and tissue, so it is not visible or "movable" to the touch.
No. Implants add volume to the bone, not the soft tissues. This creates a sharp, chiseled look rather than an overfilled appearance.
While designed to be permanent, implants can be surgically removed or swapped for larger implants if your goals change down the road.
Yes. In fact, many patients combine a chin augmentation with a rhinoplasty to get the best possible sharpening of their profile.
For the first few days, your face may feel stiff, which can make talking feel a bit "weird". This goes away quickly as the swelling drops.
Yes, certain types of tear trough or malar implants can be placed through a small incision near the lower eyelid to restore volume to the upper cheekbones.
