Facial implants

Facial Implants in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Facial implant surgery is a type of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery used to enhance or restore the shape and balance of the face. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, facial implants are commonly used to improve the appearance of the cheeks, chin, and jawline, or to restore facial structure after trauma, major disease (such as cancer), or previous surgery.

Local plastic surgeons in Grand Rapids typically perform facial implant procedures at accredited facilities affiliated with major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

What Are Facial Implants?

Facial implants are solid materials placed under the skin or on the bone to enhance facial contours. They may be made from:

Human tissue (such as bone or cartilage)
Synthetic materials such as silicone or polythene (porous polyethylene)

These implants are designed to be long-lasting and to blend naturally with the existing structure of your face.

Common Areas for Facial Implants

In Grand Rapids cosmetic surgery practices, the most common implant sites include:

Cheeks (malar implants) – to create fuller, higher cheekbones
Chin (chin augmentation) – to make a small or recessed chin more prominent
Jaw (mandibular implants) – to create a stronger, more defined jawline

Why People in Grand Rapids Consider Facial Implants

Cheek Implants

Some people feel their cheeks look flat, sunken, or “tired,” especially during the long Michigan winters when weight changes and dry skin can make the face appear more hollow. Cheek implants can:

Add fullness to the mid-face
Make the cheeks look higher and more defined
Improve overall facial balance and harmony

Chin Implants

Chin implants are often chosen by people who feel their chin is too small or “weak.” In some cases, a surgeon may recommend a chin implant along with rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to improve facial proportion. The size and projection of the chin can significantly influence how the nose and profile look.

Emotional and Psychological Considerations

If you are unhappy with your appearance or thinking about cosmetic surgery to boost your confidence, it can help to:

Talk with your GP or primary care provider
Consider speaking with a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist in Grand Rapids
Reflect on your expectations and reasons for wanting surgery

Local mental health resources, such as practices in the Medical Mile area and services listed through the Kent County Health Department or Network180, can provide support if you are struggling with body image or anxiety about your appearance.

Regulation of Cosmetic Surgery in Michigan

In Michigan, including Grand Rapids, cosmetic surgery is regulated to protect patient safety.

Where Facial Implant Surgery Can Be Performed

Any surgery involving:

Intravenous (IV) sedation
General anaesthesia
More than a low dose of local anaesthetic

must be carried out in a licensed and accredited hospital or outpatient surgery center. This means it is illegal in Michigan for cosmetic surgery (including facial implant surgery) to be performed in facilities that are not properly registered and accredited.

How to Check if a Facility Is Registered

To confirm a facility in Grand Rapids is appropriately licensed:

Ask to see the facility’s certificate of accreditation or state license (usually displayed in a public area)
Check the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website for licensed health facilities
Contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or Kent County Health Department if you suspect illegal or unsafe cosmetic surgery practices

Is Facial Implant Surgery Right for You?

Facial implant surgery is a highly individualized procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Before deciding, discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history with a qualified plastic surgeon in Grand Rapids.

Always Talk to Your Medical Practitioner First

Points to discuss with your doctor or surgeon include:

Your goals and what you hope to change
Whether implants are the best option or if non-surgical alternatives might help
The type of implant material recommended (silicone, polythene, or your own tissue)

Some facial implants are made from silicone. While there have been concerns about silicone in the past, current scientific evidence does not clearly show that silicone facial implants are harmful when used appropriately by a trained surgeon.

Financial Considerations in Grand Rapids

Think About the Cost

In most cases, cosmetic facial implant surgery is not covered by:

Medicare
Most private health insurance plans

Exceptions may apply if the surgery is reconstructive (for example, after trauma or cancer surgery). To understand your costs:

Ask your surgeon for a detailed written quote, including surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, and follow-up fees
Ask if any part of the procedure might qualify as medically necessary and eligible for partial coverage
Contact your health insurance provider to clarify what, if anything, is covered

Smoking, Vaping, and Surgical Risk

Smokers Are at Increased Risk of Complications

Smoking and vaping (including nicotine and cannabis) can:

Slow wound healing
Increase the risk of infection
Raise the risk of poor scarring and implant problems

Because Michigan’s cold winters can already affect circulation and healing, smoking adds extra risk. To reduce complications and improve your overall health:

Try to quit smoking several weeks before surgery
Ask your GP about local smoking cessation resources, such as programs supported by the Kent County Health Department or Michigan Tobacco Quitline

Finding a Qualified Facial Implant Surgeon in Grand Rapids

Ask Your GP for a Referral

Your GP or primary care provider can help you find a reputable surgeon who regularly performs facial implant surgery in Grand Rapids.

At your first consultation, ask:

What training do you have in plastic and reconstructive surgery?
How many facial implant procedures do you perform each year?
Can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?
Which hospitals or surgery centers do you operate at (e.g., Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)?

Check Credentials

In Michigan, all doctors must be registered and licensed. You can:

Verify your surgeon’s license and any board certifications through the Michigan Medical Licensing Board or LARA
Confirm that your anaesthetist is also properly registered and experienced

Consider getting a second opinion from another qualified surgeon before making a final decision.

Your Medical and Mental Health Status

Before surgery, your surgeon will review your overall health to assess your risk and suitability for facial implants. This discussion should include:

Physical Health

Past medical history (diseases, illnesses, surgeries)
Current conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
Current medications, vitamins, and supplements
Any past reactions to anaesthesia or medications
Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, alcohol use, smoking/vaping)

Your surgeon or GP may check:

Blood pressure
Heart rate and rhythm
Temperature
Oxygen saturation
Respiratory rate

Mental Health

You should also discuss:

Any history of depression, anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, or other mental health conditions
Current or past treatment, including medications or counselling

In some cases, your surgeon may recommend speaking with a mental health professional in Grand Rapids before proceeding with cosmetic surgery to ensure your expectations are realistic and that surgery is truly in your best interest.

Where Facial Implant Surgery Is Performed

All surgery, including facial implant surgery, must be performed in licensed and accredited facilities. In Grand Rapids, these may include:

Major hospitals (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
Accredited outpatient surgery centers

A registered anaesthetist must be present to monitor you and manage any adverse reaction to anaesthesia.

Facial implant surgery may be performed using:

Local anaesthetic with sedation
General anaesthetic

Your surgeon will advise which option is safest and most appropriate for you.

What Happens During Facial Implant Surgery?

Cheek Implant Surgery

Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes if done alone, and longer if combined with other procedures.

Typical steps include:

An incision (cut) is made:
- Inside your upper lip, or
- Through your lower eyelid
A pocket is created over the cheekbone
The implant is inserted and positioned
The implant is held in place by the cheek tissues and sometimes small screws
Stitches are used to close the incision

Stitches inside the mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days.

If cheek implants are placed during another procedure (such as a facelift, forehead lift, or eyelid surgery), the surgeon may use the same incisions to insert the implants.

Chin Implant Surgery

Chin implants can be made from:

Silicone
Other synthetic materials (such as polythene)
Your own tissue or bone

Typical steps include:

An incision is made:
- Under the chin, or
- Inside the mouth along the lower lip
If using your own bone:
- The chin bone may be cut
- Moved forward
- Secured with metal plates or screws
If using a synthetic implant:
- A pocket is created over the chin bone
- The implant is positioned
- The incision is closed with stitches

Your surgeon will choose the technique based on your anatomy, goals, and overall health.

Potential Risks and Complications of Facial Implant Surgery

All surgery carries some degree of risk. In Michigan’s climate, factors such as winter respiratory infections, seasonal flu, and circulation changes can also affect recovery, especially in people with underlying health issues.

Possible complications of facial implant surgery include:

Allergic reaction to anaesthetic, which may be serious or rarely fatal
Heavy bleeding from the surgical site
Infection, which may require antibiotics or further surgery
Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions
Formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) under the incision, which may need drainage
Blood clots that may lead to heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, or stroke
Temporary or permanent numbness in parts of the face
Keloid or hypertrophic scars (raised, thickened scars)
Itchy or inflamed scars over healed incision sites
Reduced ability to move your mouth and lips temporarily
Difficulty talking or smiling for several weeks
Movement or shifting of the implant, requiring further surgery
Slow healing, more common in smokers, people with diabetes, or poor circulation
Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia

This is not a complete list. Your individual risk may be higher or lower depending on your medical history, lifestyle, age, and the complexity of your surgery.

Further Surgery May Be Required

If complications occur—such as infection, implant movement, or unsatisfactory cosmetic results—you may need additional surgery to correct the problem.

Always discuss these risks with your surgeon and ask how often they see complications in their own practice.

Recovery and Self-Care After Facial Implant Surgery

Your surgeon and care team will give you specific post-operative instructions. Follow these carefully to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Instructions may include:

How to care for your incisions and surgical sites
Medications to:
- Apply to the skin
- Take by mouth to reduce pain, swelling, and infection risk
Signs to watch for, such as:
- Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth
- Fever or chills (especially important during cold and flu season in Michigan)
- Persistent or heavy bleeding
- Severe or worsening pain
- Drainage with a bad smell

You will also be told:

When to return for follow-up appointments
When you can return to work, school, or normal activities
When you can safely resume exercise, including winter activities like skiing, skating, or snowboarding common in West Michigan

Swelling and Final Results

Swelling and bruising are common and may last for several weeks
It may take a few months before you see the final shape of your face
The goal is usually a subtle but noticeable improvement, not an artificial or “overdone” look

How Long Do Results Last?

If human tissue is used, results are semi-permanent because natural tissue changes over time with aging
If synthetic implants (such as silicone or polythene) are used, results are generally permanent, although the surrounding tissues will still age

Alternatives to Facial Implants

There are no medical alternatives that can permanently reshape the bone structure of the cheeks or chin in the same way implants do. However, some non-surgical or less invasive options may offer temporary or modest improvement:

Dermal fillers (e.g., hyaluronic acid) to add volume to cheeks or chin
Fat grafting (fat transfer) to the face
Weight loss or weight gain, which can change facial fullness
Skincare and cosmetic techniques, such as contouring with makeup

Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may also help you work through concerns about your appearance. Some people decide, after counselling, that they are comfortable with their natural look and choose not to have surgery.

Local Resources and Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids

If you are considering facial implant surgery in Grand Rapids, you can seek help from:

Your GP or primary care physician – for an initial discussion and referrals
Board-certified plastic or facial plastic surgeons based in Grand Rapids
Mental health professionals – psychologists, psychiatrists, or counsellors
Kent County Health Department – for general health guidance and local resource information
Michigan Medical Licensing Board / LARA – to verify surgeon and anaesthetist credentials

For general cosmetic surgery information and referrals, you may also find it helpful to contact:

Local cosmetic surgery practices in downtown Grand Rapids and along the Medical Mile
National professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (for surgeon verification and educational materials)

Key Points About Facial Implants in Grand Rapids, MI

Common implant areas include the cheeks, chin, and jaw
People often choose cheek implants to address flat or sunken cheeks
People usually choose chin implants when they feel their chin is too small or weak
Smokers and vapers are at increased risk of surgical complications and slow healing
It is vital to have clear information, realistic expectations, and a qualified surgeon before deciding on facial implant surgery

If you live in Grand Rapids or West Michigan and are considering facial implants, start by speaking with your GP or a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore your options, understand the risks, and decide whether this procedure is right for you.