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Contact Dr. Kapoor to ask a question,
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Dr. Kapoor in the News |
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View the CBS News video of Dr. Kapoor
discussing the availability of financing
for plastic surgery. Click play below.
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Facial Implants
Q. Who can benefit from facial implants?
Men and women who are looking to improve or enhance the facial contours. You may be seeking high cheekbones or a more defined chin or jaw. Provided that your expectations are realistic, a facial implant procedure may be right for you.
Q. What are the risks?
When facial implant procedures are performed by a highly skilled aesthetic surgeon, such as Dr. Kapoor, the risk is rare. Still, as with any surgery, there is some risk. Potential complications may include a reaction to the anesthesia, infection, capsular contracture, shifting of the implant, and an unnatural shape.
Scarring is usually not a concern. Incisions made for facial implant procedures are very small. They may be located on the inside of the mouth, which will leave no visible scarring. In other cases, they may be located under the chin or on the lower eyelid in a well-concealed location.
Q. What's the first step?
The first step is an initial consultation with Dr. Kapoor in his Beverly Hills office. You'll be asked what you'd like to achieve with facial implants. The doctor will evaluate your face and go over your medical history. The cost of the implant procedure will be discussed, along with information about health insurance. Most insurance policies do not cover procedures which are performed purely for cosmetic reasons, though some coverage may be available if it's performed for reconstructive purposes (e.g., after an accident) or to correct a marked deformity. Check with your specific insurer and obtain pre-authorization before the surgery.
Q. What's the next step?
Once you decide on a date, time and place for your facial implant procedure, you'll be provided with specific instructions on preparing for surgery which will include guidelines for eating, drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, and even how to wash your face after the surgery. You'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, which is performed on an outpatient basis (no hospital stay). You may also want to arrange for someone to assist you at home for the first few days.
Q. What happens during surgery?
Your may be administered either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for your facial implant procedure. Local anesthesia and sedation will leave you lightly sedated yet awake, with the surgical site numb and pain-free. General anesthesia will allow you to sleep throughout the operation.
Cheek augmentation and chin augmentation procedures usually take thirty minutes to an hour; lower jaw surgery may take one to two hours. First, Dr. Kapoor will make the incisions. The incisions may be located on the inside of the lower lip or just beneath the chin for chin implant surgery, inside the upper lip or on the lower eyelid for cheek implant surgery, or on either side of the lower lip for lower jaw surgery. Next, the doctor will create a pocket into which the implant will be inserted, and then close the incisions. He may apply a dressing to the cheek area or tape the chin once the surgery is complete.
Q. What happens after surgery?
After your facial implant surgery, you will rest in the recovery room until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. You may experience some discomfort for the first few days. Medication will be prescribed to help control the pain.
Bruising and swelling are common. Talking, smiling and moving the mouth and lips may be inhibited due to the swelling. Dietary restrictions may be necessary if the incisions were made on the inside of the mouth. The stitches will dissolve on their own or, if external stitches are used, they will be removed after five to seven days. You should feel well enough to return to work after about one week. Avoid strenuous activities, especially those which may bump or jar the face.
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