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In this Article

• What is a Face Implant?
• Am I A Candidate For a Face Implant?
• How Do I Know If a Face Implant is Right For Me?
• How Are Face Implants Done?
• Where Are Face Implants Placed?
• How Do I Prepare For A Face Implant?
• What Will I Need When I Am Home?
• Are There Complications With Face Implants?
• After Having An Implant, When to Call Your Doctor
• Does Insurance Cover Facial Implants?
• Find a local Plastic Surgeon in your town
• Chin, Cheek, and Jaw Implants Index

Are There Complications With Face Implants?

As with any surgery, you do risk certain side effects and complications. You will experience bruising and swelling, which can last at least two days. Your surgeon will let you know what to watch for, as far as excessive or abnormal swelling or bruising.

Because you are having an implant inserted into your body, there is a risk of the facial implant shifting. If this happens, you may have to undergo a follow-up operation. Your surgeon will discuss these possibilities with you. You also run the risk of infection; your surgeon will give you antibiotics in this case.

After Having an Implant, Contact Your Doctor Immediately if:

• You develop a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more
• You experience abnormal pain or swelling
• You experience abnormal discharge (such as pus) from the incision site

Does Insurance Cover Facial Implants?

If you are having implants inserted as part of reconstruction surgery, your insurance carrier may offer coverage. Your surgeon can write a letter detailing your case and provide photos that will be taken in your pre-operative consultation.

It's important to be well versed on your carrier's policy so you're not surprised if they don't cover something.

If you are having the surgery performed on a cosmetic basis only, your insurance carrier likely will not provide coverage. It's very important that you realize future coverage may be affected and your premiums may increase after facial implant surgery.

Make sure you ask your insurance carrier exactly how your coverage will be affected.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Dermatology
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, Sept. 2003.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003

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