For example, during a facelift, a patient may wish to have implants placed over the cheekbones to help restore a more youthful appearance. All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk Facial implants can produce some remarkable changes. Problems rarely occur, but you need to be informed about such possibilities. This brochure will touch upon a few, but is not intended to provide a detailed or complete inventory of potential risks. A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation my be necessary to replace it in its proper position.
Infection can occur with any operation.
If infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time. Other, less-frequent risks may be associated with certain implants. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon for a description of the risks associated with the procedure in which you are interested. Some of the implant materials are made of a solid silicone. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that this is a harmful substance.