When considering facial implants, what is the difference between a Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon?

Question

Should I consult with both? What is their difference in knowledge and experience? What about other procedures with them like a facelift?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Without an exam your question cannot be answered.  You will need to see an Oral/Maxillofacial surgeon to see if othognathic surgery, genioplasty or using an implant is best for your specific case. It should be noted that patients with severely weak jaws or abnormally functioning jaws may be better treated with other facial surgery (orthognathic surgery), although a chin augmentation may be an option at a later time. These patients should seek the advice of a plastic surgeon to determine which course is right for them. Here is some information to help you make this decision: Candidates for Chin Augmentation - Patients whose chin profiles are weak but have normally functioning jaws are candidates for Chin Augmentation. Many of these candidates have used injectable fillers in the past to strengthen the protrusion of their chins, but are looking for a permanent solution. If you are one of these patients, then you are a likely candidate for chin augmentation
#weakchin #chinimplant

Regina Rodman, MD · Answer

Great question!  The titles are confusing, even to people in medicine
A plastic surgeon- someone who has done general surgery and then special training in plastic surgery. Generally able to body, breast, hand, face (soft tissue) and burn surgery. 
A Facial Plastic surgeon- someone who has done ear, nose and throat surgery training and then special training in plastic surgery, but focuses specifically on face
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon- someone who went to dental school and then did extra training in oral and face surgery
CRANIOFACIAL surgeon- is someone who has done any of the above, but did extra training in surgery of bones of the face, cleft lip and palate, birth defects.
For example I did ENT residency and then a facial plastic and craniofacial fellowship.  I only do face, but I can do almost anything in the head and neck, including implants, jaw surgery, genioplasty, V line surgery, trauma, as well as rhinoplasty, blephs and the usual facial plastic surgery. 
I would recommend going to someone who has specific training in craniofacial surgery and implants, which may be a facial plastic, plastic or oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Best of luck
Dr Rodman

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many facial shaping procedures using silastic facial implants, dermal fillers, liposuction and or facelifts for over 30 years.  Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialized dentists and surgeons, Facial Plastic Surgeons are specialists in facial plastic surgery and Plastic Surgeons perform face and body plastic surgery. Following the facial beauty principles that I've developed over the past 30 of performing facial plastic surgery including silastic implants (cheek implants, chin implant, lip implants), women look soft feminine and beautiful when they have heart shaped faces which have shapely cheeks (full and round in the front).  In contrast, men look chiseled and handsome when their faces have angularity in the cheeks, chin and jaw line. In my humble opinion and experience it's best for you to learn about facial beauty and how certain facial features make the face appear more or less beautiful.  Then armed with this knowledge have a few consultations with Experienced Facial Implant Surgeons.  Similarly, if you are also considering a facelift have a few consultations with Experienced Facelift Surgeons that also are very experienced in placing silastic facial implants.  We frequently perform both procedures.  If your face shows signs of "jowls”, these represent sagging facial tissues and are the primary indication for some form of SMAS facelift.  The underlying SMAS layer, of the face, must be dissected, lifted, trimmed and re-sutured (not merely folded or suspended with threads or sutures that will not last).  The excess skin is then removed and the facelift incisions closed.
 For well over 15 years now, my most popular facelift is the minimally invasive, short incision facelift that has all the benefits of more invasive facelifts (traditional, mid-face, deep plane, cheek lift and subperiosteal facelifts) but with these added benefits:
very small incisions and no incisions extend or are placed within the hair.
minimal tissue dissection = less bruising and swelling = rapid recovery ( several days instead of weeks or months with the more invasive type facelifts mentioned)
can be performed in 90 minutes or less, with or without general anesthesia
no incisions within the hair = no hair loss
excess fat can be removed from the face and neck
excess skin removed from the face and neck
cheeks, chin and jaw line can be augmented with dermal fillers (I prefer Restylane Lyft) or facial implants
most patients fly back home to parts all over the world in as little as 3 days post-op
  Because a facelift alone can not properly shape all of the facial features, I combine facial shaping with every facelift procedure.  When jowls are present, these should be done in concert and not alone or separately in order to create a naturally, more attractive face.
Hope this helps.

When considering facial implants, what is the difference between a Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon?

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When considering facial implants, what is the difference between a Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon?

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Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

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