Custom facial implants

Custom facial implants, especially those designed in medical-grade titanium or PEEK, are intended to provide a stable, long-lasting solution. They do not have an expiry date or require specific maintenance, although they may need to be reviewed if a complication, displacement, discomfort or infection occurs, or if the patient wishes to modify the result over time.

Custom facial implants are safe when they are properly indicated, individually planned and placed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Materials such as medical-grade titanium or PEEK are biocompatible and are used in reconstructive, maxillofacial, dental and orthopaedic surgery. They are designed to remain stable inside the body over the long term.

As with any surgical procedure or implantable device, there can be uncommon risks, such as infection, displacement, discomfort, changes in sensation or the need for revision. This is why medical assessment, precise 3D planning and appropriate follow-up are essential.

When they are custom-planned, facial implants are designed to enhance facial structure without creating an artificial or exaggerated appearance. The aim is not to change who you are, but to improve projection, balance and facial harmony while respecting your own anatomy.

A natural-looking result depends on precise 3D planning, the right implant design, correct surgical placement and the judgement of an experienced maxillofacial surgeon.

The cost of facial implants depends on several factors: the complexity of the case, the area or areas to be treated, the type of implant, the material selected, 3D planning, custom design, the surgical setting and the type of anaesthesia required.

A standard facial implant, such as a solid silicone implant in selected cases, does not have the same cost as a custom titanium or PEEK facial implant designed specifically from the patient’s anatomy.

At Face Clinic, Dr Riba assesses each case individually to determine whether a standard implant or a custom 3D solution is more appropriate. A personalised quote is provided after medical assessment and the initial treatment planning.

For selected patients, custom facial implants can be a very appropriate option because they provide a long-term structural solution rather than a temporary volumising treatment.

When planned in 3D and designed in medical-grade materials such as titanium or PEEK, the facial implant is adapted to the patient’s anatomy and intended to integrate with their facial framework, helping to improve projection, definition and facial balance.

Although the initial cost may be higher than some non-surgical treatments, in certain cases it can be more cost-effective in the medium to long term, especially when the patient would otherwise need repeated filler treatments to try to achieve support or definition. A well-indicated facial implant provides structure, not just volume, helping to avoid the artificial or overfilled appearance that may occur when facial shape is treated with fillers alone.

Another advantage is that facial implants are a solid, defined and localised structure. If the patient wishes to remove or modify them, they can be surgically removed or revised. This is different from facial fillers, which are injected into soft tissues and may behave less predictably. Although some fillers are described as resorbable, in certain patients they may remain for longer than expected or may not completely disappear within the expected timeframe.

The decision should always be based on an individual assessment, taking into account facial anatomy, expectations, medical history, implant type and the result the patient wants to achieve.

Custom facial implants, especially those designed in medical-grade titanium or PEEK, are intended to remain stable over the long term. The implant itself does not “age” or become resorbed over time; in principle, if there are no complications, discomfort or desire for modification, it does not need to be removed simply because the years pass.

Facial ageing continues naturally: the skin loses elasticity, wrinkles may appear, facial fat can change and soft tissues may become looser. Facial implants do not stop this process and do not replace other treatments when there is significant skin excess or advanced sagging.

However, well-planned facial implants can help maintain a more defined facial structure over time. For example, cheekbone implants can provide support to the midface, while chin or jawline implants can improve lower-face definition and contribute to a more balanced appearance.

For this reason, rather than “rejuvenating” on their own, facial implants can help preserve or reinforce the structural support of the face, provided they are properly indicated, custom-designed and placed by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon.