Facial Implants in Bellevue — Define Your Profile with Surgical Precision
Define Your Profile with Surgical Precision
Gender-affirming facial implants — including chin, jaw, and cheek implants — reshape the structural foundation of the face to support a more masculine, feminine, or non-binary appearance, in alignment with each patient’s goals. Most commonly, facial implants are part of facial masculinization for patients undergoing female-to-male transition, where augmentation of the jawline and chin builds a stronger, more angular lower-face profile.
At Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery, gender-affirming facial implants are performed by Dr. Kristopher M. Day — a double board-certified plastic surgeon with 10+ years of experience, 30+ peer-reviewed publications, and a dedicated craniofacial fellowship, the only one of its kind in the Bellevue market. The result respects each patient’s identity and looks like it was always theirs.
Double Board-Certified (ABPS + ABS)
Ivy League Trained
Highly Rated Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
Proudly Serving Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Renton
What Are Facial Implants?
Facial implants are solid, biocompatible implants surgically placed to augment the structural contours of the face. In gender-affirming care, they are most commonly used to masculinize the lower face — building a stronger jawline and more projected chin — though they can also support feminization or non-binary aesthetic goals depending on placement and shape. Unlike fillers, which temporarily add volume, implants deliver permanent, dimensionally stable results by reinforcing the underlying skeletal framework. They address structural changes that hormone therapy, fillers, and non-surgical treatments are not able to provide.
Types of Facial Implants Offered at Pacific Sound
Type | Description |
|---|---|
Chin Implants (Mentoplasty)
| The most commonly requested facial implant in masculinization. A chin implant projects and defines the lower face, strengthens the jawline, and adds proportion between the nose and chin. Particularly effective when combined with rhinoplasty for a masculinized lower-face profile. |
Cheek Implants (Malar Augmentation)
| Cheek implants restore or create definition along the zygomatic arch, lifting the midface. More commonly used in feminization to create higher, softer cheekbones, but appropriate in select masculinization plans for patients with flat or recessed midface contours. |
Jaw Implants (Mandibular Augmentation) | A cornerstone of facial masculinization. Jaw implants address the posterior and inferior border of the mandible, creating a sharper, stronger, more angular jaw — a defining feature of a masculine lower face. |
Custom/Combined Implants | For patients with complex structural goals, Dr. Day can design a coordinated implant plan addressing multiple facial zones in a single surgical session. Craniofacial training means Dr. Day understands how each implant interacts with adjacent bone, soft tissue, and the surrounding anatomy. |
Frontal Bone & Temporal Implants (less common) | Forehead and temple contouring implants used in select cases. Less frequently performed than chin, cheek, or jaw implants, but available for patients with specific structural goals. |
Diet, exercise, and non-surgical treatments are unlikely to address bone-level structural concerns. If your concern is structural — a weak chin, flat cheekbones, or an undefined jawline — that has more to do with your skeletal anatomy than your soft tissue. Facial implants address the foundation.
"Peaceful cute office! Dr. Day made me feel very comfortable and the receptionist was super friendly as well!"
— Cheyenne B. • Google Review
Benefits of Facial Implants
Facial implants are among the most impactful and enduring changes a patient can make to their appearance. For Bellevue patients who want permanent structural improvement — not just temporary volume — implants deliver results that look natural and last a long.
Aesthetic Benefits
- Stronger, more defined chin and jawline
- Higher, more sculpted cheekbones
- Improved facial balance and proportion
- Masculine or feminine structural enhancement (depending on goals)
- Harmonious profile — especially when combined with rhinoplasty
Confidence & Emotional Benefits
Patients who have lived with a recessed chin or flat midface often describe the change as transformative — not because they “look different,” but because they finally look the way they’ve always felt on the inside. The results are subtle to strangers, and dramatic to those who know you best.
Practical & Lifestyle Benefits
- Long-lasting results — no scheduled ongoing maintenance is required.
- Short recovery relative to the degree of change
- Most commonly combined with rhinoplasty — the chin and nose define the lower facial profile together, and addressing both in a single operation often produces more naturally proportioned results than either procedure alone. May also be combined with other facial procedures for one recovery.
- Biocompatible implants are safe, stable, and long-term tested
"Very thorough, described potential benefits and drawbacks for each type of approach we discussed. Very professional, skilled, and gentle. No "upselling" or added services pushed which was a relief! He and his staff are a wonderful addition to our area! Thank you and you did beautiful work!"
— Stacy, Facial Procedure Patient · Google Review
Am I a Good Candidate for Facial Implants?
Facial implant candidacy depends on your anatomy, overall health, and the stability of your facial structure.
Most adult patients are excellent candidates once the facial bones have finished developing. Dr. Day follows ASPS and WPATH guidelines for age requirements in gender-affirming surgery.
- IDEAL CANDIDATES
- Adults 19+ with fully developed facial bones, seeking gender-affirming structural enhancement
- Patients with a structurally recessed or undefined chin
- Patients seeking permanent, non-injectable cheekbone definition
- Individuals with facial asymmetry related to skeletal structure
- Patients planning combined procedures (e.g., rhinoplasty + chin implant)
- Non-smokers in good general health with realistic expectations
- CONSIDER WAITING IF
- Patients under 19 (minimum age for gender-affirming surgery)
- Active smokers (increased infection and healing risk)
- Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions (diabetes, autoimmune)
- Those seeking results achievable with filler alone
- Patients with active dental infections or oral health issues
- Individuals with unrealistic expectations about structural change
Not Sure If You're a Candidate?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Day to discuss your goals and options.
The Facial Implant Process And Recovery
Step 1 — Your Consultation
Dr. Day begins with a thorough evaluation of your facial structure, bone anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. He uses clinical measurements and, in some cases, imaging to determine the optimal implant size, shape, and placement for your unique facial architecture. This is where the craniofacial fellowship training matters most — no other surgeon in Bellevue understands facial skeletal anatomy at this level.
Step 2 — Pre-Surgery Preparation
You’ll receive detailed instructions for the days leading up to surgery: medications to avoid, dietary guidelines, and pre-op bloodwork if needed. Smokers must stop at least 4 weeks before surgery. Patients on certain medications will receive specific guidance from Dr. Day’s team.
Step 3 — Day of Surgery
Incisions are carefully placed — often inside the mouth or within natural skin creases — so any resulting scars are concealed or, in the case of intraoral incisions, not externally visible.
Step 4 — Recovery Timeline
Early Recovery (Days 1–7)
What to Expect
Expect swelling, tightness, and mild bruising — most pronounced in the first 3–5 days. Most patients manage discomfort with oral medications and follow a soft-food diet if a chin or jaw implant was placed via an intraoral incision. Walking is encouraged the day after surgery — no grimace, grunt, strain, or sweat through Weeks 1–2. Sedentary or desk work typically resumes during Week 1.
Return to Normal (Weeks 2–6)
What to Expect
Starting at Week 2, patients begin returning to exertional activity at approximately 50% of their pre-operative maximum and increase by roughly 5% per day. By Week 3, swelling has substantially resolved and the implant’s contour is clearly visible. By Weeks 4–6, most patients have returned to full unrestricted activity, including high-impact exercise.
Month 3+
What to Expect
Scars continue to mature and fade. Final results take shape as swelling fully resolves. Most patients are thrilled with their results by 3 months.
Why Craniofacial Training Matters for Facial Implants
Most plastic surgeons learn facial implant techniques through general plastic surgery training. Dr. Day went further — completing a dedicated craniofacial fellowship that focused exclusively on the skeletal architecture of the face and skull. He is the only craniofacial fellowship-trained plastic surgeon practicing in Bellevue.
What This Means for Your Result
- Precise implant sizing based on 3D skeletal relationships — not guesswork
- Expert understanding of the underlying facial anatomy, supporting precise implant placement and natural sensory outcomes
- Ability to design and execute complex multi-implant plans in a single procedure
- Deeper knowledge of occlusal (bite) relationships when placing chin/jaw implants
- 30+ peer-reviewed publications in facial anatomy and craniofacial surgery
When it comes to permanently altering the structural foundation of your face, the surgeon’s training is everything. The craniofacial fellowship is not just a credential — it is daily clinical practice that directly informs how Dr. Day approaches every facial implant case at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery.
What Results Can I Expect from a Facial Implants?
What Results Can I Expect?
Facial implants deliver some of the most long-lasting and satisfying results in all of aesthetic surgery. Because they work with your skeletal anatomy rather than against it, the outcomes look natural — balanced, proportionate, and distinctly “you.” Patients consistently describe looking the way they always imagined they could.
When You'll See Results
- Immediately post-op: Swelling masks the final shape
- Week 1–2: Implant placement visible despite swelling
- Month 1: Majority of swelling resolved; result clearly visible
- Months 3–6: Final, fully settled result — implant is long-lasting
How Long Results Last
Facial implants are designed to be long-lasting. They are commonly made from solid silicone (most frequent), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or porous polyethylene — among other biocompatible materials Dr. Day may select based on your anatomy and goals. These implants do not degrade or require scheduled replacement under normal circumstances; they integrate with the surrounding tissue and age naturally with your face. This is a one-time structural investment, and one that is reversible — if at any time a patient wishes to remove the implant, that is possible.
"Dr. Day is a master of his craft. With each and every visit, he clearly lays out multiple, empathetic strategies for achieving your cosmetic goals. I implore you to reach out to his clinic!"
— Peter O. · Google Review
Facial Implant Cost in Bellevue
The cost of facial implants at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery reflects Dr. Day’s craniofacial fellowship training, the surgical facility, and the individualized plan created for each patient. During your consultation, you will receive a precise, itemized estimate. Cost is never discussed before your surgical plan is created — because your plan determines your cost.
What Affects Price
- Implant type(s) selected (chin, cheek, jaw, or combination)
- Implant size, shape, and material
- Anesthesia type and facility fees
- Whether this procedure is combined with rhinoplasty or another facial procedure
- Number of implant zones addressed in a single surgical session
What’s Included in Your Facial Implant Investment
Your surgical fee covers all of the following at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery:
- Surgeon's fee
- Facility / operating room fee
- Anesthesia (administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist)
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery medication (Exparel)
- Cosmetic surgery insurance coverage (Cosmetasure)
- High-end compression garment (Isavella)
- High-end scar ointment (Biocorneum)
- Swelling and bruising ointment (Arnica)
- Clara Recovery Supplements
- Chlorhexidine Anti-Septic Scrub Cloths
- Post-operative recovery and follow-up care
Financing Options
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit (6-month financing) and Alphaeon Credit, two of the most widely used healthcare financing programs. Both allow patients to begin their journey without paying the full cost upfront.
Starting from $5,500
Chin implant surgery at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery starts from approximately $5,500. Cheek and jaw implants, or combined facial implant procedures, typically range higher based on complexity. Your final cost is discussed in detail during your consultation.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Day for Facial Implants in Bellevue
✓ The Only Craniofacial Fellowship in Bellevue
No other plastic surgeon in Bellevue or the surrounding communities holds craniofacial fellowship training. This means Dr. Day has a uniquely precise understanding of facial skeletal anatomy — the foundation upon which all facial implant work is built.
✓ Ivy League Trained
Dr. Day trained in general surgery at an Ivy League institution before completing a dedicated craniofacial fellowship — the advanced credential that directly underpins every facial implant case at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery.
✓ Boutique Practice: You Work With Dr. Day Directly
Pacific Sound is not a high-volume clinic. Every consultation, surgical plan, and post-operative appointment involves Dr. Day personally — not a PA or NP. His direct involvement is part of every patient’s experience.
✓ Double Board-Certified — ABPS + ABS
Certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
✓ 30+ Peer-Reviewed Publications in Facial Anatomy
Dr. Day contributes to the academic literature on plastic and craniofacial surgery — evidence of a surgeon who doesn’t just practice the standard of care but helps define it.
✓ Surgical Facilities
Swedish Medical Center · Virginia Mason Franciscan Health · Carillon Point Surgery Center · Sound Plastic Surgery Center
"Doctor day is a very experienced cranial facial and plastic surgeon. He respected my wants, listened to me... My scarring is so unnoticed, people comment on how it looks like no surgery marks at all. Sophia the receptionist was always kind to me."
— Stacy · Google Review
Conveniently Located for Eastside Families
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is centrally located in downtown Bellevue, making Dr. Day’s fellowship-trained expertise accessible to families throughout the Eastside — without the stress of navigating Seattle traffic. Our patients enjoy a private, boutique surgical experience with on-site validated parking, just minutes from the communities they call home.
Seattle
~15 minutes
World-class plastic surgery results without the downtown Seattle parking hassle. A quick drive across SR-520 or I-90 to our private Bellevue office.
Kirkland
~10 minutes
Just minutes from downtown Kirkland and the Juanita waterfront via I-405 or surface streets.
Redmond
~10 minutes
Convenient for the Redmond tech community via SR-520 or surface streets.
Mercer Island
~10 minutes
A quick drive across I-90. Our discreet, private environment is ideal for discerning Mercer Island residents.
Issaquah
~10 minutes
Convenient for Issaquah Highlands and Gilman Village area families via I-90.
Renton
~5 minutes
Easy access from Renton and the Landing via I-405 North. Boutique care and personalized attention just minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are facial implants permanent?
Facial implants are designed to be permanent — they do not degrade or require scheduled replacement, and the overwhelming majority of patients have no need for revision surgery. They are also reversible: if at any time a patient wishes to remove the implant, that is possible. Revision or removal is otherwise only needed in rare cases of infection, displacement, or patient-requested change.
Will a facial implant look natural?
When properly sized and placed for your facial anatomy, a facial implant should enhance — not announce — your appearance. Dr. Day’s craniofacial training ensures implant sizing is based on your skeletal proportions, not a catalog size chart. The most common response from patients is that friends notice they “look great” without being able to identify what changed.
What is recovery like after a chin implant?
Most patients take 7–10 days off work. Swelling is most noticeable in the first 3–5 days and resolves progressively. You’ll follow a soft-food diet for 1–2 weeks if your implant is placed via an intraoral incision. Most patients return to unrestricted exercise by weeks 4–6.
Can I combine a facial implant with rhinoplasty?
Yes — and it’s one of the most powerful combined procedures in facial surgery. The chin and nose share a proportional relationship along the profile. Addressing both in a single operation (under one anesthesia, one recovery) often produces better overall facial harmony than either procedure alone. Dr. Day discusses this routinely during rhinoplasty consultations.
How much do facial implants cost in Bellevue?
Chin implant surgery starts from approximately $4,500. The total cost for your procedure depends on the implant type, number of zones addressed, facility, and anesthesia. A detailed estimate is provided during your consultation.
Where are the incisions placed for facial implants?
Incision placement depends on the implant location. Chin implants are typically accessed through a small incision either inside the mouth — which leaves no external scar — or in the natural crease below the chin, where the scar is discreet and well-concealed. Cheek implants are typically accessed intraorally through the upper gum line. Dr. Day’s preference for concealed incisions comes directly from craniofacial surgical training.
Are there risks with facial implants?
All surgical procedures carry risk. With facial implants, the primary concerns are infection, implant shifting, sensory changes, and asymmetry. Dr. Day’s craniofacial fellowship training is grounded in a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, which directly informs how he approaches every implant case and the conversations he has with patients about expectations. During your consultation, Dr. Day will review all relevant considerations based on your anatomy and goals.
Who is NOT a candidate for facial implants?
Patients under 19 (the minimum age for gender-affirming surgery), smokers who cannot stop pre-surgery, patients with active oral/dental infections, and those with certain immune conditions may need to wait or explore alternatives. Dr. Day evaluates candidacy individually at your consultation.
Do facial implants affect dental work or chewing?
A well-placed chin or jaw implant should not interfere with normal dental function or chewing. However, Dr. Day accounts for your occlusion (bite) when planning implant size and placement — this is another area where craniofacial fellowship training is directly relevant. Any dental work planned around the same time as implant surgery should be disclosed at consultation.
Can facial implants be combined with a facelift?
Yes. Chin and cheek implants are sometimes incorporated into a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan alongside a facelift. Dr. Day performs the full range of modern facelift techniques and will select the most appropriate approach for your anatomy and goals during your consultation. Combining implants with a facelift can provide both structural and soft-tissue restoration in a single recovery.