Chin Augmentation (Implant)
Chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone. Many times a cosmetic surgeon may recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.
Chin augmentation surgery (also known as chin implant surgery) is a common facial cosmetic surgery procedure, which brings balance to the facial structure by correcting a chin problem due to congenital deficiency, age-related bone resorption or facial trauma. The procedure can be as simple as injecting a temporary soft tissue augmentation filler to implanting a silicone chin implant.
Chin implants can be used for either cosmetic or reconstructive enhancement of the jaw line. Chin implants will provide a more natural-looking break between your neck and face. The goal of chin implants is to give greater definition to your chin and provide balance with the rest of your face.
The Best Candidates for Chin Augmentation
In general, the best candidates for chin augmentation are:
• In good physical health
• Psychologically stable
• Informed about limitations
• Free of known allergies to the implant material
• Realistic in their expectations for the outcome
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he / she considers you an ideal candidate for chin implants.
Type of Anesthesia
Local anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation is generally used to ease discomfort during the surgery. Most people report no discomfort at all.
The Surgery
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, your surgeon selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance. Your surgeon inserts the implant into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth, along the lower lip or in the skin just under the chin area.
After Your Surgery
The chin is usually taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days or the sutures will dissolve. Most patients experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days following surgery. You should avoid strenuous activities, but exercise can be resumed in about two weeks. If incisions are made inside the mouth, you may be placed on a liquid diet for several days until there is adequate healing to allow for chewing and food particles to come in contact with the stitches. And your mouth must be cared with the oral antiseptics that is prescribed by doctor. Smiling and talking will be difficult during the healing process.
Getting Back to Normal
The surgery has a high rate of satisfaction. The scar is generally not noticeable if the wound is in oral cavity, and problems related to unevenness are relatively uncommon.