Chin Implant: Surgery, Procedure, Recovery & Risks

What Is Chin Implantation?

This is a procedure that people resort to when they want to correct their chin. Some have a protruding chin, an underdeveloped chin, a double chin, or, in their opinion, a too-wide chin. Some have post-traumatic deformations of the lower jaw. Chin plastic surgery is recommended for patients who have reached the age of 18, when the main proportions of the facial skeleton have already been formed. So you need to wait until adulthood. In general, a chin implant helps to reduce a small or slanted chin and give clarity and contour to the lower part of the face and the profile as a whole. How is the operation performed? A plastic surgeon makes an incision in the skin, installs an implant, and models it according to the shape of the chin bone. This way, you can achieve the appearance desired by the patient. These are the operations that plastic surgeons use: chin augmentation (enlargement) or chin correction.

Types of Chin Implants

Implants come in many shapes, sizes, and types. Your surgeon will select the most appropriate type based on your needs, characteristics, and aesthetic goals. Chin implants are usually made of silicone, a good, flexible artificial material. Sometimes they are made from the patient’s cartilage (bioprostheses), but this is much less common. Why are silicone ones more common? They are flexible and provide a smooth, natural shape. They are easy to place and have a high level of adjustment. They are a good option for many patients who want to enlarge their chin and achieve permanent results.

Who is a candidate for chin implants? Are you bothered by a small or receding chin? Do you want to transform your appearance? Have you had surgery and want to restore your natural look? Consider getting chin implants. What is a receding chin? This is when the chin does not protrude enough from the face’s surface. It looks out of proportion to the lines of the forehead, nose, and other facial features. A facial fracture or tumor removal can sometimes lead to tragic consequences for appearance. In such cases, implantation is a great help. The installation of a chin implant can be an addition to double chin removal surgery, a facelift (rhytidectomy), facial masculinization surgery, genioplasty, or facial reconstruction.

An Ideal Candidate for a Chin Implant

Such a person wants to improve their appearance and does not have jaw diseases, jaw bone deformation, or a very short chin. Also, the patient should not smoke and must have reached full skeletal maturity (bone growth is complete). It is also important to have the right psychological attitude. A person must have realistic expectations regarding the results of the chin implantation surgery. It is also necessary to be physically healthy.

Chin Implant, Filler, or Lipofilling: What is the Difference?

A chin implant is not the only way to give the chin a more precise, desired contour. Are dermal fillers or lipofilling right for you? Read all the information to make an informed decision. Dermal chin fillers are also very popular. These are injections of hyaluronic acid or another substance under the skin that add volume to your face. Fillers can not only visually enlarge a small chin but also smooth out wrinkles. minus one—they disappear over time.

A chin lift involves the following actions of a plastic surgeon. The doctor performs liposuction (a procedure to remove fat using suction) on the patient’s abdomen or thighs. Then the fat is injected into the chin. Phytografting is a minimally invasive procedure.

How to Prepare for Chin Implant Surgery

Don’t worry and stay positive. The main thing is to choose a reliable clinic and a qualified doctor. The specialist will give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. You may need to take tests and a medical examination. It is important to make sure that you are in good health. A couple of weeks before the procedure, it is recommended to quit smoking.

Sometimes, you should stop taking certain medications. Also, pay attention to aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements. Sometimes, patients take antibiotics before the surgery, which minimizes the risk of infection. Before-the-procedure photos will help the surgeon plan the procedure and compare the results before and after.

What Happens During Chin Implant Surgery?

To avoid unnecessary worries, it is important to understand the procedure’s no-nos. So you will be given local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. It all depends on the duration and complexity of the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision on the inside of the mouth, in the lower lip’s fold. Sometimes the incision can be located on the outside of the chin. The doctor uses special instruments to remove the skin, fat, and tissue. Now the specialist places the implant and shapes it to fit the chin bone. The doctor will close the incision with absorbable stitches or glue. The specialist will put a bandage on top and apply antibacterial ointment.

After Chin Implant Surgery: What Will Happen?

This is a relatively simple operation. You can go home the same day. In rare cases, you may need to stay overnight in the hospital. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your incision. You should generally maintain gentle physical activity for a week or two after surgery. Avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over, and vigorous physical activity. Do not be alarmed by swelling and bruising; this is natural. The doctor will tell you the best way to care for it. You should follow a soft diet for several weeks. Rinse your mouth with salt water or mouthwash before and after meals. It is important to keep the incision clean. This will also help reduce pain. And very soon, you will enjoy a beautiful appearance without any discomfort.

Chin Implant Risks

Chin implantation is generally simple. But like any surgery, it is sometimes accompanied by risks. Rarely, but possibly, bleeding, burning or tingling, bruising, hair loss, erosion or resorption of the chin bone, and even loss of the implant. There is also rejection of the implant by the body, nerve damage, infection, and scarring. Sometimes, displacement of the implant occurs.

Conclusion

So, you want to transform your appearance, making your chin more expressive? This procedure will help you achieve the desired effect. We hope you told us everything you wanted to know. If you have any additional questions, welcome to Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery. Our specialty clinic, which has offices in Aliso Viejo and Temecula, specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, eyes, ears, nose, head, and neck. We will help you get the look of your dreams. We practice a personalized approach and will be happy to help you.