What You Need to Know About Chin Implants

Posted on 13. Oct, 2009 in Surgical Procedures

Often, when people make the decision to undergo facial plastic surgery, like Rhinoplasty or cheek implants, they may also decide to have a chin implant in order to make sure that their faces are proportional.

Many people are uncomfortable or very self-conscious of a weak chin since it has become common to think of a strong chin and jaw as a sign of mental strength. While this is not true, it can be a factor in the reason why people choose an implant.

When a chin implant is decided upon, the surgeon, along with the patient, will make a decision about the size and the shape of the implant. One does not want a strange or out of place looking implant. The goal is to look natural and appear as if the chin has not been tampered with.

The actual implant surgery can be done two different ways. In the first method, an incision will be put in the mouth, at the lower part of the gums. In the second way, the incision is actually made under the chin. In either case, the implant is then placed into the area. The actually surgery will take, at the most, an hour.

In the first method, dissolvable stitches are placed in the gums. With the under the chin incisions, outer stitches will need to be placed and later removed.

Usually, the recovery period will start with a week when the patient will need to stay taped and bandaged. This is to help the implant adhere to the underlying tissues. After a week or so, the bandaging will be removed.

Most patients will see some bruising and swelling. Pain is normally controllable with medication. Often, patients are able to ease the discomfort with over the counter medication.

When it comes to recovery, most people are able to return to normal activity within a week or two, but strenuous activity is not advisable for several weeks. The surgeon will discuss with the patient the time period that they need to spend on recovery.

The chin implant is usually long lasting. Some people face a problem with scarring under the chin, so people who are prone to scarring excessively should go over the risk with their surgeon. Although some people face a problem with the outcome, the problems can be rectified quickly.

For anyone thinking about a chin implant, they should make sure to find a board certified surgeon, and they should go over the whole procedure with the professional in advance.