What is a chin implant?
Chin implants are synthetic materials that are surgically placed in the lower face to improve the appearance of the chin. Silicone implants are commonly used because of their durability and biocompatibility, which reduces the risk of complications.
These implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes to help patients achieve the exact look they desire. Implants augment the chin to provide a balanced appearance, a more pronounced square jaw or even a cleft chin.
How is chin implant surgery performed?
Chin augmentation surgeries are typically performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation – usually a light sleep anesthesia – or, when combined with other procedures, general anesthesia. Patients usually only sleep during the operation and have almost no memory of it afterwards.
The operation itself is a relatively simple procedure in which the doctor first makes a small incision in the skin just under the chin and then inserts the implant, attaching it to the jaw bone to ensure its stability. To complete the procedure, your doctor simply closes the incision. The results, which may not be entirely apparent at first, will last a lifetime.
The entire chin implant procedure takes between one and two hours to perform. The incisions are placed as inconspicuously as possible, although the exact location depends on the facial structure. Some surgeons prefer to place their incisions in the mouth, also known as intraoral, while others prefer under the chin, also known as extraoral.
However, there may be more complications when performed intraorally, as the risk of infection is higher, especially if you do not have the highest oral hygiene regimen. Once this is established, the benefits of going the oral route are considerable. First, while scarring from extraoral incisions is minimal, the intraoral procedure leaves no scarring whatsoever, and better yet, comes with the notable added benefit that these incisions heal much faster.
Chin Implant Recovery and Results
The chin augmentation surgery recovery process is a fairly straightforward affair that usually lasts about a week. Most patients are able to return to work by then.
Although you are not likely to feel any excessive pain from the procedure, your doctor will prescribe painkillers and possibly so-called pharmaceutical grade Arnica Montana to help reduce any swelling or bruising that occurs. And rest assured that there will be swelling and bruising around the chin and lower face. Expect it to be there for a full week after surgery.
Some patients report that their chin has felt numb for three months after surgery, although this is definitely the exception to the rule. You will also likely be given a support brace to wear when you lie down for the first few weeks after surgery, so that the implant remains in the desired position and does not begin to shift during the healing process.
Although the results are immediate, due to the inevitable swelling that occurs after surgery, the final result of your new chin will not be fully apparent for three to four weeks.
Risks of chin implants and possible complications
Finally, keep in mind that, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Although highly unlikely, there is always the possibility that hematoma, seroma, numbness from nerve damage, bone erosion and/or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may result from the procedure.
In a recent study investigating bone erosion of the chin from a silicone chin implant, it was found that 14 of the 15 individuals involved in the study showed bone erosion from the surgery. However, 80% of the individuals who experienced bone erosion experienced only a 2-mm displacement without consequences.
If you encounter any of the following symptoms after surgery, this could indicate something potentially serious that will require you to inform your physician:
– Sudden swelling or discoloration of the lower face
– Fever
– Increasing redness and/or tenderness of the wound, suggesting possible infection.
– Hemorrhage
– Allergic reactions to drugs prescribed in the postoperative period.
– The chin implant is displaced
Remember, immediately after surgery your new chin will probably look larger, or more pronounced, than it really is due to the aforementioned swelling. So don’t rush to judgment too quickly, give it a few months to allow everything to settle and heal properly.
Also, it usually takes a while for people to get used to the new face they are seeing in the mirror. Your new chin may suddenly make you look at your nose differently. Everything is connected, changing one element will impact the aesthetics of your entire face. Any good plastic surgeon in Bogota, of course, will be fully aware of this inevitability and will do his or her work accordingly, with the final and overall look of your face in mind.
The Plastic Surgeon in Bogota in Bogota Dr Guevara and his most qualified medical and assistance team will gladly answer all your other questions. Contact us!
