Is Chin Implant

Is Chin Implant

Alternative to invasive surgery is the use of chin implants. Some people believe that a chin implant will improve their facial contours and overall appearance. Chin augmentation options range from silicone implants to more permanent solid implants. If you’re considering getting a chin implant, an x-ray can show whether or not you have enough bone to support the implant, and a CT scan can show the general structure of your face.

Chin implants are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures; they have been popular since the days when Dr. Jack Startz was practising in London in the 1930s. Chin implants (which are silicone contour chin prosthetics) are manufactured from a combination of silicones and new non-corrosive metals, and are designed to replace lost boney mass below the lower jaw. One attractive feature about chin implants is that they provide a natural profile, as opposed to dental implants or bone grafts which may enlarge your jawline.. Read on to learn more on are chin implants safe/chin implant surgery.

Is Chin Implant

A chin implant is a surgical procedure to enhance the size of your chin. Most people get a flexible silicone implant. The procedure can help add definition and balance to your chin and jawline. It’s a fairly low-risk cosmetic procedure

he chin is an essential aspect of the face, and a person may desire a chin implant to achieve a more defined or prominent contour of the chin to improve his or her appearance.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Chin implants are made of a safe, pliable material and come in a range of sizes and shapes to fit a person’s facial structure and the plastic surgeon’s objective.
• Chin implants are just one way for a plastic surgeon to improve the appearance of a person’s chin. Other procedures include moving or reshaping the bones and using liposuction to remove excess fat in the area.
• Visible scarring is minimal in chin implant surgery since the surgeon makes the incisions either under the chin or inside the mouth.
• It is important for plastic surgeons to approach cosmetic procedures of the face in a holistic manner, considering the balance and harmony between each area of the face and its proportions.

Making the Decision for Chin Surgery

If you are considering chin surgery, here’s what to expect when you meet with a plastic surgeon:

• During a preliminary consultation, the surgeon will take a thorough medical history, as well as assess the person’s mental and emotional attitudes toward the surgery. A positive attitude and realistic expectations are crucial to the success of the surgery.
• The surgeon or a staff member will take photographs so the surgeon can study the person’s facial features and chin.
• The surgeon will carefully assess the person for surgical risks, especially those related to conditions such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, smoking and any deficiency in blood clotting.
• If a person, in consultation with the surgeon, elects to proceed with surgery, the surgeon will describe:
• The type of technique most likely to get a good result
• The type of anesthesia recommended
• The surgical facility where the procedure will take place
• Any additional procedures recommended to optimize results

Understanding Chin Surgery

Each patient’s individual needs and features are considered before their surgery. Here is a general overview of the procedure:

• Once the person is under anesthesia, the surgeon begins by making an incision either in the natural crease line just under the person’s chin or inside the mouth where gum and lower lip meet.
• By gently stretching this tissue, the surgeon creates a space where an implant can be inserted. This implant, made of synthetic material that feels much like natural tissue normally found in the chin, is available in a variety of sizes and shapes. This allows custom fitting of the implant to the configurations of the patient’s face.
• After implantation, the surgeon uses fine sutures to close the incision. When the incision is inside the mouth, no scarring is visible. If the incision is under the chin, the scar is usually imperceptible.

Chin Implant Surgery

Chin surgery, or mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone.

Plastic surgery, and other minor office procedures, can often be performed on the lower jaw line and chin area to improve proportions of the face and to help with one’s confidence and self-esteem. These types of interventions are frequently suggested by board-certified plastic surgeons to improve the harmony of facial features and improve the chin/jaw/cheek/forehead balance.

Sometimes bone from the jaw itself can be moved forward in an operation called a mentoplasty or genioplasty. Alternatively, shaped silicone implants can be used to give more projection to the chin. Conversely, bone can be removed to decrease an overly projecting chin. Furthermore, modifications to the upper and/or lower jaw can be advised for improved chewing dynamics and occlusion – or how the teeth fit together. These operations can range from simple to very complex.

Many times a plastic surgeon may recommend chin surgery or procedures to a patient having a rhinoplasty in order to achieve better facial proportions, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose.

Additionally, with recent advances in technology, and after obtaining informed consent after reviewing all options, risks and benefits, your plastic surgeon may suggest off-label use of FDA-approved gel filler material as an alternative for providing augmentation of the chin area that may last for a shorter duration.

Types of chin surgeries

Surgery can be performed on the chin to alter or improve its appearance. The two main types of chin surgery are either chin augmentation or chin reduction.

Chin augmentation/implants

Chin augmentation surgery is usually performed to augment an underprojected chin. Typically, this is accomplished by placement of an implant directly on the bone. A small incision is made either inside the mouth or underneath the skin of the chin. After the implant is placed, the incision is then closed with sutures. Mild swelling may occur for a few days, and patients usually are able to return to work within a week.

Chin reduction surgery

Chin reduction surgery, or chin shaving surgery, is performed to reduce a prominent or overprojected chin. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. A small incision is made either inside the mouth or underneath the skin of the chin. Excess bone is removed, and the chin is contoured to the desired shape. The incision is closed with sutures.

Chin implants are just one way a plastic surgeon can help a person achieve a more attractive chin and profile. Here are some others:

Mandibular advancement: Moving the bone of the chin forward to improve the appearance of a receding chin involves the surgeon making an incision inside the mouth and repositioning the facial bones. The procedure, depending on the extent of the work, takes from less than an hour to approximately three hours.

Chin reduction surgery: The surgeon makes incisions either in the mouth or under the chin, then sculpts the bone to a more pleasing size or shape.

Liposuction:Removing excess fatty tissue below the chin can help redefine the chin, profile or neckline.

Facelift or neck lift: These procedures can improve the look of the chin by tightening the muscles of the neck.

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery: When severely crooked teeth or birth defects in the structure of the jaw itself are contributing to a receding or malformed chin, surgery of the jaw can improve the form and function of the lower face and greatly enhance appearance.

What to Expect After Chin Surgery

• Immediately after surgery, the surgeon usually applies a dressing that will remain in place for two to three days. The person will experience some tenderness, and the surgeon will prescribe medications to help with post-operative discomfort.
• Chewing will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and the person may need to follow a diet of liquids and soft foods for a few days after the procedure. Most patients feel a stretched, tight sensation after the surgery, but this usually subsides in a week.
• After approximately six weeks, most swelling will be gone, and the person can start to see the results of the procedure. The surgeon may recommend avoiding rigorous activity for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after approximately 10 days.

Note: These are general guidelines only. Individuals respond differently to surgery and recovery. Please ask your plastic surgeon to help clarify what you might expect after your surgery.

Are Chin Implants Safe

As a result, the procedure is safer than ever before. In fact, chin implant surgery is considered one of the safest cosmetic surgeries with a very low risk of complication if you go to an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Sidle.

What are the benefits? Chin augmentations can rejuvenate and reshape your face, giving you a more symmetrical, refined, and youthful appearance.

Here, we’ll give you 10 interesting facts you need to know about chin augmentations before making your decision.

1. Chin augmentation surgery has few risks.

You’ll be happy to know that there are very few potential risks to chin enhancements.

With this type of facial plastic surgery, patients experience moderate pain. In rare cases, a patient may experience inflammation or swelling in the area surrounding the incision or may require additional treatment.  Implant malposition, extrusion, and infection are rare.  Numbness can occur from the procedure.  If these complications occur, your doctor may suggest further surgery.

2. Chin enhancement procedures are relatively safe.

There have been many improvements in the techniques for chin enhancement surgery over the years. As a result, the procedure is safer than ever before.

In fact, chin implant surgery is considered one of the safest cosmetic surgeries with a very low risk of complication if you go to an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Sidle.

Something that our patients love about chin implant procedures is that they can also be done on an outpatient basis. Most patients go home the same day, with little pain.

3. Chin implants are long-term.

One reason why chin implants are worth the money compared to other types of facial plastic surgery is that chin implants can make a permanent change.

The simple truth is that chin implants last a long time. If you’re still happy with the appearance of the changes after two years, you probably won’t be any less happy with your appearance after five or ten.

4. Chin Implants Can Be Subtle

Some patients are concerned that facial plastic surgery will be too “obvious”. A skilled plastic surgeon will help guide the surgical process to help the implant look as natural as possible. 

The right implant will complement and enhance the shape of your face without looking overdone. Implants range in size from very small to quite large.  Individual sizing is key.

5. Recovery time is relatively short.

The recovery time for getting chin augmentation is relatively short, and most patients return to work within one week after the procedure. Some of our patients are able to return to work after a few days, but it is important not to do too much too soon.

If you love to be active, there is no need to worry! You can return to strenuous activity in 2 weeks and return to normal activity within 2-4 weeks.

However, it’s important to listen to your body and take it easy. We all hate to hear it, but being patient with your recovery can allow you to enjoy your new profile without complications in the long term.

6. Chin enhancement surgical procedure carries a low risk of infection.

It is important to keep in mind that when it comes to cosmetic procedures, there is always a risk of infection. The good news? It’s quite rare.

So if you’re worried about infections, keep in mind that chin implant surgery is a common procedure and has low infection rates.

7. Chin implants are made of safe materials.

Chin implants have come a long way. Implant materials are both safe and long-lasting. Chin implants are made with a biocompatible material that is completely safe. Most risks with chin implants are encountered with patients who choose an inexperienced plastic surgeon. Inexperienced surgeons can cause damage to a patient’s bone structure or nerves with the poor position of the implant.

As plastic surgeons, we know too well that the chin is a very delicate place to work with on the face. It can take years to develop the skills that are required to give patients a balanced chin structure — the right width, the right length, the right balance of lip support—to achieve the results you want.

At Northwestern Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Sidle, we offer a variety of safe and long-lasting solutions to help you find the balance you want!

8. Chin augmentation price varies commonly.

As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Sidle is often asked what the price of chin augmentation is. This is a hard question to answer because there are a number of factors to consider. For example, the following items are taken into consideration when estimating chin augmentation costs:

1) History of chin surgery

2) The amount of chin augmentation

3) The type of anesthesia (sedation vs. general)

4) The surgical center (in-house vs. outpatient surgery center)

To find out your options, it’s recommended that you schedule a consultation today. 

9. You can opt to incorporate chin surgical procedures with other treatments.

Plastic surgery procedures are becoming more and more common in the United States. Patients who are interested in chin implants are often interested in additional procedures such as rhinoplasty on chin and neck liposuction. Chin surgery can easily be combined with another procedure when performed by a skilled and qualified surgeon. Combining procedures can help improve the overall balance and harmony of the face.

Talk to a specialized surgeon like Dr. Sidle to find out what’s right for you! We can go over what procedures are safe to combine with others and help you create a plan that’s right for you.