The chin and cheeks are areas of the face that may be improved by the placement of implants. By accentuating these areas, implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look
Frequently, chin augmentation is performed with other facial plastic procedures such as rhinoplasty, or liposuction of the neck. Often chin augmentation can add the finishing touches to other facial cosmetic procedures by strengthening the jaw-line. The chin implant can be placed through a small incision on the inside of the mouth or in the natural skin crease under the chin. Cheek augmentation also involves insertion of an implant through a small incision made on the inside of the mouth to bring the cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face.
It is important to remember that asymmetries exist because of the way the face develops. Asymmetries that exist before the surgery may exist after the surgery even though every attempt is made to correct them.
What can I expect immediately after the surgery?
There will be some swelling in the area where the implant is placed for several weeks. This is the body's way of promoting healing. Usually 80% of the swelling disappears after two weeks and another 10% after two months. Along with the swelling will come a feeling of tightness and numbness in the area of the implant. This will usually improve as the swelling improves.
Is there much discomfort?
Initially mild discomfort is associated with swelling. This can usually be treated with oral medication.
Is there a chance that the implant can move after it is placed?
Immediately after the surgery the skin over the implant is taped to prevent movement. It is important to avoid manipulating the area where the implant has been placed with your hands. Contact sports should be avoided for at least six weeks. Although this is unusual, any significant trauma to the face could result in displacement of the implant.
What are the risks?
There are risks with any surgical procedure, however, the risks with facial surgery are minimal. Any time an implant is placed, the body can react to the implant in several ways. There is the possibility of infection and rejection, scarring, numbness, asymmetries or distortions. It is important to remember that this can happen with any implant such as breast implants.
Is there an alternative?
It is possible to move the chin forwards, backwards, up or down by cutting the bone via a small cut within the mouth. The bone is then relocated and held in place by titanium plates and screws. This technique has the advantage of utilising your own tissues rather than an implant to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. See JAW SURGERY.
