CHIN AUGMENTATION
WHAT IS CHIN AUGMENTATION?
Your chin is a prominent feature of your face as it creates shape and gives balance to your face, and your nose in particular. While some men and women are born with a “weak” (or under-projected) chin, others develop this gradually through bony resorption as part of the normal aging process. Chin implants can be used to help augment and reshape the contours of your chin. Drs. Finn and Sowder only use FDA-approved implants made from materials that are compatible with human tissues.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM A CHIN IMPLANT?
Chin implantation is typically performed on men or women with a weak chin and would like to have a stronger jawline. Additionally, the implant stretches lax muscles and loose skin around the jawline, which can reduce visible jowls and a double chin, create a smaller appearance of the nose, and overall, more balance between the face and neck. Some patients can also benefit from neck contouring (usually via a facelift) to improve the appearance of their neck and jawline. Patients may also be interested in rhinoplasty for overall facial aesthetic harmony.
Deciding to Schedule
During your consultation, you will receive a detailed surgical quote and any required clearance forms. If you choose to proceed with surgery, our dedicated Patient Coordinator, Julia, will guide you through the process of selecting a procedure date. To finalize your preferred surgical date, a non-refundable, non-transferrable booking fee will be required upon scheduling. A pre-operative appointment will be scheduled for at least two weeks prior to your surgery date. At the time of booking surgery, we will also schedule your first few follow-up visits. Take a close look at your social calendar and ensure you do not have any travel or major life events booked within 6 weeks of your surgery date. This will help to eliminate the risk of exposure to respiratory illnesses or the possibility of residual swelling being present during an important event such as a wedding with photography.
Pre-Op
During your pre-operative appointment, you’ll have plenty of time to discuss your upcoming chin implantation procedure in detail and have all your questions answered. Your pre- and post-operative care instructions will be reviewed with one of our nurses, as well as any medications you’ll need to take before and after surgery. You’ll review and sign the consent form for the surgery. You will again meet with your surgeon to revisit your goals, review any submitted medical clearance, and you surgeon will pick the specific implant that will be used based on your anatomy and surgical goals. Our goal is to ensure that you feel fully informed and comfortable with the upcoming procedure, allowing you to approach your surgery with confidence and peace of mind.
What to Avoid Before Surgery
To ensure optimal surgical results and minimize the risk of complications, it is crucial to avoid all blood thinning medications and supplements for at least two weeks prior to your facelift procedure. This includes aspirin or aspirin-containing products, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen (including Motrin, Aleve, and Advil). Additionally, supplements such as Vitamin E, multivitamins, and omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil and flaxseed oil) should be avoided. For a complete list of medications and supplements to avoid, please consult with your pre-op nurse. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible results while ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the surgical process.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE PROCEDURE?
All our procedures are performed at our fully accredited on-site surgical suite by our double board-certified plastic surgeons. When chin implantation is performed alone, most patients do very well using local anesthesia (numbing medicine), though you have the option to use IV sedation administered by our skilled nurse anesthetists if you prefer. When combined with other procedures, such as facelift or rhinoplasty, the procedure is done under IV sedation to ensure your maximum safety and comfort.
The chin implantation procedure involves creating a small incision in a natural crease under the chin. The implant is placed in a pocket directly over the bone so that your natural soft tissues are augmented, and the implant is not felt. The incisions are closed with fine sutures.
After the procedure, our patients are closely monitored before being discharged to recover in the comfort of their own homes. For patients traveling from out of town, we encourage you to ask our Patient Coordinator about hotel accommodations for added convenience.
Although chin implantation is generally safe with minimal scarring, any surgery carries its own risks. Smoking can significantly impede wound healing and increase the risk of scarring. Patients should inform their surgeon if they smoke, as the procedure may need to be modified accordingly. Smoking must be discontinued at least 6 weeks before and after the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome.
RECOVERY
Carefully reviewing and following your pre-op instructions is crucial to achieving optimal results. Following the procedure, you may have a compression wrap placed for several days to help limit the swelling. Sutures are typically removed within one week. It’s important to minimize activity and keep the head elevated as much as possible. Ice packs can help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. Light walks around the house are recommended. Bruising and swelling are common after the procedure, but bruising typically resolves within seven to ten days. Pain is generally minimal, and numbness in the chin and lower lip may be present and persist for several weeks.