Chin Augmentation (Chin Implant)

Description
The Surgical Procedure
What to Expect After Surgery
Resuming Physical Activities
Before/After Chin Implant Photos

What is Chin Augmentation?

If you have ever thought that your profile needed to be changed, but didn't know how, a chin implant may be for you. Chin augmentation is a cosmetic procedure to place an implant against the bone under the skin and muscle, which allows for a more proportional look to a person's face.

Exciting new developments in chin augmentation include new implant shapes and textured surfaces, numerous new and biocompatible implants.

The chin implants are usually made of dimethylpolysiloxane, which is a solid silicone compound. Occasionally other materials may be used. Prior to the surgery, the type, size and method of placement of the implants will be discussed carefully with you.

The Surgical Procedure

The procedure is frequently done in conjunction with rhinoplasty or a facelift, or may be done as an isolated operation. It is usually done under local anesthesia and intravenous conscious sedation as an outpatient. There is mild discomfort involved in injection of the local anesthetic, however patients often do not recall the procedure at all because of the sedation medication given prior to the injection of the anesthestic. The incision can be placed inside the lower lip to avoid and visible scar, or through the skin under the chin is a very inconspicuous area. Either way, the procedure takes approximately one hour to perform.

After the surgery there may be some elastic tape placed on the face to help hold the implant in place during the healing phase. During this time, there may be some discomfort, which usually responds to oral pain medication.

Surgery package price includes the surgeon's fee, the cost of the implant, the anesthesiologist's fee, the outpatient hospital and operating room expenses. The exact cost of the procedure depends on the approach used and the implant employed, as a general range the procedure can cost $3,000 to $4,500.

What to Expect After Surgery

The swelling should begin to subside within three to five days along with the discomfort. It is not uncommon for there to be some temporary numbness in the lip or weakness of the smile. This is just due to the body's inflammatory response to any surgical operation and usually within one to three weeks both of these functions are returned to normal. It is expected that you will be presentable in approximately one week.

Resuming Physical Activities

You must remain somewhat quiet and sedentary for the first week post-operatively. This is to reduce swelling and the chance of bleeding in the area around the implant. After the first week (in the absence of other procedures that require a longer convalescence) normal activity may be resumed. Avoid sports or exercise for a month following the surgery.