What Are Chin Implants?

Chin-Implants

Chin augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that creates a strong chin to bring greater balance to facial features. As we age, the chin tends to recede, making the face look out of proportion and giving less definition to the jawline. A better-structured chin can make a dramatic difference to the profile of the face and is often conducted in conjunction with a comprehensive facial plastic surgery plan to rejuvenate the face. A chin implant can produce subtle but very definite cosmetic improvements and with either permanent or temporary results.

Depending on what chin implants the surgeon uses, the effects will not last forever and additional surgery will be needed in the future. However, there are permanent implants such as a PTFE or an ePTFE, which are both made of a carbon and fluorine-based polymer, which never changes shape and is not absorbed by the body.

Although the complications are very rare, you should still be aware that possible complications could occur, including infection, an adverse reaction to anaesthesia, haematoma and permanent nerve damage. After surgery the implant may not have been sufficiently fixed to the underlying bone and consequently feel unstable, although this is very unlikely. A tiny scar maybe also visible if the incision is made underneath the chin but will fade away over time.

A Chin Implant is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, depending on the size of the area being treated and the type of chin implant used. The surgeon will make incisions inside the mouth or on either size of the lower lip. Some surgeons may use an incision point directly underneath the chin. The surgeon will then position the implant in place. A pocket is created, into which a lower-jaw implant can be placed. Cuts under the skin are closed with dissolvable stitches and incisions on the outside are usually bound with removable stitches.

Swelling and bruising may make smiling and talking painful for several days, but most swelling will improve in a week and you can normally return to work to seven days after your procedure. Temporary numbness of the lower lift after surgery is common. It’s important to take care of the jaw area and avoid disturbing the implant or resting your chin on your hand while recovering. Swelling and numbness may take months to subside entirely before the final shape of the chin is apparent.