Chin augmentation (including chin implants) is known as Mentoplasty in the medical world. Changing the dimensions of your face can widen, lengthen or produce a stronger looking chin. If you have a weak chin or would like to round out your face, chin implants are the key to your desired look. By adding a biocompatible implant along the lower portion of your jaw, you can look in the mirror and admire the contour of your face.
The procedure can be performed in a hospital, as outpatient surgery, or in a surgeon’s office. You must have Xu2013rays taken of your chin in order for the surgeon to know where and what needs to be reconstructed in order to proceed with surgery. You should stop smoking before going through with the surgery if you are a smoker, as nicotine slows the healing process. You want to be sure you are healthy with a boosted immune system.
Implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and different materials can be used. There are newer biocompatible materials available, as well as a choice of using fatty tissue, real bone fragments, or a variety of implants made from silicone. The surgeon will determine what to use based on how you desire it to look.
A general anesthetic is administered, along with a numbing injection and a relaxation medicine. An incision is made into the mouth or under the chin area, between the bone and the muscles, and a pocket is made for the implant to be inserted. The surgeon may need to readjust some bones, in which would require a second incision into the jaw bone. The implant is adhered to the bone with sutures and the incision is then stitched together and bandages placed over it. All-in-all, the procedure takes 1 to 3 hours.
Recovery time is based on what technique is being used during procedure and if you are having other work done at the same time, such as Rhinoplasty. With the incision on the inside of your mouth, you will have to rinse your mouth out for several days. If your incision is under the chin, you will have the sutures removed in about 4- 7 days after surgery.
