Chin Implants / Augmentation Surgery

Benefits

Sometimes people with weak and asymmetrical chins choose surgery to change its shape and appearance. The chin "correction" may provide a harmonious symmetry with your facial features so that you feel happier with your look. However, chin augmentation is aimed for one's look improvement rather than for its perfection.

Who can benefit form this kind of surgery?

• young patients with an inherited deficient chin
• older patients with signs of ageing along the jaw line (a notched, poorly defined jaw line)

A chin implant is sometimes performed in combination with other procedures such as nose surgery.

We may say that the benefits are more of a psychological nature, involving emotional and social adjustment. The eligible patients for chin augmentation are the persons who are healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in their expectations.

To recap the benefits of chin surgery are:

• correcting weak and unbalanced chins
• providing symmetry with the other facial features (nose, eyes, ears)
• improving the jaw line in the case of older patients
• enhances patient's self-esteem and life enjoyment

Chin surgery is more frequently performed on male patients rather than on female ones.

Performance

Chin augmentation is a short, rather simple procedure but with permanent and satisfactory results. The surgery success depends on the surgical artistic skills and on the proper selection of your implant by the surgeon, as well.

In order to get a better picture of chin augmentation we have answered several questions concerning the surgery itself. Please take a look below:

Where are the implants placed?

The chin implant is inserted directly on the surface of the bone in a meticulously designed pocket.

What kind of implants shall be used?

The most common implant is the silicone one. But there are more porous, flexible, and biocompatible materials.  However, due to the various options and advantages/disadvantages you should discuss with your surgeon what he recommends to you and why.

Where are the incisions placed?

The small incisions can be placed:

• Either under the chin (the tiny scar can be viewed by others as a cut following a fall in childhood!)
• Or intra-oral (inside the mouth). In this case, the rate of infections is higher due to the bacteria or plaque present in the mouth.

It is advisable to advise with your surgeon the incision placement before the operation.

What can you tell me about sutures, procedure duration, anaesthesia and hospital stay?

It can take 1-2 hours to perform chin augmentation surgery.

Fine internal stitches hold the implant firmly in place.

Chin augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthetic or local anesthetic with sedation. 

Risks

As with any surgery, there are possible risks to consider. It is well known that surgical complications happen infrequently. Although they are more likely in patients with compromised immune system, bleeding disorders or conditions that interfere with wound healing, the patient should be aware of them.

The common risks that may occur to any surgical procedure include:

Infection

Bacterial infection can occur more often if the incision is placed inside the mouth. In some cases, infection requires that the implants be removed during an emergency procedure. If the patient experiences pain or redness following the surgery, the surgeon should be notified immediately. The infection can be prevented by prescribing antibiotics before and after the surgery.

Bleeding and haematoma

It occurs immediately after the operation and is expected to stop in a few hours. This is normal bleeding. However, a blood clot (known as a haematoma) may accumulate under the skin or in the pocket created for the implant. As a consequence, the area may swell and become increasingly painful. A return visit to the surgery is necessary then.

Scarring

The scar will be very small and will remain more or less visible, depending on each individual's capability to heal. There are a few methods used to better heal the scars such as: using micro-pore tape for 3 weeks, moisturising creams, and massage and steroid injections.

Procedure specific complications include:

Implant moving, or shifting out of alignment

A second operation may be necessary to replace the implant back to its initial location.

Implant rejection

The implant may be rejected by your body, resulting in necessary removal.

Capsular contracture

This risk is very infrequent (under 5% of the cases). It is a result of tightening of the scar tissue surrounding the chin implant. If this becomes painful or causes a mis-shape in appearance of the chin, additional surgery to release the scar may be needed. The surgeon may suggest taking certain anti-inflammatory medicines that can soften the tightness.

Altered Sensation

Some patients may experience diminished sensitivity. Return to normal may take up to 3 months.

Asymmetry

There is a slight chance of asymmetry from tissues healing at different rates and bone reabsorption. If the unevenness is noticeable enough and may be annoying for the patient, a new operation is possible.

Questions

A consultation should occur between you and the providing surgeon before surgery performance. You should ask your cosmetic surgeon to provide you information related to: benefits, risks, various surgical techniques, implant types, incision placement options, etc.

It is recommended that you look at before and after photos, advise with previous implant patients and get answers from your surgeon to the following possible questions:

• Are the results I desire realistic?
• Where is the chin implant performed?
• What is the duration of the surgery?
• What technique and type of implant are most appropriate in my case?
• What kind of incisions will be used and how will the scars look?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used?
• How much do chin implants cost?
• What is the surgeon's level of experience in performing chin augmentation?
• What percentage of patients experience complications following the surgery?
• What is the surgeon's policy in regards to correcting or repeating the procedure if the implant does not meet the initial goals?
• Will I experience deep pain or swelling during or after the operation?
• What is Arnica montana? I have heard that it reduces swelling and bruising.
• What about Bromelain?  Does it also help with bruising and swelling?
• What happens if the body rejects the implant?