What Does a Chin Implant Do?

An attractive and balanced face, regardless of gender, is often associated with a well-defined jawline structure. Through the placement of a customized chin implant huntersville, skilled cosmetic surgeons are able to add strength to a weak or recessed chin. Thus making an improvement to the patient’s facial appearance.

Chin enhancement surgery, also called a chin implant or genioplasty, works by improving the contours of the chin, neck and jawline. The surgical procedure typically involves the placement of an implant around the patient’s existing chin bone. This is done in order to augment the size and shape of the chin and give the patient a more naturally attractive face. When the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon, it can provide the patient with a permanent solution to improve a weak or recessed chin.

If a recessed or weak chin bothers you or you feel that your facial features lack proportion and symmetry, you may be a good candidate for chin implant surgery. The procedure can help you feel more confident with your appearance through the following:

• Improve facial symmetry by bringing the chin into better proportion with other facial features
• Correct the appearance of a weak or recessed chin
• Improve neck and jawline definition
• Help reduce the appearance of an overly full or double chin which is caused by a small chin bone

Chin implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure and is performed under general anesthesia or using local anesthesia with sedation. A small incision is made either inside the mouth or below the chin. The cosmetic surgeon uses the incision to create space for the chin implant and securely fits it around the existing chin bone.

It typically takes less than an hour to complete chin implant surgery. If the patient is having additional procedures, however, the operating time will fluctuate. Following the placement of the implant, the incision is closed using sutures and the chin will usually be bandaged.

Chin implants are small, solid devices that are created from a biocompatible material. Silicone is often used. The device is molded to fit securely around the patient’s chin bone. Chin implants vary in size and contour. The cosmetic surgeon will aid in selecting an implant that helps achieve the desired outcome while also providing natural looking results.

Once it is inserted, the chin implant will feel similar to the natural chin bone. When the procedure is performed by a well-trained and qualified cosmetic surgeon, it is nearly impossible to determine if a patient had a chin augmentation.

Most chin augmentation patients experience minimal downtime during their recovery. Patients are often able to return to desk work and most other regular activities within a week of the surgery. Any discomfort the patient experiences is usually minimal and can be controlled using over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compresses.

Following the procedure, patients need to sleep with their face-up and head elevated for at least two weeks to help control any post-op swelling and protect the incisions while they heal. The cosmetic surgeon may also require you to follow a liquid diet for a day or two following surgery. It is usually safe to resume strenuous activity within three to four weeks after a chin augmentation. It is critical to follow your surgeon’s instructions during the recovery process to ensure the procedure heals properly and you can enjoy the results as soon as possible.

For most patients, the results are noticeable and look close to final within a month of surgery. Most surgeons consider the results final after about three months once any residual swelling has subsided.

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