What is chin implant surgery?

Otherwise known as chin augmentation, chin implant surgery is a procedure to reshape and/or resize the chin in order to balance out the facial features.

Who benefits from chin implant surgery?

Individuals who are not happy with their facial features, and feel that reshaping the chin will improve the overall balance of the face. An example may include enlarging the chin to make a prominent nose appear smaller.

Types of implants

Silicone, body tissue, bone and other man-made materials.

Procedure

Chin implant surgery can take up to two hours, depending on the method used. You will be placed under a local or general anesthetic and a small incision made underneath the chin or inside the mouth. The chin implant is then fitted into a pocket created by your surgeon, and the incision closed with stitches (usually dissolvable stitches are used inside the mouth). Another method of chin implant surgery involves making an incision inside the mouth to reach the jaw bone, after which a second incision is made through the bone. The jaw bone is then moved into the appropriate position and wired or screwed into place before closing the incisions with stitches.

Recovery period

Your face will have become swollen following chin implant surgery and take several days before returning to normal and the pain disappearing. Usually the swelling will go down within one week but may take a few weeks before disappearing completely.  You may need to wear supportive bandages and will usually put on a liquid diet for up to 10 days. Your surgeon will speak to you about your oral hygiene, which may include rinsing with salt water to keep the area clean. Smiling and talking properly may be difficult for a few days following the chin implant procedure. Stitches will be after removed 7-10 days.

Risks

Infection, nerve damage, build up of fluid, hardening of the chin (due to excessive scar tissue) – also known as capsular contracture, blood clotting and movement of the chin implant.

References

About.com: Health Topics A-Z
Plastic Surgery Advisor
CosmeticSurgery.com
Department of Health
Cosmetic Surgery from Transform