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Guide To Cosmetic Surgery - Chin Implants

Chin implant surgery

The chin implant is undertaken to correct what is often seek as a weak chin. A strong chin is seen as an asset in today’s society and many patients – both men and women, undergo surgery to achieve this ideal.

Implants are used to enlarge the chin so that it is in balance with the rest of the face as well as being a distinctive feature in its own right.

Chin enlargement surgery or ‘mentoplasty’ is a safe and permanent method to enhance a weak or receding chin. It can be combined with other forms of facial surgery such as face lift or a nose job (rhinoplasty).

Chin implant surgery is often recommended to any patient who is planning on having a nose job as it will achieve a better facial balance.

Note: some patients are concerned about the safety of the implants. We know this is a major issue for a great many people and so we hope can put your mind at rest about this.

The implants are composed of non-toxic materials such as silicone which are completely durable and safe into the bargain. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are hand-trimmed by the surgeon to your individual anatomy.

Millions of these implants are inserted each day and so far, there have been no reported cases of allergies or other adverse reactions.

They do look and feel like normal bone so that when they are inserted you will not be able to tell the difference between the two.

Suitability for chin implants

Are you suitable? Every patient is different, with different needs and requirements. This means the results will vary from one person to another. This is not to say that they will be any less successful for you than another person just that they will not be the same for everyone.

In general, if you are healthy, have a sense of realism about this procedure, are fully prepared to follow the surgeon’s instructions and are emotionally stable then a chin implant is an option.

Your age and medical history are usually the factors that determine suitability for surgery and these will be discussed in great detail between you and your surgeon.

Men and women can have this surgery although it is carried out on more men than women. This may be because a strong, defined chin is more of a masculine trait than a feminine one.

If you consider your chin to be weak or out of balance then you will be considered for this surgery. As long as you realise that it will improve your appearance but will not give 100% perfection.

If you are a mature person with a poorly defined chin as a result of the ageing process; or a younger person with an inherited chin deficiency then surgery can help.

Chin implant surgery is not usually carried out until a person has reached their full growth. With a young patient, surgeons will stipulate a minimum age of 15 or 16 for this type of surgery.

A great many patients are over 40 but the only issue with this is that they are often less satisfied with the outcome as they have become used to their normal features. They can often find it hard adapting to their new facial appearance.

This surgery does not take that long and is a relatively straightforward affair which will give you permanent and pleasing results.

Preparation for surgery

Once you have asked the surgeon all the questions you need to and are happy with the answers then you can make a decision. You will be advised to take a couple of weeks to do so.

If you have decided to go ahead then a time and date will be set for your operation. The surgeon will perform a physical check up to make sure that you are fit and healthy for surgery. This may include a series of tests.

A full medical history will be taken which includes a look at your lifestyle, whether you smoke or not and your commitment to following the guidelines before and after surgery.

The pre-surgery preparation will include advice about stopping smoking (if you are a smoker), what medications you can and cannot take. This means no aspirin, anti-inflammatory or aspirin type medicines as these can affect the healing of the surgical incisions.

If you take any herbal or homeopathic medicines such as St John’s Wort or valerian then you will have to stop taking these as well. You will be able to resume this afterwards but the surgeon will advise you about when you are safe to do so.

Plan to take at least a week off work. Everyone is different when it comes to their recovery but most people find that a week off work is enough. Arrange this in advance with your employer.

The next step is to have things ready for when you get back home. This means enough food, drinks, painkillers, medications (if allowed), dressings and ice packs (to reduce facial swelling).

It’s a good idea to ask someone to come and give you a hand for the first day or so. If you have a partner then ask them, but if you live alone, ask a friend or a member of your family.

The last thing you will want is to come home and then have to see to the normal everyday tasks that we all have to do. If you have children, arrange for someone to help out. This also applies if you have a pet, such as a cat or dog.

This may sound a lot but to help you with this, the surgeon will give you a booklet which contains advice on what to do before your surgery, and afterwards.

The day before is when you need to pack a bag or a small case and take care of any last minute arrangements. Make sure that there is someone available to drive you to and from the hospital.

The chin implant (chin enlargement) procedure

This is carried out as day surgery and can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic. It usually takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete although this will be longer if combined with another procedure.

The surgeon will make a series of small incisions which will either be inside the mouth or under the chin. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

If the incision is made inside the mouth then there is a greater risk of infections due to the bacteria present in the mouth.

If the incision is made under the chin then this will be seen as a scar albeit a very small one.

The surgeon will then construct a ‘pocket’ before inserting the implant. The implant is positioned directly onto the surface of the bone.

It is held in place by small, internal stitches which are also the dissolvable type. A special support bandage will be applied which is to be worn around the chin for the next week or so.

Recovery

Make sure someone drives you home after your operation and if necessary, will stay with you for the one night. This is just in case anything goes wrong.

Complications are rare but do happen and it is as well to have someone there if something happens.

You chin and face will feel sore and will probably ache as well. You will feel tired and so it is a good idea to get plenty of rest over the next few days. You can expect some pain the first 2 to 3 days but you will have been given painkillers to deal with this.  

Prop yourself up in bed or on the sofa for the first few days as this will prevent any bruising or post-operative bruising. Keep a few extra blankets or the duvet to hand as it is common for post-operative patients to get the chills afterwards.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing or nightwear. Avoid anything which is likely to catch on your chin as you pull it on or off.

Any swelling will last for 1 to 2 weeks and the scars will fade (these are inside the mouth). You may not feel self-conscious about going out but don’t worry, the swelling will subside after 2 weeks, although this does vary from one person to another.

It will be a couple of months before you will see the full results of this surgery.

You will find it difficult to eat anything solid for the first few days. Chewing will be awkward and so it is a good idea to stick to solid food during that time. Soups, purees, yoghurt etc are good choices. Keep up your fluids.

When you are able to eat solid food then boost your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables as these will help with your recovery.

The main point here is to take time out to rest and allow your face to heal. Spend this time watching television or DVD’s, listen to music or read. Whatever you do, avoid anything strenuous or that may cause you to overstrain yourself.

If you play sports or take exercise then it will be 3 to 4 weeks before you can resume these. Avoid any contact sports or pressure to the chin during this time.

If you do notice anything untoward such as excessive bleeding, infection, sudden pain (or an increase in), rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath then contact your surgeon.

There will be a series of check ups following your surgery. These are ‘after care’ visits and are designed for your welfare. Your wounds will be inspected and cleaned if necessary. Further advice about post-operative care will be given.

Benefits of chin implant surgery

The benefits are a clearly defined chin which fits in well with the rest of your features. It will look stronger and improve your overall appearance.

As a result of this you will look and feel confident and self-assured.

The vast majority of patients are happy with the outcome of their surgery.

The risks of chin implant surgery

There are risks inherent to all forms of surgery. Modern technology and innovative procedures mean that surgery is safe and quicker which means less downtime for the patient.

However, no surgery is 100% safe. Things can go wrong and do so although this is a rarity.

The main complications are:

• Asymmetry
  The tissues of the chin can heal at different rates which can cause an imbalance. This may be slight but in cases were this is more noticeable, further surgery will be required to correct this.
  
• Infection
  The main risk here is that if the incisions are made inside the mouth then there is a higher risk of infection due to the presence of bacteria or plaque in the mouth. Antibiotics can be prescribed before and after surgery to prevent this.
  
• Scarring
  These are so tiny to the point where they are practically indistinguishable to the naked eye. There is always the chance that scars will take longer to heal in one person compared to another. Massage, micro-pore tape, moisturising cream and steroid injections can speed up the healing of these scars.
  
• Bleeding (haematoma)
  The condition in which a blood clot can form in either the specially designed pocket or under the skin. This blood clot or haematoma is painful and can cause the affected area to swell.
  Further surgery will be required.
  
• Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
  Anaesthesia is very safe but a tiny minority of patients do have an adverse reaction.
  
• Capsular contracture
  This can happen with any type of implant. The body perceives the implant as a foreign body and deals with it by forming a protective covering or capsule over it. This capsule is comprised of scar tissue and in itself is not a problem. It can become problematic if this capsule thickens and tightens. This then compresses the implant which causes it to become both painful and misshapen. This capsule will need to be cut into in order to release this tension upon the implant.
  
• Diminished or loss of sensation
  Some patients find that they have reduced sensitivity in the treated area although this is temporary only. It can take up to 3 months for sensitivity to fully return.
  
• Implant rejection
  There is always the risk of rejection when a synthetic article is inserted into the body. This implant will need to be removed if rejected by your body.
  
• Implant misalignment
  The implants are secured in position but can shift out of position in a few unlucky cases. Further surgery will be required to locate and reposition this implant.

The surgeon will go through the risks as well as the benefits of surgery during your consultation.