Chin implants can enhance your appearance and bolster your self esteem. If you are looking for improvement, not perfection, in your appearance and are realistic in your expectations, you may find that a chin implant is the right choice for you.
Chin implants can improve and enhance facial contours. Frequently, these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look. A dropped jaw appearance (think of Gail on Coronation Street!) can be greatly improved by a chin implant.
There are many implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials. They may help strengthen a jaw line or bring the chin or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face.
Plastic surgeons will frequently use such implants to bring better balance to the features of a younger patient. For instance, a teenage girl may want her nose reshaped or her chin brought forward so that these traits are better proportioned. The more mature patient may choose to have an implant placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure. For example, during a facelift, a patient may wish to have implants placed over the cheekbones to help restore a more youthful appearance. Implants may also be selected to fill out a face that appears “sunken” or tired.
COMPLICATIONS
Chin implants can produce some remarkable changes and problems rarely occur, but you need to be informed about such possibilities.
A chin implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation may be necessary to replace it in its proper position. Infection can occur with any operation. If infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time. Other, less-frequent risks may be associated with certain implants. Be sure to ask your surgeon for a description of the risks associated with the procedure in which you are interested.
TYPES OF IMPLANTS
Some of the implant materials are made of a solid silicone. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that this is a harmful substance. Your plastic surgeon will be happy to discuss any current scientific findings concerning the type of implant you’re considering.
BEFORE THE SURGERY
When you discuss your surgery with your plastic surgeon, be certain that you clearly express your expectations. Your plastic surgeon will help you determine what it is possible to achieve. It may be helpful to provide your surgeon with photos of people who have facial features similar to those you would like to have.
Be sure you understand the details of the proposed surgery, including the cost and what to expect during your recovery.
If the surgery will entail an incision inside your mouth, it is important that you inform your physician if you smoke or if you have any dental or gum problems. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on these matters.
You may be instructed to take oral antibiotics both before and after the procedure to help guard against infection.
Your plastic surgeon will provide information about these important matters during your pre-operative consultation.
THE SURGERY
Your operation may take place in your surgeon’s surgical suite or in a hospital. Sometimes, your plastic surgeon may require that you stay overnight. Your doctor will make such a recommendation based on your overall medical condition and whether another cosmetic procedure was performed simultaneously with the facial implant surgery.
In some cases, chin implant surgery may require only local anaesthesia combined with a sedative. However, more frequently, a general anaesthesia may be recommended.
CHIN IMPLANTS
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, the surgeon selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance and inserts it into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area.
A short incision under the chin or inside the mouth allows the surgeon to place a chin implant directly on the bone. Usually, the chin is taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days. If an intra oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.
You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days. It’s normal to experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking. Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck. Your plastic surgeon will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to your activities after surgery.
AFTER THE SURGERY
Remember, with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better in a short period of time. However, it may not be advisable to participate in certain activities especially activity that may result in the face being jarred or bumped for several weeks. It’s best to check with your plastic surgeon about such matters.
You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks, or perhaps even months. Give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new look.
You may be surprised to find that most people won’t recognize that you’ve had facial implant surgery — only that you look better.
Facial implants help change the basic structure of the face to give a fuller, more balanced look.
Please note that this information is offered freely to individuals considering cosmetic surgery. No rights are granted and it is not to be reprinted or copied without the prior written consent of Cosmetic Surgery Net – UK . Beware that although efforts have been made to assure accuracy, many of the issues discussed here are a matter of professional opinion. Consultation with a Qualified Plastic Surgeon should be obtained to answer more detailed questions and advise you based on your personal circumstances.