subject: How is a Chin Implant Surgery Done? [print this page] If you are a candidate for a chin augmentation, then a chin implant can be inserted to make your chin look bigger and more attractive. A chin that is proportional to you face, will help with your overall appearance, especially your profile.
Chin implants come in various thicknesses, lengths, and heights. They are often made of silicone or other materials. Picking the right one for you is a very personal decision, but the plastic surgeon will give you advice and suggestions during your consultation. There are sizers available, which should help with the process of picking the one that is best for you.
Chin implants are usually placed through an external incision just under the chin or through anincision inside the mouth, at the base of the gum line. The external incision through the chin is preferable, because this incision is harder to see and gives the surgeon more control over creation of the pocket for the chin implant. This incision is also very difficult to see after surgery. The theoretical risk of an incision in the gum line, is that there is a slightly increased risk of infection. Also, it is a little harder to get an appropriate pocket with excellent surgical closure for the chin implant.
In the operating room, the pocket that is created for the chin implant is made and then the chin implant is placed. Some surgeons choose to suture the implant to the bone, and others do not. The soft tissue and skin is then closed over the chin implant. A dressing will hold it in place and then the procedure is over.
Usually, the recovery is fairly rapid after surgery. There will be some swelling and possibly bruising, but that usually goes away within a week. Also, sutures in the skin will need to be removed about 10-20 days after your procedure.
