Frequently Asked Questions About Chin Augmentation

What is chin augmentation?
What are chin implants made from?
What is a typical chin augmentation consultation like?
How is chin augmentation performed?
What are the different techniques in performing a chin augmentation?
What should I expect postoperatively?
When will the sutures be taken out and does this hurt?
Will there be scarring? If so where will the scars be located?
Is there a lot of swelling involved with a chin augmentation?
How long is the down time for this procedure; how long should I expect to be out of work?
When will I be able to see the results?
What are the risks of chin augmentation?
How long do chin implants last?

Originally chin augmentation and chin implants were used for reconstruction of faces marred by birth defects, disease, and trauma. Now, they are being applied aesthetically to enhance a person's chin or to create symmetry within the facial structure from a weak chin. With a chin implant, the face is transformed into a more aesthetically pleasing shape.

2. What are chin implants made from?

They are usually made from silicone, a solid plastic-like product that comes in several degrees of hardness. However, there are also shin implants made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), rigid polyethylene, and hydroxyapatite (processed coral). Some of these products are designed to be porous and allow the body to grow into the implant and hold it in place.

You can find out more information about implants at our sister site, ChinAugmentation.com. Discuss with your doctor which implants he prefers and why.

3. What is a typical chin augmentation consultation like?

You and the surgeon will discuss your goals and he or she will examine you and explain what can be achieved realistically. The usual goal of the typical patient is to correct a deficient chin. Discuss with your surgeon how you want to look. Your doctor will take into account your facial dimensions and natural face shape. The placement as well as the size of the chin implant to be used will be determined by you and your doctor. Don't be afraid to speak your mind during this time.

4. How is chin augmentation surgery performed?

Chin augmentation is most frequently performed using light sleep anesthesia. Patients usually sleep during the operation. Much of the time patients have very little memory of the operation itself.

This procedure takes up to an hour and a half to perform. It may take longer if you choose to have other facial implants or a nose job as well. Depending upon your facial structure the incisions will be placed as inconspicuously as possible. For chin implants the incision can either inside the mouth where the lip and gums meet or under the chin. The risk of infection is higher if an incision is placed within the mouth area, but incisions in the mouth heal more rapidly then those elsewhere. A strict post-operative oral hygiene regimen after the surgery can decrease the risk of infection.

5. What are the different techniques in performing a chin augmentation procedure?

There may be surgeons who only wish to use a certain implant type or a certain incision. Surgeons should give you a choice unless there is a good reason not to. Oral incisions can be plagued by a higher rate of infection, especially in those with problems with plaque build up or poor dental hygiene.

There is also a chin augmentation procedure called a sliding genioplasty, also referred to as chin advancement surgery. In this surgery, the surgeon removes a piece of the lower jaw at the chin and slides it forward and then fastens it back onto the jaw in the new position with titanium screws. Metal plates may also be used as well. Although a rarity with genioplasty, bone infection can be a risk.

Additionally, there is the use of injectable hydroxyapatite (HA or processed coral) paste. This is injected over the chin area to build up the chin. It should be performed over a course of a few months and the look is gradual, but it is a long process. There have been reports of absorption of HA, meaning that it may not last in all cases.

Check with your doctor on the technique that he or she prefers and what may be most appropriate for you.

6. What should I expect postoperatively?

Although, there is normally no extensive pain related to chin implantation, pain medication is prescribed beforehand. You may feel some numbness around your chin and inside your mouth that should disappear within a few months. You may continue to wear a support brace while you sleep to allow the implant to heal in the right position and prevent shifting in the first few weeks,

Don't be alarmed at the presence of bruising and swelling. Swelling will begin to disappear within the first 5 to 7 days but may take several weeks to completely dissipate. Many patients return to work with the help of camouflaging cosmetics after 5 days. The swelling resembles that seen after having your wisdom teeth removed and sometimes this excuse can be used. Swelling may be apparent for months and the defined, chiseled look you want may not become evident for quite a while.

Problems to look out for include:

• Temperature elevation greater than 101 degrees

• Sudden swelling or sudden discoloration

• Hemorrhage

• Increasing redness and tenderness of the wound edges indicating infection

• Shifting of the implant

7. When will the sutures be taken out and does this hurt?

The sutures, if any, will be removed in approximately 3-5 days, but it can be as long as 10 days. Your face will be swollen for the first few days. This is normal. Suture removal should not hurt extensively, but your surgeon may feel for the implant through your face and this may hurt a little. Most of the swelling should dissipate after the first 2 weeks.

8. Will there be scarring? If so where will the scars be located?

This depends on the incision choice by you and your surgeon. It is quite possible to have a chin implant inserted with no visible scars whatsoever. Ask your doctor if or she he is familiar with the oral incision technique.

9. Is there a lot of swelling involved with a chin implant?

Yes, especially if the implant was screwed in place. Be prepared for swelling and for looking like the implant is much too big for a week or two. It can be quite overwhelming at first. But as the swelling resolves, the new look of your chin will emerge.

10. How long is the "down time" for this procedure; how long should I expect to be out of work?

You can expect to resume regular activities in about 1 to 2 weeks and exercise after the third week. There is bruising and you will need to wear a support at night to support the healing tissues correctly. I wouldn't make any plans to attend any weddings or have a big photo session for at least a month. Most patients return to work within a week.

11. When will I be able to see the results?

The results are immediate, although you may think that the implant is too big at first due to the swelling. Although almost all patients will think their chin is too large when they first see it, after a few weeks most men think their chin is still too small while women tend to think their chin is too large and pronounced. Wait until you are full healed and all swelling and bruising are gone before you judge.

12. What are the risks of a chin augmentation surgery?

There is a chance of hematoma (blood clots), seroma, numbness from nerve damage, and hyperpigmentation (permanent discolorations) caused by the bruising. There is the risk of the implant shifting which results in additional surgery to reposition the implant. There is the chance of your disapproval which may result in a redo or removal.

13. How long does a chin implant last?

A silicone chin implant should last your lifetime, especially if it is screwed into place. A few types of implant materials may be absorbed at least to some extent by the body and may not last forever.