Many women and men often turn to surgery, implants, or filler to achieve a more balanced facial structure, but what a lot of patients don’t realize is that the structure of their entire face may not be the issue. Sometimes, where a patient lacks volume is in the under-chin area, and that’s the only part of the face that needs to be treated to achieve symmetry and balance.
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jennifer Walden and her team are thrilled to offer chin implants as a new, beneficial way to restore volume to the lower half of the face, achieve facial symmetry and balance, and help each patient obtain their cosmetic goals.
What Are Chin Implants, and What Do They Treat?
A chin implant is designed to bring a harmonious balance to facial features, usually by augmenting a weak chin. By placing a biocompatible implant in the lower jaw, patients can create a stronger chin, and even lengthen the entire face.
A chin implant is commonly used in conjunction with rhinoplasty. Because the appearance of the chin may be affected by what will be the new size and shape of the nose, a chin implant may be used to help achieve a more pleasing facial proportion. It may also be combined with lip augmentation for maximum aesthetic results.
Why Do People Want Chin Implants?
While there can be many different reasons why a patient wants a chin implant, one of the most common reasons for getting them is to restore balance and volume to the lower half of the face achieving a more plumped, youthful look.
Patients with small or recessed chins are often conscious about their appearance or side profile. When their chin isn’t proportional or lined up with other features of the face, they may be considering chin implants to achieve a more symmetrical look.
Other times, patients who have had trauma to their face such as a facial fracture, a tumor removal, or another type of condition leaving permanent asymmetry to the lower half of the face, may want chin implants to restore their natural look.
What is the Chin Implant Procedure Like?
The chin implant procedure takes less than an hour to perform and is done under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on patient preference and what Dr. Walden thinks is best. During the procedure, an incision is made inside the mouth; this eliminates visible scarring. A pocket is created for the implant, which is then positioned in front of the jawbone. Once in place, the implant is secured with sutures, and the procedure is completed. Patients can return home the same day.
For some patients, an incision made in the mouth may not be possible. In these cases, the incision is made in the skin underneath the chin so that scars are not apparent.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Chin Implants?
The chin implant procedure is ideal for a patient with a weak chin and/or prominent nose. The appearance of the nose and chin are interrelated, and a chin implant can be instrumental in improving a patient’s profile. Candidates for the procedure should be in good overall health and have no preexisting medical conditions that can affect the procedure’s success.
Chin implant surgery can improve the balance of the face, increasing self-confidence as a result. It is important, however, for a patient to have realistic expectations about what a chin implant can do.
How Long Will My Results From Chin Implants Last?
While many patients use dermal fillers to increase chin size, their results last for only a few months and require frequent touch-ups. In comparison, a chin implant offers permanent results that can be customized to achieve the desired look.
What is the Recovery Process for Chin Implants Like?
After the chin implant procedure, patients may experience tightness and swelling in the chin. Any discomfort can be relieved with pain medication, although most patients report that any pain subsides after just a few days. A compression garment may be taped to the chin in order to reduce swelling during the healing process. A patient will be restricted to a soft diet for several days until the gums have healed from the incision. For incisions made under the chin, sutures are removed after four to seven days.
When the incision is made inside the mouth, no scars will be visible, and there will be no obvious indication that plastic surgery has been performed.
Are There Any Risks with Chin Implants?
Just like any other surgery, chin implant surgery can come with risks and side effects. Some risks of chin implants that patients should be aware of include bruising, swelling, slight pain, erosion of the chin bone, infection, nerve injury, scarring, or a shifted implant. Dr. Walden is committed to communicating with each patient about the impacts and risks your procedure may have on your overall health. However, with proper care and attention, many of these side effects can be managed and/or avoided, making the results of your chin implants worth each step of the procedure.
What are the Benefits of Having Chin Implants?
If you’re someone who has lost a lot of volume in the skin underneath your jaw and in the lower half of your face, chin implants can make a world of difference when it comes to achieving a more balanced facial structure and side profile. Sometimes, all a patient needs is to restore volume to the right area of the face to achieve the cosmetic aesthetic they’ve always wanted! While most people get chin implants for cosmetic reasons, they can also help reshape the structure of your face, resulting in a more equivalent appearance. Chin implant patients have also reported feeling increased confidence after perceiving themselves with a more balanced, symmetrical face!
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