Chin implants are a very popular choice among patients looking to reshape and rebalance their profile. A strong chin has long been an essential part of what society deems as “attractive” and cosmetic surgery can help you achieve it. At the Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL, this popular cosmetic surgery is often performed alongside rhinoplasty surgery and injectable treatments.
Facial implants are a permanent method of improving and defining the contour of a patient’s face. If you’ve thought about investing in a chin implant, keep reading for five quick facts about chin implants to better inform your decision.
#1 – Chin Implants Are Permanent
Facial implants are specially designed out of solid and biocompatible materials for the same purpose: the enhancement or augmentation of certain facial features. They are not made of fat, protein, or sugars like some nonsurgical injection treatments. They are designed not to be broken down or flushed from the body over time. Chin implants can provide a permanent solution to a weak chin, an imbalanced facial profile, or a chin injury.
#2 – Chin Implants Complement Other Procedures
While the chin implant can only be used to augment the chin, it can help other procedures to achieve their best results. Chin implants are often performed alongside rhinoplasty surgeries in a procedure called a “profileplasty.” These two surgeries combine to create a comprehensive approach to redesigning a patient’s facial profile.
Profileplasty procedures often include nose jobs and cheek or jaw implants. A procedure that involves a nose job might require fewer adjustments if the chin implant reduces the prominence of the nose. For some patients, the entire jaw and chin may need to be reshaped together. For others, aging and gravity can shrink the natural tissue of the face and cheek implants add volume to compliment chin implants. The decision to add multiple implants in one procedure is typically made as a way to achieve balance or better proportion.
While some patients come in seeking profileplasty, others might be surprised to hear their facial plastic surgeon recommend it. The trick is balancing the profile for aesthetic harmony. Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Maloney, and Dr. Holmes will analyze your face from every direction to determine if a chin implant is suitable for your face.
#3 – Chin Implants Are Made of Safe Materials
As mentioned previously, chin implants are designed to be highly biocompatible with the human body. They cannot be easily broken down or absorbed, and therefore produce lasting results. While many patients are skeptical about a foreign substance in their bodies, many years of research have shown that facial implants are a safe and effective way to achieve the look you want.
Chin implants today are made of a variety of synthetic materials which have been successfully used in medical procedures since the 1960s. At the Aesthetic Surgery Center, chin implants are made using only silastic. These silicone implants are solid, unlike the gel implants that are traditionally associated with breast augmentation surgery.
The body’s reaction to the presence of these substances in the body is usually minimal, involving only some slight swelling and inflammation of the area. This reaction is natural and will gradually subside on its own as your body heals and adjusts to your new chin implant.
#4 – Chin Implants Do Involve Surgery
A chin implant is a surgical procedure done with a local anesthetic or twilight sedation. The surgeon usually begins with an incision inside the mouth or on the underside of the chin. Then they will create a small pocket in front of the chin bone, beneath the muscles, and insert the chin implant. The surgeon attaches it to the body with sutures so it won’t shift.
In general, the procedure takes about thirty minutes to perform. The twilight sedation wears off quickly so you should be able to go home the same day as your appointment.
Before your procedure, you should expect to undergo a thorough examination of your chin. Photographs will be taken in our office. Your facial plastic surgeon will use this information to plan the size, shape, placement, and fastening of your chin implant in advance of your surgery date.
#5 – Chin Implants Carry Very Low Risks
Every surgery involves a certain amount of risk and the potential for complications. Chin augmentation with an implant is no different, although this procedure carries a very low risk of complications as well as a low rate of occurrence.
Some of the complications of your chin implant surgery could include:
- Bruising of the area
- Movement or shifting of the implant
- Swelling around the implant
- Damage to your teeth during surgery
- A loss of feeling or numbness
- Infection (which can lead to implant removal)
- Excessive bleeding or blood clots
- Poor healing or scarring
Again, these complications happen very infrequently following chin implant surgery, but you should be aware of them all the same. By choosing a reputable facial plastic surgeon to consult with and perform your chin implant surgery, you will have a head start to cut down your risks already.
Other Interesting Chin Implants Facts
The low-risk, high reward nature of chin implants makes them a popular procedure for people of all ages. For instance, since you know the shape of your chin early on, getting an implant in your late teens could ensure an attractive profile that will last your entire life.
Recovery times for a chin implant vary from person to person. At the Aesthetic Surgery Center, fine sutures are used to close all incisions. A majority of these sutures are dissolvable, but some will need to be removed seven days post-operatively. You should expect some swelling and bruising, but it should only last up to two to three weeks after surgery.
Chin implants sizes are not determined by gender. Instead, the size and shape of your implant will depend on your face shape. Thickness varies from 4 mm to 12 mm, and lengths from 4.5 cm to 7 cm. You can expect to see changes to your profile immediately following the procedure, although full recovery and incorporation of the implant could take a few months.
Get More Facts About Chin Implants
Want to learn more about chin implants, facial implants, and other facial surgeries that could help you achieve a balanced profile? Contact the Aesthetic Surgery Center to book an appointment with Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Dr. Richard Maloney, or Dr. Casey Holmes, our board-certified surgeons. They have been featured on many of the major news networks, including ABC, NBC, and FOX, as recognized experts on a variety of facial plastic surgery topics. Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Maloney believe that educating and communicating with their patients are the keys to helping them achieve successful, natural-looking results.
Book your appointment at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, located at 1175 Creekside Parkway #100 in Naples, FL, by calling (239) 319-4564.
