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Angie_M
7 PRE-CHIN IMPLANT TIPS
1. Take your time selecting a doctor. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon with elite credentials who performs hundreds of chin implants and facial procedures each year. Then look at the plastic surgeon's website and before-and-after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. - Kenneth Hughes, MD
2. Research to find the best procedure for you. Decide which procedure — chin implant or jaw advancement — would be the best option for you by consulting with board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. An in-person exam and dental exam are necessary to make this decision. (You may want to opt for the chin implant if your bite is already satisfactory).
3. Get all dental work done beforehand. If you have any major dental work needed, you should attempt this prior to your schedule chin augmentation for a speedy recovery. - Michael Elam, MD
Chin implant photo provided by Chase Lay, MD
4. Consult with your PS to find the right implant. Choosing the right size and type of implant for you should be done in a thorough consultation with your plastic surgeon.
Chin implants are not soft like breast implants. They're made of several different materials (e.g. solid silicone, e-PTFE, hydroxyapatite) and come in different shapes and sizes.
Chin implants can be used to fill the pre-jowl area (the Mittleman pre-jowl implant) with little anterior augmentation, the entire anterior chin and pre-jowl area (the Flowers extended anatomic vertical tilt mandibular glove), or just the very front of the chin (the "button" type of implant). Chin implants come in sizes ranging from VVS (very,very small) to XXL, with each implant different from the next by 1mm (or 1/25th of an inch). Custom implants can even be created per your surgeon's direction, and your own bone can be contoured, cut, and reattached using craniofacial techniques.
Sizing your chin implant is something done at the time of consultation with your plastic surgeon, and he or she can help you decide what is best for your anatomy and wishes. If you have orthodontic or bite-mismatch issues, you may be referred to an oral surgeon or orthodontist for correction of these concerns first. - Richard H. Tholen, MD
Chin implant before-and-after photo from new.mom's review
5. Discuss which type of incision your surgeon will implement. There's a lot of debate between an internal incision within the mouth and an external incision underneath the chin.
6. Gather your recovery supplies ahead of time. Here's a handy list:
- Pillows to prop your head in the proper position for sleeping post-op
- Frozen peas or freezable gel packs (Ask your surgeon if he recommends icing after surgery)
- Any prescriptions you'll need
- Stool softener (in case your prescribed pain medication makes you constipated)
- Phone numbers of your doctor and people in your support system
- Soft foods such as Jell-o and soup (and possibly nutrition shakes)
- Entertainment for the first few days you are home (Netflix, books, etc.)
- Thermometer (if you develop a post-op fever, call your doctor right away)
7. Set up post-op help early. Arrange for someone to drive you home from surgery and take care of you the first few hours to days.
1. Avoid pressure or trauma to the lower jaw region. This is an important one. Cold compresses are recommended in the first 72 hours — they help to minimize swelling and bruising. Many patients choose frozen peas for this purpose since they are lightweight and conform to the chin area. - John M. Hilinksi, MD
2. You'll need a special pillow for sleeping. Sleep on an airline style U-shaped pillow for one month. - Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
3. Asymmetry is normal. Understand that your smile will be asymmetric for a while following surgery. - Paul S. Nassif, MD
4. A liquid diets is your friend. If your chin augmentation was performed through the mouth, you will be on a liquid or soft-foods diet for a few days while your mucosal skin heals. You will rinse your mouth out regularly to keep the incision clean.The sutures will dissolve on their own over the course of a few weeks. - Larry S. Nichter, MD
Photo from LoveMyNewChin's review
5. Know how long you'll be recovering post-op. You should be able to return to work after 5 to 7 days and to regular physical activities after 2 weeks. - Andrew B. Denton, MD
6. Set expectations for your results. Allow three months to see your final result: