Chin Implant

• About Chin Implant Surgery
• Are you a Candidate for Chin Implant Surgery?
• About the Operation
• What to Expect after the Surgery
• Your Recovery
• Possible Complications  

 About Chin Implant Surgery

 A chin implant can improve and enhance your facial contours and bolster your self esteem. For most people, the procedure will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features.

Plastic surgeons will perform chin implants to bring better balance to the features of a younger patient. For instance, a teenage girl may want her chin brought forward so that these traits are better proportioned to the rest of her face. Many patients undergo the procedure to correct an underdeveloped chin in order to have a more structured and “chiseled” look to their facial features.  

 Are You a Candidate for Chin Implant Surgery?

 Almost anyone who is unhappy with the current shape, size, or position of his or her chin is a suitable candidate for the procedure. It is important for anyone considering a chin implant to have a realistic expectation about what the procedure can and cannot do to enhance one’s appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Javaheri will discuss with you the potential options, and provide an honest assessment of what the postoperative results may yield. In many cases, it is helpful to provide Dr. Javaheri with photos of people who have facial features similar to those you would like to have.

Also, at the time of your consultation Dr. Javaheri will ask you about your general medical history, specifically pertaining to any medical conditions that could cause problems during or after your surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or a tendency to form excessive scars.

If you are a smoker you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Regular smoking constricts blood vessels resulting in decreased blood flow to a given area, which can prevent normal healing.  

 About the Operation

 Insertion of a chin implant usually takes thirty minutes to an hour. Prior to surgery, Dr. Javaheri will select the size and shape of your implant. A small incision is used to create a pocket over the front of the jawbone, and the implant is then inserted inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area.

In most cases, the procedure is normally performed on an outpatient basis, and only requires a local anesthetic combined with a sedative. However, in some cases, a general anesthesia may be recommended.  

 What to Expect after the Surgery

After surgery, the chin is usually taped to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days. If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.  

Your Recovery

You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days. It is normal to experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking. Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck. Dr. Javaheri will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to your activities after surgery.

You must be especially gentle with your face and hair since your skin may be tender and numb; especially any activity that may result in the face being jarred or bumped. You must also avoid strenuous physical labor and activity including sex for several weeks. 

Possible Complications

 Individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable. As with any surgical procedure, the risk of infection is always a possibility. This can be minimized by the preventative administration of antibiotics both at the time of your surgery and afterwards while in recovery. However, on occasion, mild infection can occur and is relatively common, although it usually subsides after two weeks.

One of the most common complications involves the facial implant shifting slightly out of alignment. A second operation would be required to return the implant to its proper position.

Call 415.923.3800 to schedule an appointment to discuss a chin implant in San Francisco or Berkeley