Chin implants, also known as Mentoplasty or Chin Augmentation, may help your face to have a more proportional look. This procedure will help those that have a prominent nose because a larger chin will make the nose seem smaller.
Implants are generally made from silicone, although sometimes other materials are used. They come in different sizes and shapes, or may be customized based on the needs of the patient.
The patient will be given a local or general anesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision in the mouth or under the chin to create a pocket where the implant will be placed. After the implant is inserted in the pocket, the surgeon will suture it to the bone or attach it with surgical screws. Tape will be placed over the chin to ease swelling and pain. The surgery takes between one to two hours and may be performed in a hospital, surgical center, or even your surgeon’s office.
For the first few days after the surgery, there will some difficulty in smiling and speaking. You may also have swelling and bruising in the chin area, but this is only temporary. In about a week, the stitches will have to be removed if the incision was underneath the chin. If the incision was placed inside the mouth along the lower lip, then the stitches will dissolve on their own. During the follow up appointment, the surgeon will confirm that the implant has conformed to the bone and address any concerns.
Although complications with chin implants are rare, those considering the surgery should be aware of the possibility of bleeding, bruising, blood clots, infection, scarring, fever, milky discharge, swelling, or severe pain. The surgeon will need to be notified immediately of any of these symptoms. There is also the chance that the implant may shift out of place. If this happens, an additional surgery will need to be scheduled to realign it.
To achieve the results you desire, you will have to find an experienced and licensed surgeon. In addition to getting recommendations from others, you can go to Web sites that will have a list of surgeons in your area that are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Web sites such as www.the-cosmetic-surgery-directory.com and www.abplsurg.org are excellent places to start your research. You should also check with the medical board in your state to check for malpractice suits and complaints against the surgeon.
Meet with several surgeons and prepare a list of questions to ask. You should ask about their training after medical school, the number of chin implants the doctor performs each year, total cost of the procedure, how long the surgeon has been in practice, the risks of the surgery, and the recovery process. You will also want to pay attention to his demeanor. You should feel comfortable with the doctor and your appointment should not feel rushed.
At your first appointment, the doctor will ask questions about your medical history, if you have ever had cosmetic surgery in the past, and will perform a medical exam. It is important to discuss any medical or dental problems you have had. Blood tests and x-rays may also be ordered.
If it is determined that you are an acceptable candidate for plastic surgery, then photographs will be taken at different angles. Some surgeons use digital technology to show you what your chin will look like on your face with different implants. This is much more effective than trying to imagine what the implant will look like once it is inserted in your chin.
Check with your insurance and see if they will cover all or a portion of the procedure. Most insurance companies will not cover procedures such as chin implants if it is not medically necessary, so be prepared to pay your bill in full, use your savings, or put it on your credit card. You can also apply for financing through creditors such as CareCredit. They offer financing options for medical procedures with low monthly payments, including cosmetic surgery.
Chin implants can be a great way for someone to feel better about their appearance if they select the right surgeon and desire the procedure for the right reasons.