CHIN IMPLANT PROCEDURE

Typically performed using local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia if combined with other procedures, the chink implant procedure may take between thirty minutes and one hour. There are several different options to help tailor this procedure to your specific needs. Your goals and physical proportions will affect the size, shape, and type of implant that is best for you.

Your chin implant may be placed through an incision that is made in the crease just under the chin, or inside the mouth in the gum line where the lower lip and the gum meet. Once the appropriate incision is made, a pocket is created over the front of the jawbone, and the implant is inserted. The incision is then closed with very fine sutures and your chin may be taped to minimize swelling.

CHIN IMPLANT PREPARATION

During your consultation you should be very open: provide all of your medical history and list all of the medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking (even if you don't think they're important).

Here are some tips that may help you reduce scarring, shorten your recovery time, and decrease your chances of complications:

• Discontinue using Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, St. John's Wort, and Vitamin E for one week before and a few days after your procedure. These act as blood thinners and could cause problems with blood clotting.
• Stop smoking for at least two weeks before and one week after surgery as nicotine can impair circulation and healing.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure including tanning booths, facials, steaming masks, and other skin irritants.
• Don't drink alcohol in excess for two weeks before or one week after surgery.
• Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your procedure.

To make your recovery easier and more comfortable, be sure to:

• Arrange for someone to take you home and to take care of you for at least the first day.
• Fill your prescriptions and place them within easy reach where you will be resting.
• Place a bed wedge by to keep your head elevated at all times.
• You may also want to allow your hair to grow out if it is short. This will help hide scars after surgery.

CHIN IMPLANT POST SURGERY

After surgery, you can expect some discomfort, numbness, and swelling for the first several days. You may also experience some difficulty talking and smiling. Stitches will come out or be absorbed on their own between a week to ten days. Pain is usually minimal with this procedure, but a pain medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort.

The recovery process is different for everyone, but within a day of your chin implantation, you should be up and walking around. You may apply small ice packs during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling and discomfort. You may bathe following surgery as long as you keep your dressings dry. Keep your head elevated at tall times for two weeks following surgery. If you had sutures inside your mouth, make sure that after eating you rinse your youth to assure that no food remains around the stitches. Brushing your teeth and chewing may be difficult for approximately two weeks following surgery. You should plan on being out of work and away from your usual activities for the first few days. Following this period, you may gradually return to activities such as lifting, exercise, and sex. Avoid any activity that may incur trauma to your chin for about one month.

Scars from a chin implant are usually small and inconspicuous. The appearance of your chin will improve as the swelling resolves and you should be able to keep results that you will love for a very long time.