Your doctor will go over your medical history with you, as well as examine your facial structure and skin. Communication is crucial in reaching one's goals. You must be able to voice your desires to your surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired results are. Discuss your goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an understanding with what can realistically be achieved.
What type of implants are available?
Solid silicone has been used as a material for facial implants since about 1956. The silicone facial implants are solid, yet flexible and very durable. They are manufactured in different durometres (degrees of hardness) to be soft or quite hard. These implants are designed to enhance soft tissue areas and not the underlying bone structure. They are usually easily removed as they are quickly encapsulated by scar tissue. Some surgeons affix chin implants to the bone by way of one or several titanium screws. When used for cosmetic purposes this implant rarely exhibits a biochemical reaction.
Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implants are porous and utilise the benefits of tissue integration as well to keep it in place. Not as firm as the more harder silicone implants, there is less bone resorption underneath ePTFE implants as opposed to silicone implants. When used for cosmetic purposes this implant rarely exhibits a biochemical reaction. The SoftForm implant is made of ePTFE and can also be carved. This implant is flexible, soft yet very strong and rarely causes inflammation when used for cosmetic purposes such as chin augmentation.
Polyethylene Implants are biocompatible and reportedly place no extra stress on the body or affect it whatsoever. Not to say that Silicone does, it's just another option for your chin augmentation. They are porous and rely on tissue integration instead of titanium screws for stability. These are more difficult to remove but do produce excellent results if placed correctly.
Non-Surgical Options
Fat Grafting, or Fat Transfer, is the procedure to remove surplus fat cells with meticulous extraction methods and to re-implant where needed - to the chin and other places such as the lips, nasolabials (mouth to nose folds), under-eyes, cheeks, temples, etc. This is a very exciting procedure as it is not incredibly invasive, produces natural results, but does create a moderate amount of swelling. However, the body can resorb fat and sometimes only a certain percentage is permanent although newer techniques are resulting in increased longevity.
Injectable Tissue Augmentation products such as Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid offer ease of placement with less downtime although the permanent micro-implants are not easily removed. Some products are temporary and could be used to 'try on' what chin augmentation would look like although asymmetry is possible as the injectable solution is, of course, not pre-formed and subject to migration within the first few minutes to days.
What does a typical Chin Augmentation consultation entail?
Firstly, your doctor will discuss your goals with you and he/she will explain what can be achieved realistically. The usual goal of the typical patient is to correct a lacking chin. Discuss your goals with your doctor and the general result you would like to achieve. Your doctor will take into account your facial dimensions and natural face shape. You and your doctor will determine the type and size of implant suited to you.
How is Chin Augmentation surgery performed?
The chin augmentation surgery is most frequently performed using twilight IV sedation or general anaesthesia. This procedure takes from 1 to 2 hours to perform. Depending upon your facial structure the incisions will be placed as inconspicuously as possible. For chin implants the incision can either be where the gums and lip/facial skin meet or under the chin. The risk of infection is higher if an incision is placed within the mouth area, although a strict post-operative oral hygiene regimen can decrease this risk.
What should you expect post-operatively?
Although there is normally no extensive pain related to chin implantation, pain medication will be prescribed beforehand. You may feel a degree of numbness that should disappear within 1 to 3 months. You will continue to wear a support brace in the first few weeks while you sleep to allow your tissues and implant to heal in the desired position and prevent shifting.
Is there a lot of swelling involved with a chin implant?
There is considerable swelling associated with the trauma to the tissues, especially if there were screws involved. A lot of swelling should dissipate after the first two weeks although some swelling may be apparent for months.
When will the sutures be taken out and does this hurt?
The sutures, if any, will be removed in approximately 3 to 5 days. It is normal for your face to be very swollen for the first few days. The removal should not hurt extensively although your doctor may feel the implant through your facial tissues and this may hurt a little.
Will there be scarring? If so, where will the scars be located?
This depends on the incision choice by you and your doctor. It is quite possible to have implants inserted with no visible scars whatsoever.
How long is the recovery period?
You can expect to resume regular activities in about 1 to 2 weeks. Exercise should be reserved for after the third week. There will still be swelling and a support will be worn at night to alleviate tissue stress and to support the healing tissues correctly. Most patients return to work within a week or two.
How long before the results are visible?
The results are immediate, although you may think that the implant is too big at first glance. Give your mind time to recognise the difference between swelling and augmentation. The final result should be evident in a few months.
What are the risks of Chin Augmentation surgery?
There is a chance of haematoma (blood clots), numbness from nerve damage and hyper-pigmentation (permanent discolourations) caused by bruising - although there is rarely bruising with facial implants. There is the risk of the implant shifting which results in additional surgery to reposition the implant. There is also a chance of asymmetry from tissues healing differently.
How long does a chin implant last?
The silicone chin implants are made to last your lifetime, especially if the implants are the harder variety and screwed into place - the risk of shifting is very small.
