There are many benefits that can be reaped from getting a chin implant. It can give a person a more attractive facial profile. It can also restore facial harmony. Chin augmentation involves using implants to enhance and reshape the chin. Light sedation and local anesthesia are used during this procedure. It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to perform this procedure in-office. Chin implants are also often performed along with other procedures, such as Rhinoplasty or Facelift.
Bruising and swelling are some of the side effects of this surgery. This usually goes away within one or two weeks. Most people can return to work and other activities within seven days.
Do’s and Don’ts
You should walk as soon as you feel up to it after surgery. There are many benefits that can be gained from walking, such as helping to decrease swelling. It can also reduce your chances of developing a blood clot. Avoid driving until you have finished your narcotic pain medications.
Even though you will probably be able to return to work within a week, you should avoid intense exercise for two or three weeks. Avoid contact sports and swimming for four to six weeks.
How to Care for an Incision
You may take a shower or bath 48 hours after your surgery. Clean the incision regularly and monitor it for signs of infection. Keep your head elevated. You may want to sleep on a recliner with two pillows. You can decrease swelling by using a cool compress. It is normal to have swelling for the first two weeks. You will see the final results of this surgery within three months.
As with all surgeries, be careful not to expose your incision area to direct sunlight for at least one year. This will help drastically reduce scarring.
Follow-up Care
You will have your dressings removed within three to five days. If intraoral sutures are used, then they will not have to be removed as they will dissolve.
When to Call Our Office
If you have bruising, swelling or redness that increases or does not go away within a few days, then you should call our office. You should also call our office if you have severe pain that will not go away with medication. If you experience medication side effects, such as vomiting, nausea and rash, then contact our office immediately. A fever above 100.5 degrees, redness of the skin, and colored drainage from the incision area are signs of an infection. Contact us for a follow up if you suspect that you have an infection.
Overall, chin implant recovery is quick and easy.
