Chin And Cheek
Implants

If you have a “weak chin” in your side profile, you are a candidate for chin augmentation. During your consultation, we offer a 3D simulation of how a chin implant would look using the Crisalix system or the Vectra H1 system to give you a precise idea of the changes a chin implant would make to your appearance.

As we age, we often lose volume in the chin, or the chin seems to blend into the neck. Either the fat pad loses volume or the bone changes shape. Our bone does remodel throughout life, and, especially in the presence of dental disease, the chin bone can involute. When this happens, and the chin weakens, signs of premature aging can occur along the jawline and neck. While many of these patients come in requesting a facelift, a chin implant is often a substitute for a facelift or can dramatically enhance the result of lift, whether it is a mini facelift or a full facelift.

A chin implant is a generally safe implantable biomaterial shaped to sit along the bone to make a weak chin stronger. Chin implants are mostly solid, but the effect of an implant can be created temporarily using temporary fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or even your own fat. Rarely, in certain circumstances, when the bone and dental relationships are not favorable, we will not recommend chin implantation and instead suggest that you see an oral maxillofacial surgeon. All chin procedures can be life-changing in the sense that they can dramatically improve your appearance by lengthening the chin in its horizontal dimensions, vertical dimension, or in its width—all of it depends on what would best suit you and can be determined during your visit with us.

Chin implants can be placed using an incision hidden under the chin. Some surgeons put chin implants through the mouth, but this increases the rate of infection and has a higher incidence of nerve injury.

Chin implants can be inserted incorrectly so that they fold up or ride down over the jawline margin. Because they are foreign substances, they can become infected. When that happens, the implant can actually extrude. Rarely, the nerves around the implant can be injured during the procedure, causing numbness. The insertion can stretch the nerve, causing temporary weakness of the muscles that pull the lip down.

More commonly than not, a chin implant is a procedure that has a long duration of benefit and is appreciated for a lifetime.

Once the treated area has healed, the chin implant does not move. Some surgeons secure the chin implant with a screw. We generally avoid a screw and, instead, suture the chin implant in place so that it does not migrate while it heals.

This surgery is performed in an outpatient surgical setting. We are exceedingly careful to maintain sterility throughout the case. Because the chin implant is a foreign substance, the implant is soaked in an antibiotic solution and in an antiseptic sterilizing solution before insertion, and other precautions are taken during the procedure to minimize the risk of infection. No dressing is applied after surgery. The area of the implant should be left undisturbed in the early postoperative period of at least three weeks.

You can exercise one week to 10 days after the surgery. We prefer that you do not lean on the affected area for at least six weeks, as it is possible to dislodge the implant in the early postoperative period.

Swelling and bruising are usually confined to the neck. The swelling quickly resolves, leaving an implant that makes the profile more elegant. The results are appreciated almost immediately and improve as the swelling in the neck resolves.

Sutures are used with this procedure, all of which dissolve on their own.

We usually see our patients one day, one week, one month, three months, and six months after their surgery. All our patients are welcome to come back at any time to discuss other issues.

We do not use a dressing with this surgery because fixation is accomplished with the stitches we place, and swelling is usually minimal. Occasionally, if the procedure is combined with liposuction of the neck or a facelift, a loose dressing that covers your chin will be placed.

A chin implant is best performed once the orthodontic correction is complete. If you are not contemplating orthodontic correction or are in the midst of orthodontic treatment, this surgery can help improve the area around the mouth, making this vital area appear more youthful and balanced.

Discontinuing blood thinners with the permission of your primary physician, cessation of smoking, the use of appropriate nutraceuticals and vitamins which we supply you prior to your surgery, and careful compliance and follow-up with us will make the surgical experience much more pleasant and expedite your healing.

We have been performing aesthetic surgery for over 25 years. Chin implantation is among the procedures in plastic surgery that has the highest rate of satisfaction. Chin implantation is performed by surgeons with many types of specialties who are amply qualified and have experience. Oral maxillofacial surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and oculoplastic surgeons all perform this surgery with varying rates of success, but overall patient satisfaction with this procedure is high. A consultation might be worthwhile in determining if our practice is right for you.

He is Board Certified in

• Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology
• Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Physician Specialties
• Facial Cosmetic Surgery by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
• A Diplomate of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive
  Surgeons