Chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone. Many times Dr. Baroody may recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features. Placement of a chin implant may be performed alone, or in conjunction with other facial cosmetic procedures. If you are considering a chin implant, the following will give you a basic understanding of the procedure. You will learn when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. It cannot answer all of your questions, since much depends on the individual patient. Please ask Dr. Baroody about anything you do not understand.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR A CHIN IMPLANT
The best candidate for a chin implant is a man or woman whose chin has decreased projection and consider their chin to be “weak”. A chin implant can give your face better overall proportions, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. It cannot, however, give you a totally different look. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr.Baroody.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
When a chin augmentation is performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Baroody, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, physical reactions, and healing abilities; therefore the outcome is never completely predictable. Complications that can occur include bleeding, injury to the nerves that control sensation to the lower lip and chin (usually temporary), infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Poor healing of the
is more likely to affect smokers. You will reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Baroody’s instructions both before and after surgery.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
Chin implants are very individualized procedures. During your initial consultation with Dr. Baroody, he will evaluate your face and discuss your concerns. Dr. Baroody will review any medical conditions that may cause problems during or after surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, or the tendency to scar poorly. Be sure to inform Dr. Baroody if you smoke or are taking any supplements/medications. If a chin implant is right for you, Dr. Baroody will explain the techniques, potential complications, before and after instructions, as well as medications you should avoid. Do not hesitate to ask Dr. Baroody any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Dr. Baroody will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and avoiding certain vitamins/medications. Carefully following these instructions will decrease your overall surgical risks. If you smoke, it’s especially important to stop at least four weeks before and after surgery. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can interfere with the healing of your incisions. Whether your chin augmentation is being done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
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Chin augmentation may be performed at Ridgefield Surgery Center or New Milford Hospital. Danbury Hospital does not offer cosmetic surgery. It is typically done on an outpatient basis.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
Dr. Baroody prefers general anesthesia where you will be asleep through the operation. Another option includes local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You will be awake but relaxed, and your face will be insensitive to pain. (However, you may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort.)
THE SURGERY
Chin augmentation usually takes approximately one hour. A small incision is made under the chin and a pocket is formed along the jawline in preparation for placement of an implant. The implant is then placed in the carefully created pocket and secured. The skin is then closed and dressings applied.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
Expect minimal to moderate discomfort after surgery. Severe pain or a sudden swelling of your chin should be reported to Dr. Baroody immediately. Some numbness of the skin is normal and will improve over the next few weeks to months.
Minimize swelling by elevating your head for several days after surgery. The bandages will be removed one day after surgery. Do not be concerned about the swelling directly after surgery. Just keep in mind that in a few days you’ll be looking great. Your stitches will be removed after approximately five to seven days.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Dr. Baroody will give more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. Avoid strenuous activity, including sex and heavy housework, for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine). Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing. At the beginning, your face may look and feel rather strange. Some bruising may persist for two or three weeks, and you may tire easily. By the third week, you will look and feel much better. Most patients are back to work about five to seven days after surgery. If needed, makeup can mask most of the remaining bruises.