As a cosmetic surgery option rapidly growing in popularity, chin augmentation allows people whose facial features don’t send the message they would prefer to achieve a “stronger” or more decisive appearance.
At DiGeronimo MD Advanced Plastic Surgery in Miami, Florida, Dr. Ernest M. DiGeronimo can discuss the pros and cons of chin augmentation with you and help you decide if this plastic surgery is the best option for your case.
Chin implant surgery might sound frightening and you’d think recovery could take a long while, but in reality chin augmentation has one of the fastest recovery times of all elective facial surgeries.
The surgery is usually done for you as an outpatient. Dr. DiGeronimo can either put you under general anesthesia, or give you sedation and use local anesthetic. The surgery only takes about an hour, and after a short recovery time you can return home.
We won’t have to make external incisions, and you won’t have any scarring after the surgery. That’s because the silicone chin implant is flexible enough to be inserted into your chin through a small incision inside your lower lip.
Dr. DiGeronimo will help you pick out the chin implant shape, which will be gently placed and molded around the bone at the point of your jaw. It feels a lot like bone once placed, and people won’t be able to tell your chin is augmented visually or by touching your face.
The only way anyone will know is if you tell them, or if you choose a chin implant that drastically alters your appearance. Some people choose to do chin augmentation by degrees, slowly increasing the size of the implant to avoid commentary.
After your chin augmentation surgery, you need to sleep on your back in a propped up position for a few weeks, to keep your incision from being pressed on and to control swelling.
Keep your head well above your heart with plenty of pillows, and possibly some books under the posts at the head of your bed. You’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for the same amount of time, and may need to adjust your regular medicine regimen to avoid thinning your blood.
Other than this, your recovery should be uneventful. Dr. DiGeronimo might recommend a liquid or soft diet for just a day or two after surgery, and will provide you with instructions for incision care. Most chin implant patients take a week off of work, stock up on ice packs, and get a friend or family member to keep them supplied with soup and ice cream.
Don’t like your current chin? It’s easy to get a new one. Schedule a consultation with Dr. DiGeronimo by calling 208-225-4358, or request an appointment online today.
