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Chin Augmentation
Chin augmentation is the use of synthetics or
biologicals to augment, or make the mentum/menton [: the
lower portion of the face lying below the lower lip and
including the prominence of the lower jaw -- called also
chin] bone structure of the face more prominent. It can
give balance to an otherwise less defined face or
further augment an already existent chin structure. The
fleshy pad of the chin is normally from 8 to 11mm thick.
Are You A Candidate For Chin Augmentation?
You must have no bone disorders, are not or have not
been on Accutane for the last 6 months or sometimes more
(it causes excessive facial bone growth, called
Hyperostosis, and increased, keloid-like scarring after
skin trauma (such as incisions). Only a qualified
plastic surgeon can determine this after speaking to you
as well as going over your medical history, examining
your facial structure and skin. You must realize that no
doctor can perform miracles but a highly skilled surgeon
can transform what you do have into a more balanced look
altogether.
Do You "Need" Chin Augmentation?
Now the question is, do you need Chin Augmentation? If
so, what area would you like enhanced? Is it the chin
only or also the jaw line? What "look" are you trying to
achieve and do you desire a very prominent chin,
rejuvenation or subtle improvement? You can take a photo
of yourself and draw a line from the most prominent part
of your brow (between the eyebrows) to your chin. A
balanced chin to brow ratio would be a vertical line
from these two points. However, females can "get away"
with having a smaller, or slightly deficient chin.
Risks, Complications & Contraindications Associated
With Chin Augmentation
Unfortunately, all surgeries have risks and
complications. Although chin augmentation is not a
comparatively difficult and invasive procedures -
complications can and do happen. These include allergic
reaction to the anesthetic used.
Infection
You could develop a post-operative infection and need to
have the implant removed, the infection dealt with and
still have to wait for several months before an
additional surgery can be performed to re-implant.
Infections usually occur with the first few weeks. Some
possible infections and a more common one being
Staphylococcus, or simply Staph. A more severe one is
Methyl Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. This
strain is a Methycillin-resistant "bug", but is not
considered a "super bug" and is usually sensitive to at
east 3 types of antibiotics. In itself it is very rare,
much less with BA.
Be sure your thoroughly wash the face and neck area with
an anti-bacterial soap such as Hibiclens or
Anti-bacterial Dial for a few days before surgery.
Some patients are instructed to wash with these
anti-bacterial soaps every day for 3 days beforehand.
This precaution will assist in ridding the immediate
area of Staph which naturally occurs on the skin. Your
surgeon will also "scrub" your face and neck with
Betadine solution right before your incision is made.
Hematoma & Seroma
There is a risk of developing a hematoma [: a mass of
usually clotted blood that forms in a tissue, organ, or
body space as a result of a broken blood vessel ] or a
seroma [: a collection of the watery portion of the
blood of an animal which may need to be aspirated]
Implant Shifting (Displacement) & Asymmetry
There could be asymmetry due to malposition of the
implant by the surgeon, swelling, trauma, hematoma, or
general . There is also the risk of "shifting". If this
happens a second surgery may be needed to reposition the
implant.
Extended Loss of Sensation (Numbness)
Although you will be numb from the anesthetic and
swelling -- as you heal various areas will regain
sensation before others. Remember that you are healing
and to be patient. Numbness of the lips should subside
in 2-3 weeks post op. If not, the implant sometimes may
need to be trimmed or the "wings" (if applicable) moved
downwards soon after to prevent permanent loss of
sensitivity. Let your surgeon know if you still have lip
numbness after the 3 week period. The surgery to correct
this is usually performed within 4 weeks after the
original surgery.
CHIN SURGERY
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30
minutes to an hour. During the procedure, the surgeon
selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance
your appearance and inserts it into a pocket over the
front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the
pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth
(along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin
area.
Usually, the chin is taped after surgery to minimize
swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be
removed in five to seven days. If an intra-oral incision
is used, the sutures will dissolve.
RECOVERING FROM CHIN SURGERY
You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the
affected area for several days. It's normal to
experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and
talking. Black and blue marks may be visible around the
chin and neck. Your plastic surgeon will instruct you
about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to
your activities after surgery. |
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