iEnhance Home iEnhance Newsletter
  Home Our Community Newsroom
Plastic Surgery
Facial Plastic Surgery
Dermatology
Cosmetic Dentistry
Vision
 
Locate a Specialist
Photo Gallery
Procedures
 
Doctor's Lounge
Patient Financing
Message Board
Video Room

Chin Augmentation/Implants
 
Bone structure is essential to an important part of an attractive, balanced face. Chin implants can improve this underlying structure, and better balance the facial features for a dramatically more attractive look. This operation is often performed at the time of rhinoplasty to help to balance the facial proportions. It may be combined with facelift, liposuction or other facial implants as well.

Chin implants are made in various shapes and sizes. They are made out of both solid and semi-solid materials that have been used successfully for years. Although the results can be dramatic, the implants look very natural. Many people have reported that after their chin implant surgery, people tell them that they look better, but they can’t tell exactly why.

If you're considering a chin augmentation surgery, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified or has completed a residency program that includes instruction in this procedure.
Chin Augmentation/Implants Photo Gallery
Chin Augmentation/Implants Video Gallery
 
Printer Friendly Pages Email This To Friend
 

What are some of the most common benefits of this surgery?
Chin implants may augment the jaw to correct problems with weak chins, sagging skin in the chin area, and improve the shape and balance of the face.
Go to TOP
 

What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, you’ll be able to talk to your doctor about the changes you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, its risks and limitations, and the costs.

Your doctor will begin with a physical examination to evaluate your general health, your skin and your facial structure. He/she will also take down a complete medical history, including a record of any medications that you are currently taking.

It is important that you tell your surgeon if you are prone to heavy scarring, . Be sure to ask all the questions you have about the surgery, and ask to see photos of the doctor’s recent patients, before and after surgery. Also ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your doctor below.
Go to TOP
 

How is a chin augmentation performed?
Most often, an incision is made inside the lower lip, or under the chin. An implant of the desired size and shape is then placed inside the chin. If the incision is inside the mouth, it is closed with sutures (stitches) that later dissolve. If the incision is under the chin, removable sutures are used. At the end of the surgery, the chin is often taped to minimize swelling.
Go to TOP
 

How long does the surgery take?
The procedure generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Go to TOP
 

Will I need to stay in a hospital?
If you have no medical problems, and the amount of fat being removed is fairly small, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, either in your doctor’s office or in an outpatient clinic. It may be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, local anesthesia and deep sedation, or general anesthesia. The longer the procedure is expected to take, the more likely that general anesthesia will be recommended. You may be allowed to return home within a few hours of the surgery, and spend the night in the comfort of your own home.

If you’re having other concurrent procedures, or a lengthier procedure performed under general anesthesia, it may be necessary to spend the night in the hospital so that your recovery process can be monitored by a medical staff.
Go to TOP
 

How much pain is there?
Local anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation ia generally used to ease discomfort during the surgery. Most people report no discomfort at all.
Go to TOP
 

What can I expect after surgery?
Some swelling and perhaps bruising can occur, but this will be helped by an application of tape or other material. This tape is removed about a week after the surgery is performed. Pain and discomfort last for several days following the procedure, but this can be eased by an oral pain medication. Some facial movements, such as talking and smiling, may be difficult for several days following the surgery. It is important that you follow all of your doctor’s instructions to minimize risks, and help speed your recovery.
Go to TOP
 

What is the recovery period like?
If sutures (stitches) are used, they will be removed within a week of the surgery. Most people return to work within a week following the surgery. At first, you should avoid strenuous activities, but exercise can be resumed in about two weeks. If incisions are made inside the mouth, you may be placed on a liquid diet for several days until there is adequate healing to allow for chewing and food particles to come in contact with the stitches.
Go to TOP
 

What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
The surgery has a high rate of satisfaction. The scar is generally not noticeable, and problems related to unevenness are relatively uncommon.
Go to TOP
 

Ideal candidate:
In general, the best candidates for chin augmentation are:
  • In good physical health
  • Psychologically stable
  • Informed about limitations
  • Free of known allergies to the implant material
  • Realistic in their expectations for the outcome
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he / she considers you an ideal candidate for chin implants.
Go to TOP
 

Other Important Information:
Sometimes chin augmentation is performed in conjunction with other procedures, particularly cheek implants, lip augmentation, and rhinoplasty.
Go to TOP
 

Risks:
Significant complications from chin implants are infrequent. As with any surgical procedure, however, there is always a possibility of infection, or reaction to the anesthesia.

When infection does occur it is generally treated with antibiotics, but in some cases the implant must be removed and later replaced. Another risk is improper placement. In some cases, implants shift so that a second operation is necessary for repositioning.

Pre-existing conditions can also put you at risk. You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your doctor, both before and after your chin implant surgery.
Go to TOP
 

Choosing a doctor:
It is very important that you select a physician adequately trained and experienced in liposuction techniques. We strongly recommend that you consider choosing a surgeon who is board certified or board eligible, as determined by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See our Physician Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area, including detailed profile information on many of the listed doctors. Also read How to Select a Plastic Surgeon for a more detailed discussion on choosing the right doctor.
Go to TOP
 

Costs:
Chin implant costs for 2007 was $2,332 (Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Regional averages: New England states: $2,643 Middle Atlantic states: $1,854 North Central states: $2,741 South Central states: $1,785 and Mountain/Pacific states: $2,417. These fees do not include anesthesia, operating room facility, hospital stay, and other related expenses.
Go to TOP
 

Questions to ask your doctor:
  1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
  2. Where is the surgery performed? How long will the procedure take?
  3. Am I good candidate for chin augmentation? Why or why not?
  4. What kind of anesthesia is used?
  5. How much does it cost?
  6. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
  7. What percentage of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
  8. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
  9. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
  10. May I have the names and contact information for several recent chin augmentation patients? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedure and the surgeon.)
  11. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
  12. What should I expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
  13. Who will be assisting during the surgery? What are their qualifications? (Does the plastic surgeon perform the entire surgery?)
  14. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
  15. Do you offer patient financing?
Go to TOP
 

Be sure to:
  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
  • Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
  • If the implant involves an incision inside the mouth, notify your surgeon if you smoke or if you have a history of dental or gum problems.
  • Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
  • Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

Go to TOP
 

How do I finance this procedure?
Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnchance's patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.
Go to TOP
Home | Our Community | Newsroom
Locate a Specialist | All Doctors | Photo Gallery | Procedures | Doctor's Lounge
Extreme Makeover | The Swan | Dr. 90210 | About Us | Disclaimer
Business Development | Contact Us | Site Map

Find a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, dermatologist,
vision specialist, cosmetic dentist or other specialist.

At iEnhance, find information on top plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, tummy tuck, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, eyelid surgery, thermage, rhinoplasty; as well as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Locate a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or specialist today!
Copyright©2000 - 2009 iEnhance.com All rights reserved. Image at current page Image at current page
Announcements:
 
Articles:
“Dr. 90210” Star Takes Lingerie Line Overseas
Facts:

*Top 5 Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Breast Augmentation: 356,000
2. Liposuction: 341,000
3. Blepharoplasty: 195,000
4. Rhinoplasty: 152,000
5. Abdominoplasty: 147,000

*Top 5 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Botox: 2,464,000
2. Laser Hair Removal: 1,281,000
3. Juvederm/Restylane: 1,263,000
4. Chemical Peel: 592,000
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing: 571,000

* Data collected from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Featured Doctors:
  Plastic Surgery
  Ben Johnson III, M.D.
  Dermatology
  Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, PC
  Cosmetic Dentistry
  Aesthetic Smile Studio
  Vision
  Majid Moshirfar, MD
  Facial Plastic Surgery
  Jan Karlin,
Plastic & Cosmetic Sugeon, MD
Polls:
How far are you willing to travel for a top-notch cosmetic surgeon?

Within my city’s limits
To a neighboring town/county
Out of state
Out of the country