Put Your Chin Up

Chin augmentation is among the top 7 cosmetic procedure in the US today. Usually if you want to have a good profile, the chin should be well defined and chiseled. A weak chin will make an already prominent nose seems to look larger. Meanwhile a too prominent chin will give the nose a smaller look thus throwing your face in symmetrical imbalance. It may also give your neck a “fleshy” appearance leading to what we commonly call as “double chin”. Chin augmentation is relatively simple; it could be done in about 1 to 2 hours under local or general anesthesia.

A critical prework for the doctor is studying the patient’s features carefully. Because chin augmentation could affect the appearance of your other facial feature, a thorough scan of your face is needed. Photographs are taken in different angles. Doctors sometimes used computers to accurately check your face for symmetry. Balance is critical for this type of operation; laterally your chin should have proportionality with your nose. In frontal view, it should have symmetry with your nose and eyebrows.

During the chin surgery, incisions are made under the creases of the chin or inside the mouth. Then the doctor will pull out and stretch the skin. Implants will then be inserted to the jaw, where it is suitable. After the implants are fixed, it will be sutured back into place. If no implants or sutures are used, head wrapping is utilized at night to help in healing process. A patient could also be asked to stay in the hospital if needed, a chin brace is also required to keep it in place all the time. To strengthen the features of the chin, bones donated from the patient’s ribs or parts of the pelvis, are used as implants. But this method exposes the patient to higher risk of infection. Silicone, of varying softness and texture, is used as another type of implant.

Recovery for this type of operation is quick; it usually takes 7 to 10 days. Strenuous activities should be avoided at all times. Expect some swelling and bruising in your jaw. You might also experience some difficulty while talking. This is normal and will go away after a few days. Ice pack should regularly be applied to relieve the swelling. Sleeping will also be difficult during this time. It is advisable to put 2 to 3 pillows together so that the head will be elevated. Since difficulty in eating could be experienced, soft food should be taken (like Jell-o or pudding) while recovering. Meal-replacement shakes may be recommended to substitute for the loss nutrients from solid foods. Stitches will dissolve naturally; otherwise you may need to see the doctor to have the sutures removed. Full recovery and normalcy is expected within four to five weeks.

Complications could arise after the procedure. But take note of the following; abnormal pain, milky or pus-like discharge, sudden puffiness, shifting of the implants, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, a telephone call to your doctor will not hurt.

Improving ones appearance comes with a steep price (both financially and emotionally). But rest assured that after having this procedure, you could face the world chin-up.