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What is chin augmentation? Chin augmentation using an implant
is the most common procedure for the use of facial implants. Facial
implants are designed for augmentation, reconstructive or rejuvenative
purposes. The implants are available in various sizes and styles
for the chin, jaw, nose and cheek to fit your individual needs.
The implants add or restore contour and/or proportion to the face.
For example, chin augmentation improves the lower face aesthetics
by often yielding an improved jaw-line appearance and improves facial
harmony with the mid and upper face. It is not uncommon for an individual
to believe that their nose is out of proportion; too large for their
face whereas, the problem is often a small or retrussive chin that
causes the facial disharmony. Consulting with Dr Mezrow: During the consultation, Dr. Mezrow will ask you about your particular concerns regarding your face. This will help determine your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically achieved. After obtaining a comprehensive medical
and surgical history, Dr. Mezrow will perform an examination of
your face and perform an assessment of your dental occlusion. Malocclusion,
in which the upper and lower teeth do not align properly, can indicate
a retrussive jaw attributing to facial disharmony, which may require
other surgery to improve facial proportion. How is the procedure done/Where will I have scars? Facial implant surgery is performed as an outpatient under usually local anesthesia. The procedure entails making a small incision near where the implant will be placed, for example chin augmentation either an incision is made under the chin or inside the mouth at lower gum-lip junction. A space or pocket is created, the implant is positioned and the incision is closed. The procedure typically takes approximately 1-2 hours to perform. Most patients recover within 1 to 2 hours after surgery and are discharged home. It is important to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the next day or two. It is not uncommon for facial implant surgery to be performed at the same time as a facelift, nose or other cosmetic procedures.
Some potential complications include infection that may require implant removal with replacement later, bleeding, implant shifting or misalignment that require additional surgery to reposition the implant, asymmetries, bone alteration, alteration in sensation and poor scarring. A complication, which delays healing and prolongs recovery, is more common in diabetic patients and those who smoke. Preoperative and postoperative instructions will be given to you by Dr. Mezrow in attempt to reduce the likelihood of complications and make you as comfortable as possible with the whole process. Smokers will be instructed to stop smoking 4-6 weeks prior to surgery and not resume smoking to reduce the risk of delayed healing, wounds, infections and compromised outcome. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications as well as agents that cause bleeding should be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery (or as otherwise instructed by Dr. Mezrow and your primary physician) to reduce the likelihood of bleeding.
Strenuous activities including straining, bending and lifting should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks, since these activities might cause implant shifting, increased swelling or even bleeding. After surgery, patients experience varying degrees of swelling and bruising that will resolve with time. Within the first week you will be permitted to use makeup, if desired, to conceal any discoloration. Stitches are usually removed in approximately one week of surgery. The incisions will be initially be reddish and then slowly fade over months resulting in permanent scars.
Healing from your surgery is a process that takes up to a year for final result. You will be instructed to return to Dr. Mezrow’s office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals to monitor your progress and optimize your outcome. If you have any questions or concerns
prior to surgery or during your recovery, you should Dr. Mezrow.
CRAIG MEZROW. M.S., M.D. |
