CHIN IMPLANT

INTRODUCTION:
Chin Implants are a safe reliable option for enhancing a recessive chin and it is one area of the body where the rejection or infection of an implant is very unlikely. The implant is made of inert material that bypasses the need for extensive oral surgery to cut and move the jawbone.

REASONS FOR SURGERY:
Dr Wallace performs a Chin Implant for the following reasons:
• To improve the appearance of a recessive chin or retrognathia.
• To balance the nasal profile
• To reduce a double chin
• To enhance the neck/chin angle as part of a Facial Rejuvenation procedure

RISKS OF SURGERY:
This surgery is associated with a low risk of complications. The specific risks of a Chin Implant of which you should be aware are:
• Infection is rare. A true infection is associated with throbbing pain, redness and swelling. Contact Dr Wallace promptly if any of this happens.
• Migration or movement of the implant is extremely rare. Revision surgery would correct this.

ANAESTHESIA:
General Anaesthesia is the routine for this operation. Anaesthetic sleep time is approximately 30 minutes followed by 45 minutes in the Recovery Room.

THE OPERATION:
Dr. Wallace performs the Chin Implant either via an incision inside the mouth or an incision in a skin-crease beneath the chin. He places the implant against the chin bone in a pocket of periosteum (the very tough membrane enclosing the bone). The incision is closed with dissolving stitches in the mouth or a single stitch under the skin for the external incision.

AFTER SURGERY:
This surgery is usually ‘Day Surgery’ with the patient going home a few hours after the procedure. Ice packs for 48 hours and a mouth rinse after meals are the basic after-care. An office appointment with Dr Wallace is scheduled for one week later and most patients take this week off work. At the first post-op visit, any bruising or swelling will have largely disappeared although some stiffness persists for a week or two more. Dr Wallace recommends follow-up visits in the office at 3, 6 and 12 months post-op.

COMBINED OPERATIONS:
The Chin Implant is often combined with a Rhinoplasty to improve the complete facial profile. It is also often part of a full Facial Rejuvenation with Face Lift, Brow Lift and other procedures.

RESULTS:
The vast majority of patients will be delighted. The change is often dramatic and the discomfort of surgery a minor inconvenience.