Chin and Cheek Augmentation

Introduction

Chin and cheek implants are available for patients who are unhappy with their appearance. Though less common than rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), chin and cheek implants are nonetheless popular options for achieving major changes in facial structure.

These are complex procedures that require a high level of skill and patience. Your choice of surgeon will be key to achieving the look you want. These procedures may be completed at the same time as other facial surgery, so that you can recover from all procedures simultaneously.

Ideal Candidates

Chin or cheek implants can be performed on almost any patient. These procedures are most frequently done to enhance an underdeveloped jaw, or to correct sunken cheekbones. However, you should carefully consider whether these types of implants will achieve the desired results. When considering chin or cheek implants, be sure to discuss your exact needs with your physician, so that he may guide you in choosing the best procedures.

These procedures are not generally performed until the patient has reached adulthood, to ensure that the existing facial structure is fully formed and will not continue to grow or change.

How It's Done

First, you will discuss with your doctor specifically what shape you are trying to achieve. Your surgeon will work with you to determine a shape and size implant that will fit naturally with your facial structure.

The procedure is performed under general anesthetic. For chin implants, an incision is made inside or outside the mouth near the bottom jaw. With cheek implants, the incision is made along the upper jaw inside the cheek. Inserting the implants through the mouth results in no visible scarring.

The implants may be made of either hard implantable material such as silicone or Medpore, or demineralized bone. During your surgery, the surgeon may shape the implant so that it fits solidly against your existing bone. The implant is then inserted through the mouth or through an incision below the chin, and adjusted to the correct position. The surrounding tissue is stitched closed to hold the implant in place.

The procedure itself takes approximately an hour and a half.

Recovery

These procedures involve very little bruising or swelling. You will likely need to take only two or three days off of work, and will be feeling back to normal within a week. It may take up to six weeks until your implant sites are completely healed and final results are visible.

Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for about a month after their procedure. As with any implant, patients will want to avoid trauma to the implant areas, as this may damage the implants themselves.

Chin and cheek implants can achieve very drastic changes in physical appearance. They can correct lifelong disfigurements, or facial features with which you have always been unhappy.