Instructor: Welcome to your guide to chin augmentation.
Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself
with the procedure and what you can do
to help improve your results.
Remember, this presentation does not take the place
of your consultation and you should make sure to jot down
any questions you may want to ask us later.
Chin augmentation also known as mentoplasty
is a facial plastic surgery procedure
to enhance the size of the chin
and restore balance to the facial features.
Because of the proportional relationship
between the chin and nose,
many patients choose to undergo nose and chin surgery
at the same time to achieve an aesthetically
pleasing balance of facial features.
It is also frequently combined with other procedures
such as a facelift and liposuction of the neck.
Procedure.
How will your chin surgery be performed?
A sizer will be used to determine the proper size
and shape of your implant.
These implants are synthetic
and can be shaped to match your aesthetic goals.
An incision will be placed in either the crease line
just under the chin or inside the mouth
where the lower lip and gums meet.
The skin is then gently lifted.
A pocket is created and the implant is placed.
The incision is then closed with absorbable sutures.
Using injectable fillers for chin augmentations
is becoming a popular alternative.
There are a variety of fillers available, including fat.
The filler that will provide the best result for you
will be injected in small amounts
into specific sites to sculpt
the desired shape and projection.
Each filler has its own unique properties
including longevity.
An injectable treatment is not permanent.
And additional treatments may be necessary.
Preparation.
Every person has a unique perspective
on what may be the best shape for their face.
And your goals will affect
the way your chin augmentation is performed.
It is important to discuss your desires
and listen closely during the consultation
so that you can set realistic expectations.
A great result can only be achieved
when there is good communication between us.
You also need to understand that the shape of your chin
before surgery partially determines
the shape you have after surgery.
Together, we will select the technique
that will provide the best result for you.
When you meet with our patient coordinator,
we will discuss fees and costs.
Some suggestions to help you prepare for surgery.
Your safety matters to us.
You should be very open,
provide all of your medical history, drug allergies,
list any previous surgeries, medications, diet pills,
vitamins and herbs you're taking
even if you don't think they're important.
Also don't be afraid to be Frank with us
about your lifestyle.
Smoking, the strenuousness of the work you perform,
your exercise habits and the importance
of getting back to work.
Here are some other tips that will help you reduce scarring,
shorten your recovery time
and decrease your chances of complications.
Discontinue aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn,
St John's wort and vitamin E for one week before
and a few days after your procedure.
These act as blood thinners
and could cause problems with blood clotting.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol in excess
well in advance of your procedure
and for one week after surgery.
Drink lots of water in the days
leading up to your procedure.
Hydration will help you recover more quickly.
To make your recovery easier and more comfortable,
be sure to arrange for someone to take you home
and take care of you for at least the first day,
fill your prescriptions and have them within easy reach
of where you will be resting,
place plenty of pillows or a bed wedge nearby
so that you can keep your head elevated.
Recovery.
After surgery, you can expect some discomfort,
numbness, and swelling for several days.
You may also experience some difficulty talking and smiling.
Your ability to chew will be limited
and illiquid diet may be required for the first few days.
Stitches will come out or be absorbed on their own
within a week to 10 days.
Pain is usually minimal with this procedure
but medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort.
The recovery process is different for everyone
but within a day of your chin surgery,
you should be up and walking around.
You may apply small ice packs during the first 24 hours
to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Keep your head elevated at all times
for two weeks following surgery.
If you had sutures inside your mouth,
make sure that after eating, you rinse your mouth
to ensure that no food remains around the stitches.
Brushing your teeth and chewing may be difficult
for approximately two weeks following surgery.
You should plan on being out of work
and a way from your usual activities
for the first few days.
Following this period you may gradually return to activities
such as lifting, exercise and sex.
Avoid any activity that may incur trauma to your chin
for about one month.
Scars from chin surgery are usually small and inconspicuous.
The appearance of your chin should improve
as the swelling resolves.
What are the risks of chin surgery?
This information is not intended to frighten you
but to help you make an informed decision.
No question or concern is silly or insignificant.
We will be happy to discuss the full range
of potential complications and answer any questions
you may have regarding this procedure.
Many thousands of chin surgeries
are successfully performed each year
and thankfully, serious complications occur infrequently,
but they can occur.
Complications can include and are not limited to
implant shifting requiring revision surgery,
infection, loss of sensation, asymmetry
and capsular contracture.
As with all medical procedures,
be sure to choose your surgeon wisely.
It is important to choose an experienced surgeon
you can trust and develop a good rapport with
so you can openly discuss your concerns and particular needs
throughout the process of consultation,
surgery and aftercare.
Should you decide to move forward
with your chin augmentation,
a surgery date will be scheduled.
Prior to surgery, you will be given complete preparation
and recovery instructions.
Remember to keep your followup visits.
As we are here to make this a wonderful experience for you,
feel free to review any part of this presentation you like
and be sure to take a look at our before and after gallery
to get a better idea of the results you may achieve.