Generally about the treatment
Facial implants help change the basic structure of the face. The implants can give the patient a fuller and more balanced appearance.
A chin implant primarily has the purpose of giving the patient a more noticeable and defined chin, which has great importance to how you look - especially in profile.
Insertion of a chin implant can be done exclusively, but many get it done in connection with a different cosmetic operation. With a nose correction, for example (seeing as the nose and chin must match), a facelift, or lift of the forehead.
Implants can vary in shape and size, making individual customisation, according to the needs of the patient, possible.
The procedure
The surgeon makes a small cut either under the chin or inside the mouth, which gives the opportunity to place the chin implant directly onto the bone.
After the surgery a band is applied in order to minimise swelling and discomfort. The threads will be removed after 5-7 days.
In cases where an intra-oral incision have been used (cut in the mouth), the threads will dissolve in time on their own.
This form of surgery is described as relatively minor.
Anaesthesia
Depending on the circumstances, the insertion of a chin implant can be done using local anaesthesia combined with soothing medicine. However, general anaesthesia is often preferred.
Side-effects
It is quite common to experience temporary problems with smiling and speaking. Other familiar side effects are discomfort, swelling, contusions (bruising), numbness, and/or stiffness in the face.
Risk of complications
There is a risk of imprecise placement of the implant or for an infection to occur around it, making another operation necessary.
There is a risk of the scar tissue surrounding the artificial implant becoming very tight and hard. This is caused by the organism's reaction of the unnatural shape of the implant, and is called capsular contracture, or capsular contraction.
As with any form of surgery, there is a risk of complications related to the anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, poor healing, and blood accumulation.
No form of surgery is risk free, but please note that severe complications are very rare.
Healing and recovery
Work can be resumed after a week's time, though it will normally take 2-4 weeks before your face will return to normal. The head should generally be kept at ease after the surgery, and it is advised not to begin activities that can cause bumps or blows to the head, until 6 weeks have passed.
Duration of the result
30 minutes to an hour.