San Diego Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Tom Pousti
Talks About Chin Implant : Chin Augmentation

Exciting new developments in chin augmentation include new implant shapes and textured surfaces, more and biocompatible implants. The face is now divided into zones and custom implants are prepared for the patient. This further introduces aesthetic enhancement into facial implant surgery over the conventional 4-sizes-fits-all philosophy of implant placement.

The implants are usually made of dimethalpolysiloxane which is a silicone compound. Occasionally other materials may be used. Prior to the surgery, the type, size, and method of placement of the implants will be discussed carefully with you.

The Surgical Procedure

The procedure is frequently done in conjunction with a face lift or other facial surgery, or may be done as an isolated operation. It is usually done under general anesthesia in our outpatient surgicenter. It also may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation if so desired. There is absolutely no pain involved during the procedure because of the anesthetic. The procedure takes approximately one hour to perform.

After the surgery there may be some elastic tape placed on the face to help hold the implants in place while they heal. It is helpful to use cold compresses for the few days immediately after the surgery to reduce the swelling. During this time, there may be some discomfort which usually responds quite quickly to pain medication.

After The Surgery

The swelling should begin to subside within three to five days along with the discomfort. It is not uncommon for there to be some temporary numbness in the lip or weakness of the smile. This is just due to the body's inflammatory response to any surgical operation and usually within one to three weeks both of these functions are returned to normal. It is expected that you will be presentable in approximately one week.

Post Operative Activity

It is expected that you will remain somewhat quiet and sedentary for the week post-operatively. This is to reduce the swelling and reduce the chances of bleeding in the area around the implant. After the first week, in the absence of other procedures that require a longer convalescence, normal activity may be resumed although it would be wise to avoid sports or exercise for up to three weeks after the surgery.

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Click here to learn more about San Diego Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti. To schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation in our San Diego office, call (619) 466-8851 or email appointments@pousti.com.