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Chin Implants

Introduction

Some of us are born with a chin that recedes—which means that when you are seen from the side of your face, your chin does not come forward enough to create a balanced facial appearance. This has often been called a “weak chin”. Thankfully, an implant can dramatically change your profile to create a more balanced look to your face. A chin implant is often used along with nose reshaping, but can be part of another facial procedure or done alone.


Ideal Candidates

Chin implants can be inserted on almost any healthy patient whose jawline is not balanced with his or her facial structure. Implants come in various sizes, and are made of either hard silicone, Medpore, or demineralized bone. Dr. Soto will discuss the appropriate type and size of implant at your consultation. The goal is that the implant will fit naturally with your facial structure and that, as you age, will not look inappropriate.


How It's Done

Chin implants, like other facial restructuring procedures, are performed under general anesthesia in Dr. Soto’s accredited office surgical suite. An incision is made near the bottom jaw, either inside or outside the mouth. By inserting the implant through the mouth, you will have no visible scarring afterwards. During your procedure, Dr Soto will shape the implant so that it fits solidly against your existing bone, and adjusted to the correct position. The surrounding tissue is then sutured to hold the implant in place. Chin implant surgery takes about 90 minutes.


Recovery

You will want someone to drive you home after your procedure. Chin implant procedures involve minimal bruising or swelling, which means you will need to take only 2-3 days from normal activities. You may wish to follow a soft diet during the week following surgery. Your level of tenderness will be a guide to what you can tolerate. Dr. Soto will prescribe pain medication if you have more discomfort than is acceptable to you.

It generally requires about 6 weeks for the implant site to be completely healed and for final results to be visible.

We require that you avoid strenuous activities for at least a month following chin implant surgery, particularly any activity that might expose the mouth area to any trauma. High school and college students, in particular, should take time off any sports that expose the face to potential trauma, such as football, lacrosse or hockey.