Augmentation of the chin through the placement of a chin implant can have a profound effect on the overall appearance of the face. A small or inadequately projecting chin can cause the nose to appear bigger and the neck to appear poorly defined. An ideally positioned chin should project approximately as far forward as the lower lip.

Dr. Mehta utilizes chin implants made of Silastic, a form of silicone that is firm yet flexible. The implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be customized to his patients’ needs. The implant is placed through a small (2-3 cm), well-hidden incision underneath the chin. The surgery is well tolerated under local anesthesia with mild sedation. A significant advantage of the chin implant is that the procedure is readily reversible if the implant needs to be changed or removed. Dr. Mehta often performs chin augmentation as an adjunct to other surgeries, such as rhinoplasty or submental liposuction, as these procedures complement each other well.

The consultation

Your visit for a chin augmentation consultation with Dr. Mehta will last approximately one hour. Dr. Mehta will begin by asking you what exactly bothers you about your appearance and what improvements you would like to achieve.

Dr. Mehta will then obtain a careful history, including medical conditions that may affect your ability to undergo and recover from surgery. Any history of adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications commonly given before, during, and after surgery is also determined.

This discussion is followed by a thorough examination of your chin and neck. Following the examination, Dr. Mehta will photograph your face from several different angles. The photographs can me “morphed” on the computer, to give you an idea of the appearance of your chin after surgery. This process is done with your input, allowing you and Dr. Mehta to decide together on the degree of augmentation desired.

At this initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to meet Nadine, our Patient Care Coordinator, who will help guide you through the entire process, before and after surgery.

Preoperative Visit

After this initial consultation, you would return for a preoperative visit, two or three weeks before your surgery. At this visit, Dr. Mehta and Nadine will again go over your list of medications and supplements, as it is usually necessary at this time to discontinue any products that can increase the risk of bleeding during or after the surgery. These include, but are not limited to, aspirin, ibuprofen, heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), Plavix, vitamin E, fish oil and numerous other supplements. The decision to stop any of these prescription or over-the-counter products is made in conjunction with your primary physician. Medical clearance and other tests may need to be obtained, depending on your age.

Dr. Mehta will give you prescriptions for your pain medication and antibiotic (or call your pharmacy) at this visit as well. This allows you to pick up these important medications prior to your surgery, so that postoperatively, you and your caretakers can rest and concentrate on your recovery. Dr. Mehta will advise you to pick up Arnica Montana and Bromelain, two homeopathic products that reduce bruising after surgery. These are taken as directed, beginning immediately after surgery. You will be given detailed preoperative and postoperative instruction pamphlets, to read prior to your surgery. It is important to minimize salt intake and avoid alcohol for three days leading up to your surgery.

Lastly, you will have the opportunity to spend time with the office manager/surgical coordinator, to answer any logistical questions related to your surgery. Your final surgical fees are settled at this visit as well.

Surgery

On the day of surgery, you will arrive at the surgical center with a friend or family member who will drive you home and care for you after your surgery. It is imperative to come in on an empty stomach, not eating or drinking anything for at least 8 hours prior to your surgery. This includes water and chewing gum. You should wear loose and comfortable clothing, including a shirt that buttons in the front to avoid having to pull anything over your head after surgery.

The operating room nurse will meet with you first to go over your instructions in detail. As mentioned above, the chin augmentation is extremely well tolerated under local anesthesia with mild sedation. If additional procedures are being performed or deeper sedation is required, you would meet your anesthesiologist prior to surgery. You would have the opportunity to ask the anesthesiologist any questions you may have at this time. Finally, Dr. Mehta will meet you and your friends/family to answer any last minute questions as well.

After surgery, you will rest in the recovery room, where your vital signs are carefully monitored by the recovery room nurse. You will have ice applied to your chin and neck frequently during this period. You will have small surgical bandages under your chin, covering the incision line.

After Surgery

After approximately 1-2 hours in the recovery room, you will be discharged home, in the care of a responsible adult for the first night. Your friend or family member will check your incision, ice your chin, assist with your pain medications, and help you with your normal daily activities. You will sleep with your head elevated at 30-45 degrees. At this time, you will begin taking your prescribed medications as well as the Arnica Montana and bromelain. Eating fruits such as pineapple and papaya are encouraged as well, as they are thought to help minimize bruising.

You will return to the office the following morning to be seen by Dr. Mehta. He will check your incision and go over your instructions in detail. Over the next 48-72 hours most patients develop some swelling and mild bruising around the chin, though pain and discomfort are usually mild to moderate. By no means are you bedridden or debilitated during this recovery period. Often patients will work from home though most avoid work or social situations.

Your diet should be mild in flavor and with minimal salt for the first 10-14 days after surgery. To minimize swelling and the risk of complications, you should avoid any vigorous activity or heavy lifting for this same period of time.

Your next visit will be 6-7 days after surgery, at which time the sutures from under your chin are removed. Your antibiotic course will be finished by this point. Your chin may be slightly swollen, though the majority of the swelling disappears over the subsequent 4-5 days. On average, patients return to work or school at 10 days after surgery though this certainly varies depending on one’s degree of bruising/swelling and comfort level.

The next visit will be at 3-6 weeks after surgery, at which time Dr. Mehta will check your progress and answer any questions you may have. Your next visit will be at 3-6 months, at which time the “after” photographs are often taken. Typically, your next visit will be at 12-18 months after surgery at which time, photographs may again be taken.

Conclusion

Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure that yields predictable results, is well tolerated under minimal sedation, and is readily reversible.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact our office.