CHIN IMPLANTS AND DIMPLEPLASTY
Plastic surgery procedures are broadly classified as either autologous or alloplastic. By autologous, we are referring to those procedures where the patient’s own tissues are used to obtain the end result. On the contrary, when the tissues are not those of the patient, or have been manufactured with material(s) that do not belong to the patient, then this type of reconstruction is classified as alloplastic.
What Are Chin Implants Made From?
Chin implant surgery is a good example of an alloplastic reconstruction. Chin implants can be manufactured from a diverse range of materials. These include silicon, medpore and polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The most common indications for placing a chin implant on a patient’s chin include the presence of microgenia and/or retrognathia. Microgenia is a small chin when compared to the rest of the face. Retrognathia is when the chin sits posteriorly on profile view. It is also very important to check the patient’s dentition as in about half of patients who request chin augmentation with an implant, there is often an abnormal occlusion. See my page on facial silicon implants for more information.
How Does a Surgeon Determine the Correct Size of a Chin Implant?
The use of 3 dimensional (3D) analysis is also very important when assessing a patient for a chin implant. As chin implants come in diverse shapes and thickness, it is very important to use the appropriate size for each patient. Common 3D imaging software include Vectra (Canfields) and Mirror. These allow for precise measurement of the required amounts of forward and in some situations vertical advancements. For those patients with significant deficiencies or asymmetries, a customised implant, that is an implant made to exactly fit the patient’s underlying bony structure would be more appropriate. A 3D CT cone beam scan is required before a customised implant can be manufactured. The scan provides the necessary data for manufacturing the implant. An appropriately sized chin implant improves the patient’s facial features.
Chin implants come in different shapes and sizes
How Are Chin Implants Placed on the Chin?
Chin implants can be inserted either through a cutaneous or skin incision just below the chin area, or through an intraoral route. My preference is the intraoral route as it allows for better visibility of the surrounding tissues and precise placement of the implant. The implant is then secured in place with either a single or multiple screws. The patient is provided with a facial garment with provides support. The procedure is done either with local or general anaesthesia. Please visit my before and after gallery to see the transformative effects of genioplasty (chin reshaping) and chin implant surgery on my patients.
What Risks Are Associated With a Chin Implant Procedure?
As placement of a chin implant is a surgical procedure, there are associated risks. These include infection, bleeding, adverse scarring, injury to the mental nerve(s) causing numbness to the chin area, migration of the implant and erosion of the underlying bone.
What Is the Aftercare Following Placement of a Chin Implant?
When an intraoral placement of the implant is used, the patient should be advised to stay on a liquid diet for 3 days then soft food before slowly returning to a normal diet by 7 days. This is to allow the incision inside the mouth to heal properly. I advise patients to take a few days off before returning to work. See my facial implant pricing scale for indicative prices.
What Other Procedures Can Be Combined With a Chin Implant?
The insertion of chin implants is also commonly combined with other surgical procedures. Commonly seen are a combination of a chin implant with rhinoplasty, and a combination of a chin implant with dimpleplasty. By dimpleplasty, we are referring to the creation of dimples along the cheeks.
What Are Dimples?
Dimples are areas within the cheek where there is a deficiency in the underlying muscle. Dimples can be present all the time, or only appear when the patient smiles. In certain cultures, the presence of dimples is regarded as attractive. Others see dimples as a sign of good fortune.
How Are Dimples Created?
A dimpleplasty procedure is cosmetic surgery that is done by plastic surgeons and is becoming increasingly popular. Dimples are easily created surgically. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and usually takes about half an hour. An incision is made inside the mouth. A small piece of cheek muscle is removed, and the cut ends of the muscle are attached to the overlying skin with absorbable stitches. The indentation created by the incision inside the mouth creates the dimple on the skin. Over time, these become natural looking dimples.
Aftercare Following a Dimpleplasty
After the procedure, it is advisable that the patient avoids any hot foods and drinks for 24 hours. The patient needs to stay on a liquid diet for three days after the procedure before returning to a normal diet. This allows the incision inside the mouth to heal without complications.
What Are the Side Effects of Dimple Creation Surgery?
There may be some swelling to the cheeks for a few weeks after surgery. This usually settles. Some patients experience brief numbness on the cheeks but this also settles within the few weeks. The dimples may be asymmetrical as different amounts of cheek muscle are removed.
Do You Have Any Other Questions?
If you have any other questions, please call us on 02074741300 to book a consultation with Mr Gwanmesia or fill out our online booking form and we will schedule a consultation for you.
