One way to achieve balance or symmetry on the face is to make the chin more prominent. Some people have a weak or receding chin naturally. A small chin can make a nose look larger than it is or otherwise impact the balance of the face. In Miami, Dr. Ary Krau performs chin implant surgery, or mentoplasty, on patients either on its own or with other facial surgeries.
Who's a Good Candidate for Chin Implant Surgery?
As with any plastic surgery, being in good health is a prerequisite for chin implant surgery. It's recommended that you stop smoking before the procedure. If you have any medical issues, discuss them with the surgeon before the procedure. Chin implants are ideal for people who have small chins and who don't have any issues with the alignment of their jaws or teeth.
About the Implants
Dr. Krau can insert the chin implant through a small incision on the underside of the chin or through an incision behind the lower lip.
The Surgery
Chin implant surgery is generally pretty quick and usually takes less than an hour. The simplicity of the procedure means that it can be performed along with other facial surgeries such as a neck lift or nose job.
At Dr. Krau’s cosmetic surgery center, the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. A patient might receive general or local anesthesia as well as sedation. The patient can go home the same day as the procedure.
Recovering
Most patients find that any swelling or pain from the procedure resolves within a month. Typically, a patient wears a bandage over the chin for a few days. The bandage will help hold the implant in place as the body heals. If a patient feels pain, he or she can take medication to reduce the pain and to reduce swelling. To avoid knocking the implant out of place, a person should avoid contact activities such as sports until directed to resume them by his or her doctor.