CHIN IMPLANTS

 INTRODUCTION TO TRAVERSE CITY CHIN AUGMENTATION
Chin augmentation, also called by its medical term, mentoplasty, is an elective cosmetic surgery procedure for men and women who desire a more balanced size and shape to the chin. It can be performed along with a rhinoplasty or performed alone. In most cases, mentoplasty is suggested if the chin is too small and does not project far enough forward to balance with the rest of the facial structure.

Traverse City plastic surgeon Dr. F. Matthew Smith has many years’ experience performing mentoplasty and chin implant procedures, and many in the area consider him to be the best choice for this procedure. During your consultation at Dr. Smith’s Traverse City, MI plastic surgery office, he will evaluate your chin both alone and in relation to the rest of your face and seek to understand your final goals before recommending a specific chin reshaping procedure.

APPROPRIATE CANDIDATES FOR TRAVERSE CITY CHIN IMPLANT SURGERY
The best candidates for a chin implant procedure are healthy adult men and women who are concerned that their chin does not fit the size or shape of their face, and/or to correct the presence of a receding chin. Although the procedure can be performed on children, in general, Dr. Smith prefers to wait until the patient has reached at least the age of puberty, which would be 14 or 15 years of age. By that time, the face has stopped growing and a chin surgery can safely be performed.

HOW A CHIN IMPLANT PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED
Dr. F. Matthew Smith performs most of his cosmetic surgeries, including chin reshaping, in the accredited surgery suite at the Munson Medical Center. With the latest, cutting-edge equipment and a fully trained staff, the Munson Medical Center is an ideal place for his patients. A chin implant procedure is typically scheduled for 1-2 hours. In general, a chin implant, made from demineralized bone, silicone or Medpore, is inserted either through the mouth or through a tiny incision under the chin. Because Dr. Smith wants to ensure a well-controlled and safe surgical experience that is comfortable for his patient, general anesthesia is generally used for chin implant procedures, though IV sedation and local anesthesia can also be employed.

The exact details of your specific chin reshaping procedure, including the final decision as to whether the procedure will be performed in conjunction with other facial surgery, such as a face lift or rhinoplasty, will have been discussed and confirmed at your cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. Smith in his Traverse City plastic surgery office.

Once anesthesia has been accomplished, Dr. Smith will make an incision through the tissues underneath the jaw. The implant is then sized for a perfect fit and inserted, after which it is sutured in place.  The incision is then closed with tiny sutures and a bandage is applied.

RECOVERY FROM CHIN SURGERY IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN
You should expect swelling in the area that may last for a week or more. You will find that for the first few days, sleeping upright will minimize swelling, and ice packs (or frozen peas) are wonderful to help make you most comfortable. Tylenol is usually enough for discomfort but Dr. Smith will prescribe something stronger if necessary.

Until the area is completely healed, you will want to avoid sports or exercises that may damage the chin and cause swelling or dislocation of the implant.