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A chin implant may be called a
mentoplasty (also called genioplasty).
A chin implant can bring proportion
to a profile, and cheek implants can bring additional
balance or fullness to the face.
Dr. Chartchai has found there
is a demand in Bangkok for facial implants especially
chin implants. He believes the results of a chin
implant are very impressive as the implant adds
significantly to the contour and profile of the
face. By making the chin slightly larger and projecting
forward, this makes the nose appear relatively smaller
and gives length to the entire face which significantly
enhances facial appearance.
In Dr. Chartchai's practice, he prefers fat injection rather than
cheek implant surgery as a solution
for a patient who wishes to help restore a more
youthful appearance in the face.
What do you want to change?
Facial implants can produce remarkable change. Good
candidates for chin implants are people with small
chins without a significant overbite. The best way
to decide if you can benefit from a chin augmentation
is to take a profile picture and evaluate it. Ideally,
the chin should project as far forward as the lower
lip for women and even a little more for men.
For anyone with a large nose,
augmenting the chin will make the nose appear smaller
in profile. If you have a weak jaw and a short,
indistinct neck, especially if you have a double
chin, you will probably benefit from an implant.
The chin also has an influence on the appearance
of the shape of the neck.
If the entire lower jaw has a
significant overbite, this is a much more involved
procedure which may include breaking the jaw bone.
Autologous fat injection may be selected
to fill out a face that appears "sunken" or tired.
Procedure
- Chin augmentation
is a very predictable and effective procedure
with little downtime. It is performed by an incision
within the mouth and placing a silicone implant
directly on top of the chin. It can also be done
through the skin below the chin. Dr. Chartchai
separates all of the tissue from the jawbone to
create a pocket for the implant. Once the implant
is inserted, the incision is closed.
A chin implant takes 20-30 minutes under local
anesthesia.
- Facial fat injection or lipofill
Fat globules are liposuctioned usually from the abdomen or thighs, cleaned, and prepared for injection into depressed or hollow areas of the face.
Recovery time
You will experience swelling, bruising, numbness,
or stiffness in the area - all of which can be relieved
by applying cold compresses. Majority of the swelling
will have gone by 2 weeks, and numbness should be
resolved in about 3 months.
It is best to lie with your head
elevated to promote proper lymphatic drainage and
to reduce swelling. You should also eat only soft
food. Do not talk too much for the first week to
minimize movement. You must be careful not to bump
your chin for at least 6 weeks.
You will be able to return to
work in a few days, but avoid strenuous activity
for at least 2-4 weeks. It will be 6 months to a
year before the implant moulds into the bone and
looks its best.
Possible complications
As with any surgery, bleeding and infection can
occur. If an implant is inserted, the most common
complication is capsular contracture, a hardening
of the tissue around the implant that can result
in an unnatural look. Also, the implant could be
improperly positioned or shift over time.If an infection
develops, the implant may have to be removed. Though
rare, you could have an allergic reaction to the
implant material.
Other, less frequent risks may
be associated with certain implants. Currently there
is no scientific evidence that the implant material
used is a harmful substance. Be sure to discuss
all your concerns with Dr. Chartchai.
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