Exciting new developments in chin augmentation include new implant shapes and textured surfaces, more and biocompatible implants. The face is now divided into zones and custom implants are prepared for the patient. This further introduces aesthetic enhancement into facial implant surgery over the conventional 4-sizes-fits-all philosophy of implant placement.
The implants are usually made of dimethalpolysiloxane which is a silicone compound. Occasionally other materials may be used. Prior to the surgery, the type, size, and method of placement of the implants will be discussed carefully with you.
The procedure is frequently done in conjunction with a face lift or other facial surgery, or may be done as an isolated operation. It is usually done under general anesthesia in our outpatient surgicenter. It also may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation if so desired. There is absolutely no pain involved during the procedure because of the anesthetic. The procedure takes approximately one hour to perform.
After the surgery there may be some elastic tape placed on the face to help hold the implants in place while they heal. It is helpful to use cold compresses for the few days immediately after the surgery to reduce the swelling. During this time, there may be some discomfort which usually responds quite quickly to pain medication. The swelling should begin to subside within three to five days along with the discomfort. It is not uncommon for there to be some temporary numbness in the lip or weakness of the smile. This is just due to the body's inflammatory response to any surgical operation and usually within one to three weeks both of these functions are returned to normal. It is expected that you will be presentable in approximately one week. It is expected that you will remain somewhat quiet and sedentary for the week post-operatively. This is to reduce the swelling and reduce the chances of bleeding in the area around the implant. After the first week, in the absence of other procedures that require a longer convalescence, normal activity may be resumed although it would be wise to avoid sports or exercise for up to three weeks after the surgery. Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, the surgeon selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance and inserts it into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area.
Usually, the chin is taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days. If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.

Cheek implant surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When cheek implants are being placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, forehead lift or eyelid surgery, the implants may be inserted through the incisions made for those procedures. Otherwise, an incision will be made either inside your upper lip or your lower eyelid. A pocket is then formed and an implant is inserted.
After surgery, a dressing will be applied to minimize discomfort and swelling. The severity and duration of such side effects may vary, especially if another cosmetic procedure was performed at the same time.