Chin & Cheek

Having a defined chin, strong jaw lines, and high cheekbones are some of the most aesthetically pleasing traits for both men and women, but not everyone is born with these features.

Facial implants can augment the facial skeleton and enhance one’s attractiveness.

CHIN IMPLANTS

A receding chin can be augmented with a chin implant. Known as mentoplasty, the surgical procedure is a popular option for altering facial contours and balancing the chin’s size and orientation against the rest of the face, especially the nose.  As a matter of fact, almost 20% of people desiring rhinoplasty can be helped by a chin implant as well.

THE PROCEDURE

Mentoplasty can be done in our office on an outpatient basis.  Medication to relax you may be administered prior to surgery. A chin implant can be placed through an incision made either inside the mouth or externally, under the chin. A plastic prosthesis, sized exactly to fit the patient, is placed in a pocket above the chin bone and beneath the muscles. Sutures are used to close the incision and pressure bandages are applied. The procedure may take from one to three hours or more depending on whether other procedures are done at the same time.

Following Surgery

Pain connected with the surgery is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. The bandages are usually removed within a week. Most patients are up and around the day of surgery; however, strenuous activities must be avoided for some time.

Dr. Morgan will advise you as to when normal activities can be resumed based on the extent of surgery and your personal healing process. Some temporary swelling and bruising of the face are to be expected. Keeping the head slightly elevated when reclining and applying cold compresses may help reduce swelling. Chewing may be difficult for ten days to two weeks and numbness around the treated area may occur for a period. Brushing the teeth is sometimes difficult for several days.

CHEEK IMPLANTS

High cheekbones can be created with malar, or cheek, implants. Flattened cheekbones can be enhanced to create a more angular, dramatic look to the face. These implants are placed through the mouth.

An array of anatomically matched shapes and sizes are available to give the correct amount of augmentation.

The Procedure

Malar augmentation can be performed in our office although it is typically done in the operating room. It may be performed under general anesthesia with you asleep or under local anesthesia by numbing the area and you remain awake.

Pre-medication may be administered to relax you.

The face is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent and an incision is made either inside the mouth or immediately below the lower eyelids. With the internal approach the incision is made between the upper gums and the cheek. The soft tissue is elevated, creating a pocket over the cheekbone.

An implant, usually triangular in shape, is then inserted. The implant is often made of silicone or other pliable prefabricated material. Tiny sutures are used to close the incisions. If the external approach is used, a very fine incision is made directly beneath the lower eyelash, within the natural crease of the eyelid. The implant is positioned in the cheek area through this incision.

Following Surgery

Sutures are removed within a week. Pain connected with the surgery is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Some temporary swelling and bruising of the face are to be expected. Keeping the head slightly elevated when reclining and applying cold compresses may help reduce swelling. Chewing may be difficult for two weeks and tightness or numbness around the treated area may occur for a period. Brushing the teeth is often difficult for several days.