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Chin Implants
Common Risks
Risks associated with chin augmentation are extremely unusual in our office experience. The more common recognized
risks and complications are listed below for your information.
- Implant displacement, movement, malposition, or incorrect size— Usually correctable by minor
revision surgery.
- Infection— Treated by additional antibiotics. Only half the cases of infection require removal of implant,
allowing the area to heal over a six to twelve week period. Implants can often be replaced after the area
is healed.
- Implant extrusion or protrusion through the inside or outside of the mouth— Very rare and usually the result
of an injury. Usually treated in the same manner as infection.
- Implant erosion into bone— This was more common with the older, harder implants. There is probably some
sinking and settling of all implants into the chin bone with time due to the fixation process. Unless extensive,
this rarely presents as a serious problem. If so, removal would be required. Sometimes this is seen by a dentist
on x-rays.
- Change or absence of sensation— The mental nerve which supplies sensation to the lower lip is located on
either side of the chin. It may be stretched, pressed, or, rarely, severed. Tingling and some slight changes in
sensation are usually present only a few days. Sensation usually returns completely after a few weeks to months.
- Bleeding— If you avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and after surgery,
this complication is rare. When it occurs, excessive swelling and bruising are noted as blood collects around the implant.
Depending on the extent of the bleeding, it may resolve with time or require surgical drainage.
- Incision line scar— Rarely, the incision inside the mouth or under the chin may become thick. This can be
treated by freezing the area and injecting it with dilute cortisone, or in rare cases, scar revision surgery.
- Palpable implant edges— The contour of the implant may be palpable but rarely can it be seen. Correction is not
required unless this situation is extremely bothersome and cannot be performed until implants have settled.
Desired changes in size or shape should wait six to twelve months until all swelling resolves and healing is complete.
Routine dental work should be delayed six weeks and should be preceded by prophylactic antibiotic treatment.
We can provide a prescription and instructions.
The vast majority of patients are extremely pleased with the improvement in their chin profile and appearance.
A NOTE ON SATISFACTION AND DISSATISFACTION
It is important that you work with the doctor to establish a realistic appearance goal. More than seventy items contribute
to a surgical result. And with aesthetic surgery, good results are nearly always achieved. When you are willing to reserve
final judgment for a period of six months to a year, our results are usually excellent and unparalleled.
Beautiful paintings and sculptures by world-renowned artists always have small imperfections, but these are rarely
scrutinized. Instead, one sees the overall beauty and mastery of the art. In order to remain natural looking, cosmetic
surgery may result in small imperfections only noticeable when closely scrutinized. To avoid these, the doctor would have
to use techniques that may distort the features. Instead, we use an artistic approach while maintaining your safety.
We strive for a youthful, natural look—the mark of an artist.
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