What is Cheek & Chin Implant Surgery?
Cheek and chin implant surgery involves the surgical placement of contoured implants, typically made of medical-grade silicone, to modify the shape and projection of the chin and surrounding jawline. A recessed or under-projecting chin may result from the natural development of the facial bones.
Additionally, natural ageing along the jawline can alter the distribution of volume, leading to changes in facial contour such as jowling or a notched jawline appearance. This surgical procedure aims to add volume to the targeted areas, providing a different structural framework to the lower face.
What makes a suitable candidate for Cheek & Chin Implant Surgery?
A suitable candidate for cheek and chin implant surgery may be a younger adult presenting with an inherited recessed chin, or an older patient seeking to address structural changes and volume loss along the jawline associated with ageing.
Candidates must be in good general health, non-smokers, and possess realistic expectations regarding the surgical outcomes.
During a comprehensive consultation at Collins St Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mirkazemi evaluates individual facial anatomy and discusses whether this procedure aligns with the patient’s anatomical needs.
What are the Cheek & Chin Implant Surgery options?
When considering lower facial contouring, patients have both surgical and non-surgical options to discuss with their surgeon.
The primary surgical option involves the use of solid silicone implants, which come in various sizes and anatomical designs, such as wrap-around implants that conform to the natural shape of the jawbone. For those seeking non-surgical alternatives, injectable chin augmentation is an option.
This involves the use of naturally occurring, non-animal-derived clear gel dermal fillers to add temporary volume to the chin and jawline. While surgical implants are considered long-lasting but may change over time, injectable options are temporary and typically require ongoing maintenance.
Before & Afters
Disclaimer: All surgeries before & afters shown on this website are performed by Dr Mirkazemi and are published with consent by our patients. They are not guarantees that your results will be the same or similar as results will vary between individuals. The content on our page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risks and has a recovery time. Before proceeding, please seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner. During your consultation, Dr Mirkazemi will carefully evaluate each individual and provide an honest and realistic assessment of what can be expected from the procedure.
Cheek & Chin Implant surgical techniques
- Submental Incision Approach: The most common surgical technique involves Dr. Mirkazemi making a small, precise incision underneath the chin, often in a natural crease. This allows for direct access to the chin bone while keeping the resulting scar discreetly placed.
- Pocket Creation: Once the incision is made, the surgeon meticulously creates a pocket directly on the surface of the bone. This pocket is sized exactly to fit the chosen implant, ensuring it sits securely against the skeletal structure.
- Implant Placement and Fixation: The silicone implant is carefully inserted into the pocket. Fine internal stitches are often used to hold the implant firmly in place against the bone, reducing the risk of displacement during the healing process.
Recovery after Cheek & Chin Implant Surgery
Recovery following cheek and chin implant surgery requires patience and adherence to post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Mirkazemi.
During week one, patients can expect localized swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness around the chin and lower face; a liquid or soft diet is usually recommended during this initial phase.
By month one, the majority of the acute swelling and bruising typically subsides, and patients can generally resume most normal daily activities, though strenuous exercise may still be restricted.
By month three, the residual swelling continues to resolve, allowing the final contour modifications to become more apparent, and the internal tissues are well into the long-term healing phase.
How much does Cheek & Chin Implant Surgery cost?
The cost of cheek and chin implant surgery varies on a case-by-case basis and cannot be provided as a single set price.
The total fee is influenced by several factors, including the specific type and size of the implant required, the complexity of the surgical technique, hospital or facility fees, and the anaesthetist’s charges.
Following a detailed consultation and anatomical assessment, Dr. Mirkazemi’s team at Collins St Plastic Surgery will provide a comprehensive, transparent, and individualized quote outlining all associated costs.
Frequently Asked Questions for Cheek & Chin Implant Surgery
Specific Risks and Complications For Cheek & Chin Implant Surgery
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Cheek and chin implant surgery involves the surgical placement of biocompatible materials to modify the underlying structure and contour of the face. While these procedures are used to address facial proportions and alter the projection of the midface or jawline, they are significant surgical interventions.
It is essential for patients to understand the potential clinical risks and complications associated with facial implants. The following list outlines possible complications. These risks are not exhaustive, and the likelihood of experiencing them varies based on individual anatomy, health status, and the healing process.
Implant-Specific Considerations
- Implant Displacement or Malposition: The facial implant may shift from its intended position due to trauma, muscle movement during the healing phase, or inadequate internal fixation. This may result in facial asymmetry.
- Nerve Damage and Sensation Changes: The placement of cheek or chin implants involves working near sensory nerves. Patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness or “pins and needles” in the lips, chin, cheeks, or nose.
- Bone Resorption: In some cases of chin implants, the pressure of the implant against the jawbone can lead to a gradual loss of bone tissue (resorption) under the implant.
- Implant Palpability or Visibility: Depending on the thickness of the patient’s soft tissue and the size of the implant, the edges of the device may be felt or potentially seen through the skin.
- Extrusion: Rarely, the implant may break through the skin or the incision inside the mouth, requiring surgical removal.
Physical and Aesthetic Changes
- Asymmetry: While surgical planning aims for balanced proportions, natural facial movements and healing variations can result in subtle differences between the left and right sides of the face.
- Permanent Scarring: Incisions made inside the mouth are not visible externally; however, if external incisions are used (such as under the chin), permanent scars will remain. Scar appearance is influenced by genetics and post-operative care.
- Muscle Weakness: Temporary weakness in the muscles of the lower lip or cheeks can occur if the motor nerves are affected during the procedure.
- Unsatisfactory Anatomical Outcome: The final anatomical result may not align with the patient’s expectations. Further surgery may be required to reposition, resize, or remove the implants.
General Surgical Risks
All surgical procedures, including plastic and cosmetic surgery, carry inherent risks and potential complications.
These may include infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, delayed wound healing, scarring, nerve changes, anaesthetic risks, blood clots, and procedure-specific complications. Individual factors such as smoking, elevated BMI, underlying medical conditions, and certain medications can further influence your safety profile and recovery.
A thorough consultation and strict adherence to pre- and post-operative instructions are essential to minimise risks.
