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Chin Implant

“The wonders of chin enhancement can only be visualized
on a profile view.”

The chin conveys strength and sophisticated beauty when in balance and harmony with other facial structures, such as the nose. As a rule of thumb, the chin prominence should meet a line drawn directly downward from the lower lip. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Edward Szachowicz offers chin implant surgery in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for women and men who want to define or enhance a receding chin.

 

Candidates for Chin Implant Surgery

Dr. Szachowicz performs chin augmentation at his plastic surgery practice in Edina, MN, to enhance the profile of adults of any age, most commonly for facial balance. Over time, a full chin contour can deflate with aging, so augmentation of the chin is commonly combined with a facelift. The best candidates have a weak chin (microgenia), but a well-formed jaw and normal bite (occlusion). Many people are unaware that the chin may be augmented surgically through a relatively uncomplicated procedure.

Computerized video-imaging is a very useful tool to help you if augmentation of the chin is right for you. Without video-imaging, people can’t easily look at themselves in a true profile view to see how just a small augmentation in the chin can enhance the overall look of their profile, jawline, and neck.

Chin Implant Surgery & Facelift

The most recent research reveals that the bones of the face change with aging. There is actual osteoporosis of the facial bones, including the jaw and chin. This bone loss causes the chin to have a “concentrated” appearance with a hollow or depression on either side. This bony depression, called the pre-jowl depression, increases sagging of the cheeks and the formation of jowls.

Newer chin implant designs have built-in contours that correct for bone loss. The pre-jowl chin implants are often used in conjunction with facelift surgery to restore the smooth jawline that was present in youth. Placing a chin implant during facelift surgery also has the benefit of improving the silhouette of the neck and lessens the appearance of jowls.

Chin Implant Procedure

Chin implant surgery can be performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Most commonly, a solid silicone implant is placed in a small pocket made right on top of the chin. The implant remains for life, yet is reversible at any time.

Dr. Szachowicz will work closely with you to select the size and shape of the implant that is most aesthetically balanced to your profile. He may use temporary sizers during surgery to determine the ideal size for the implant. Silastic solid surgical-grade silicone is considered to be an ideal material for mandibular implants because it offers flexibility, compatibility with tissues, resistance to infection, and specific sizing. Dr. Szachowicz prefers the “anatomically” styled implant which gently tapers over the jaw from the center of the chin.

• An incision is made under the chin. Special instruments are used to make a precise pocket for implant on the jawbone.
• The implant and the area of surgery are bathed in an antibiotic solution, followed by the placement of the chin implant along the lower border of the jaw bone.
• The center of the implant is then secured in the midline using sutures, and the overlying tissues are tightened over the implant.
• The incision is closed. A light supportive garment helps to maintain the correct position of the implant during healing, and minimizes swelling.

Chin Implant Surgery Recovery

There is little discomfort from chin implant surgery. A light compression-garment is worn to minimize swelling. Dr. Szachowicz prefers a 10-day course of antibiotics for all chin implant surgeries, to reduce the risk of infection. The initial correction may be slightly larger than it will be 4-6 weeks after surgery when the healing has progressed. The implant is firm and rests on the bone and feels natural to the touch.

Dr. Edward Szachowicz

(Sack-o-which)

Your face can reflect the way you feel inside through a facelift or another surgical procedure by Dr. Szachowicz.

Meet Dr. Szachowicz

Risks of Chin Implant Surgery

As with any implant surgery, everything is done to reduce the chance of infection. Rarely, there is numbness of the lip, or asymmetry of the implant after surgery. Routine follow-up with your dentist can monitor for any long-term loss of bone under the implant as you age.

Your Consultation

Your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Szachowicz is your personal time to discuss your goals and to receive information on those procedures he may recommend to achieve your desired goals. As part of this discussion, Dr. Szachowicz utilizes a state-of-the-art computerized image simulation system to illustrate possible outcomes for the rejuvenated YOU!

Please bring pictures of yourself when younger – knowing more about your aging journey helps Dr. Szachowicz customize your procedure(s).