Recovering from Chin Augmentation: What to Expect

A “weak” or receding chin can make you feel self conscious or unhappy with your appearance. A strong chin is often associated with virility or decisiveness, while a weak chin is associated with the opposite attributes. It’s no wonder people seek out chin augmentation as a way to strengthen their profile and add to their physical presence. 

At DiGeronimo MD Advanced Plastic Surgery in Miami, Florida, Dr. Ernest M. DiGeronimo can help determine if chin augmentation is a possibility for you.  

Chin implant surgery basics

Chin implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, and can be performed either with general anesthesia or with sedation and local anesthesia. There’s no external incisions or scarring involved, and the surgery itself rarely takes more than an hour. 

Dr. DiGeronimo will consult with you about your desired profile, and help you choose the implant that is just right for you. The implants are made of silicone and feel almost exactly like normal bone. The implant molds around the point of your existing chin bone, correcting the outline of your jaw. 

For the surgical implantation, Dr. DiGeronimo goes in just inside your lower lip, in front of the gum line, and makes an incision just big enough to slip the implant through. He positions it perfectly in the center of your chin, and adjusts it so the look and feel are normal. 

The last step is closing the incision inside your mouth with tiny sutures, and then you can go home once the anesthesia and/or sedation wear off.  

Recovering after chin augmentation

Make sure you have some extra pillows, or consider elevating the head of your bed. You’ll need to sleep face up with your head propped up for a couple of weeks after your chin augmentation surgery to prevent pressure from being placed on your incision and to control post-op swelling.

Dr. DiGeronimo will let you know if you need to stick with a liquid diet for a day or two, but then you can go back to your normal food choices. Don’t engage in any strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks, and if you take any regular medications make sure you discuss them with your doctor before surgery to make sure they won’t interfere with healing or cause excess bleeding. 

Most chin-implant patients have relatively little discomfort and downtime. You should schedule at least a week off from work, but you’ll probably feel well enough to return to your normal routine by the end of that window. Over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses will usually help manage any lingering discomfort.  

Self-conscious about your chin? Schedule a consultation by calling 208-225-4358, or request an appointment online.