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Chin Implants are used to enhance the shape and appearance of the chin. They are sometimes used to correct a “witch’s chin” deformity.
Method
There are many ways to perform chin implantation. The method must be suited to the individual patient needs. The principal is to create a pocket at the chin and place the implant into the pocket. There are two types of implant, solid or porous. The incision is placed in the crease lines under the chin or in the mouth. Some patients need more extensive surgery to re-position the bone of the chin. The operation is done under general or local anaesthetic. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in hospital is not needed. It is not unusual to combine this operation with a rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to improve the facial appearance.
Problems
All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or specific to this operation.
In the first group, the main risks are bruising and swelling. These usually last about two weeks but can continue for a month or more. All surgery requires an incision and therefore will leave a scar. In most patients the scar heals well, but in a small number of people the scar remains thick and heavy. At the time of surgery the small nerves that supply feeling to the skin are damaged, this can cause changes in sensation including numbness.
Although uncommon, bleeding and infection are risks and can be serious. You will have a certain amount of discomfort after this surgery. The pain only usually lasts for a few days.
In the second group, the main risks include re-absorption of bone under the implant, changes in the implant and extrusion of the implant.
Healing
Recovery after this operation usually takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two.
Operation times rarely exceeds 30 minutes. | 
