Should I Get A Chin Implant With Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Why Would I Combine a Chin Implant With Rhinoplasty Surgery?

When you get rhinoplasty surgery to improve the overall shape and appearance of a nose, a receding chin could diminish the overall aesthetic effect of your new face, causing it to continue looking disproportionate.

When considering your face, you probably focus on the frontal view rather than on your profile because that’s what you see in the mirror. However, when others look at you, they see your face in profile as often as they see your face from the front.

To achieve the best possible results with rhinoplasty, the proportions of the entire face must be considered. If your chin is well defined and proportionate to your new nose, your overall appearance and especially your profile will be aesthetically enhanced as a result of rhinoplasty.

If your chin is weak, a chin implant with rhinoplasty can give your face a balance that could not have been achieved with rhinoplasty alone. That’s why many board-certified facial plastic surgeons suggest a chin implant with rhinoplasty for anyone with a weak chin.

Performing both of these procedures at the same time will save you time and money, as performing two surgeries at once reduces the costs of medical equipment and services, and you’ll recovery from both surgeries simultaneously, so you can save your next stretch of vacation time for an actual vacation instead of being in recovery.

What’s The Relationship Between My Nose and My Chin?

The relationship between your nose, chin and neck determines whether or not your face looks balanced and well proportioned. The two features that do most to define your profile are your nose and your chin. When your nose and chin are in proportion to each other, a balanced and pleasing profile is the result. On the other hand, a receding chin can work against and detract from an otherwise balanced and pleasing profile even if you get a new nose.

Can a Chin That’s Too Small Make My Nose Look Too Big?

Of all the facial features that affect the appearance of your nose, your chin has the biggest impact. A receding chin, or a chin with very little forward projection, will make your nose look bigger than it is, especially when your face is viewed in profile.

Can a Chin Implant Make My Nose Look Smaller?

An important point to consider if you are contemplating rhinoplasty is whether your nose is really too big or it just looks too big because your chin is too small. If your nose is fine but your chin is too small, your facial plastic surgeon may suggest that a chin implant alone will provide you with the results you’re looking for.

What’s Involved in a Chin Implant with Rhinoplasty Surgery?

For best results when combining a chin implant with rhinoplasty, you should schedule an initial consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. If you are a good candidate for a combination rhinoplasty and chin implant, your facial plastic surgeon will discuss with you the types of chin implants that would best enhance your facial contours and complement your new nose. Computer imaging may be used to demonstrate how a chin implant would look on your face. You might spend time looking at before and after photos of others who have had rhinoplasty surgery augmented with a chin implant as well so you can understand how performing both together restores facial balance.

Chin implant surgery takes one to three hours to complete, and it is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. When performed with a rhinoplasty surgery, you’ll be under general anesthesia.

Chin Implant with Rhinoplasty Surgery: Is it worth it?

You’ve already decided to have a rhinoplasty surgery, so perhaps the idea of getting a chin implant doesn’t quite agree with you. That’s understandable, as every surgery should be approached with great care, research and full awareness.

How Is the Chin Implant Procedure Performed?

A small incision will be made either in your mouth or in an area beneath your chin where it will not be noticed. The implant will then be placed underneath the muscles of your chin and secured to the bone with surgical screws or sutures. After the implant has been properly placed, your facial plastic surgeon will suture the incision and tape it to prevent swelling. After healing is complete, there will be no visible scarring. Over time, your chin implant will conform to the shape of the bone and tissues where it has been placed. At this point, your implant will be considered permanent, and it will no longer be detectable.

Are There Any Complications or Side Effects Involved in a Chin Implant?

A chin implant is considered a safe procedure compared to other types of surgery.Complications following the placement of a chin implant are rare, particularly when the procedure is performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. It is important, however, that you follow your post-surgical instructions very carefully. Most people who undergo chin implants and follow post-surgical instructions have a speedy recovery that’s free of complications.

How Will I Feel During the Chin Implant Recovery Period?

The recovery period after a chin implant lasts for about seven to ten days. There may be some swelling, tenderness and bruising in the chin area immediately after the procedure, but most of it will disappear within a week. Eating soft foods during the first week after surgery will help to make your recovery period more comfortable.

After one week, you’ll return to your facial plastic surgeon for a follow-up exam and have your sutures removed. Many people appreciate that when they combine rhinoplasty with a chin implant, there is only one surgery session, one recovery period and one follow-up appointment instead of two. Save yourself time, money and give yourself peace of mind and discuss getting your chin implant during your rhinoplasty surgery with Dr. Hecht during your rhinoplasty consultation.