What to Expect During Your Chin Augmentation Recovery
Chin surgery may involve the use of implants to improve the jawline. The implants are inserted through a small incision in the mouth. The recovery process for chin augmentation is different from other cosmetic procedures. Doctors provide patients with specific post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and quick recovery.
Here's what you can expect during your recovery from a chin augmentation surgery:
1. You'll Experience Drainage, Bruising, and Swelling
You may notice some drainage of fluids after surgery, which is normal and should only last a couple of days. Swelling and bruising in the face and neck are common after surgery. We advise patients to sleep with their heads elevated for at least two or three nights to minimize these side effects. You can also use ice packs on the chin and lip areas. It may take up to two weeks for the swelling and bruising to go down.
2. You'll Be Prescribed Medications
Your doctor will give you pain medication to help with any discomfort you may have after surgery. Be sure to take the medication as directed to avoid any side effects. You will also be prescribed an antibiotic to help prevent infection. Be sure to take the full course of antibiotics as directed.
3. You'll Be on a Restricted Diet
After surgery, you will likely have numbness and stiffness in your lips and chin. This may make it difficult to chew. You should avoid hot foods and be careful while chewing so you don't disturb the sutures in your mouth. You'll most likely be encouraged only to eat smoothies, protein shakes, juices, soup, Jell-O, yogurt, and pureed fruit, such as applesauce.
4. You Should Take It Easy
You should avoid putting any pressure on your chin, either with the hand during the day or when sleeping, for a full six weeks. This means no leaning on your chin with your hand, no resting your chin on your hand, and no sleeping on your stomach or side with your chin down. Continuing to sleep with your head elevated can help. You can usually shower and wash your face within 48 hours after surgery, but do so gently.
You can resume brushing your teeth as soon as possible but take it easy around the incisions. You don't want to disrupt the sutures by brushing too hard. For one to two weeks, stick to light physical activity. Avoid anything strenuous, like bending over. Taking a walk is okay, but try to limit other facial movements, like smiling or laughing, for one to two weeks.
Getting Back to Your Usual Routine
After surgery, your chin may look larger than usual due to swelling. This usually goes away after a few weeks. Your doctor will let you know when you can return to normal activities.
Considering chin augmentation surgery, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is important to discuss your goals and expectations. They will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and help you make the best decision for your unique situation.
Dallas Surgical Arts offers a broad range of cosmetic surgeries to create beautiful and lasting results. Our board-certified providers, Dr. Randy Sanovich and Dr. Daniel Sanovich focus on facial, neck, oral-maxillofacial, and reconstructive procedures to support our patients’ health and cosmetic goals. We tailor all our treatment plans to your specific needs and make time to understand what you are looking to achieve so we can optimize your results. Our team also offers many non-surgical aesthetic treatments to enhance your appearance for a more youthful and happier you. If you want to undergo a chin implant treatment, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and let’s talk!