What to Expect When Having Chin or Cheek Implant Surgery

Anesthesia: Best done under general anesthesia.

Location of Operation: Hospital or outpatient surgery center.

Length of Surgery: Approximately 45 minutes for chin implants and 60 minutes for cheek implants.

Length of Stay: This procedure is done on an outpatient basis.

Discomfort: Discomfort is mild and well controlled with oral pain medications for the first 1-3 days.

Swelling and Bruising: Bruising can occur in the lower face and is usually minimal. Swelling may be more significant and last 1-3 weeks for chin implants and up to 4 weeks for cheek implants. Both can be reduced initially by icing the affected areas the first 24-48 hours.

Drains: No drains are required.

Bandages: No bandages are used for cheek implants. A nylon stitch in each temple area is placed to initially hold the implants in place, which is removed 2 weeks after surgery. The chin implant is initially supported with special tape, which is left on for 5-7 days to prevent shifting of the implant.

Stitches: Stitches are dissolvable and are inside the mouth.

Work: Return to work is reasonable in 5-7 days depending on the amount of swelling and bruising. Strenuous lifting and straining should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.

Exercise: Light exercise may be resumed in 2-3 weeks once all the bruising has resolved. Unrestricted exercise may resume in 4-6 weeks.

Sun Protection: No specific sunscreen is required.

Final Result: Should be evident in 6 weeks.

Special Care: A soft diet is recommended the first 2 weeks to prevent muscle activity from shifting the implants. Gargling with mouthwash 2-3 times daily and using a water-pic rather than a toothbrush is recommended the first 2 weeks to help in healing the internal mouth incisions. NO SMOKING is recommended 4 weeks prior to and at least 4 weeks after surgery to aid in the healing process.

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