Chin Implant in Santa Barbara, CA
Men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria can turn to Sara Yegiyants, MD, FACS, for chin implants and/or a chin augmentation.
What Is Chin Implant Surgery (Chin Augmentation)?
It is placement of a synthetic implant on the surface of the jaw in order to augment the chin by providing increased projection to improve an individual’s profile. There are several shapes and styles of chin implants available.
How Is A Chin Implant Procedure Performed?
Most surgeons place the implant through a small incision (approximately ¾ of an inch) made directly behind the crease under the chin. Although some will use an incision inside the mouth, the incidence of infection is slightly higher in these circumstances, and therefore the external incision is usually favored.
Through the external incision, a pocket is made directly over the center of the jawbone and the implant is placed in the pocket.
The incision is then closed in layers with stitches that are buried under the skin.
How Long Will The Chin Implant Last?
Although a chin implant is placed with the expectation that it will last a lifetime, it may not. The implant may shift, become infected, or become exposed.
If it shifts, it can create an asymmetry or impinge on facial nerves or the roots of the teeth. In all of the above circumstances, the implant must be removed and/or replaced.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to take the next steps towards booking a procedure? Schedule your consultation today to begin your aesthetic journey with Sara Yegiyants, MD, FACS.
Are There Alternatives To Chin Implant Surgery?
For individuals who wish to avoid a chin implant, a sliding genioplasty is a possibility. A sliding genioplasty involves cutting the central and lower part of the jawbone and sliding it forward and, if needed, downward.
The recovery time following a sliding genioplasty is longer than with a chin implant procedure. The sliding genioplasty procedure avoids the potential for future changes associated with an implant, such as shifting, exposure or infection.
The sliding genioplasty also allows the advancement of the muscles attached to the anterior aspect of the chin. This can impact not only the facial profile but in some cases can also improve the neck contour.