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Maybe you haven’t stopped to think about this calmly yet, but getting a facial implant and placing a prosthesis on your chin could be the best alternative to bring more harmony to your face.
If you think we’re just talking about aesthetics, know that it’s much more than that. A survey conducted by Opinion Box in December 2022 showed that 51% of respondents stated that physical appearance is directly related to their happiness.
Are you happy with your appearance? Know that a cosmetic procedure can help you increase your self-esteem and your satisfaction with the image you see reflected in the mirror. Since chin implants change the appearance of your face, we need to talk about this procedure as a way for you to be happy with your own appearance.
What are facial implants?
Facial implants are prosthetics or other materials used to fill the face , giving more volume to specific areas. Implant models vary according to the needs of each client.
For example, there are jaw implants , which aim to increase the width of the lower third of the face. Cheek implants are also highly recommended to add volume to the central part of the face, increasing the projection of the cheekbones.
The chin implant also ensures more harmony to the face, increasing the size and projection of the chin in relation to the middle third of the face and the forehead.
Read also: Facial surgery: learn about the types and indications
Chin prosthesis
Augmentation mentoplasty . This is the name of the surgery that uses a chin prosthesis to ensure greater harmony in the client’s facial structure , increasing the volume of the region and promoting more adequate symmetry between it and the other parts of the face.
The procedure is recommended mainly for those who have a retracted chin and, therefore, a face with an irregular and asymmetrical shape. In general, a small , thin or crooked chin are the main complaints of clients seeking a facial implant with prosthesis placement .
The chin prosthesis can be made with one of two materials: silicone or porous polyethylene . The choice is at the discretion of the client, who receives instructions from the plastic surgeon regarding the most recommended material.
Augmentation mentoplasty can also be performed through bone advancement , in which the surgeon reshapes the bone structure of the face and fixes it with titanium screws. Due to the complexity of this surgery, many patients opt to have a chin prosthesis placed.
Why get a chin prosthesis?
Chin implants? But does that really make sense? It does, and we’ll explain everything about the procedure. Facial implants change the shape of the face , improving the appearance and boosting the client’s self-esteem.
Check out more details about these benefits:
Facial symmetry
Many people naturally have facial asymmetries, and the chin can contribute to these characteristics. A retracted or too small chin affects facial harmony and directly impacts a person’s appearance.
Chin prosthesis is an alternative that offers a personalized solution to correct facial disharmonies, promoting more balanced symmetry and a more harmonious facial aesthetic. The size of the prosthesis will depend on the client’s characteristics and the surgeon’s recommendation.
It is important to know that, in addition to the aesthetic issue, this correction of asymmetries can also promote functional benefits , such as a more aligned bite — which, consequently, can avoid problems with speech, chewing and breathing.
Self-esteem and well-being
As we said at the beginning of this article, an asymmetrical face, in which the regions do not have harmony between them, is not just an aesthetic issue. The condition directly affects the self-esteem and well-being of the person who has it.
People who are unhappy with the appearance of their chin can experience a significant transformation in their self-image after the procedure. The aesthetic improvement achieved through chin implants can lead to positive psychological changes, promoting greater self-confidence and personal satisfaction.
Mentoplasty: surgery to shape the chin
Mentoplasty is a surgery performed to aesthetically correct the chin , which is exactly the chin region. With the procedure, it is possible to increase or decrease the size of the region, correcting deformities and asymmetries and ensuring greater facial harmony .
In the case of augmentation mentoplasty, one of the most commonly used techniques is the implantation of a prosthesis in the chin. It is worth mentioning that the prosthesis is made of a material that is biocompatible with the human body, which rarely causes a reaction and does not lose its volume and shape over time.
The prosthesis can be made of silicone or porous polyethylene. The advantage of the first material is that it can be sculpted with scissors or a scalpel and is easily removable . The disadvantage, on the other hand, is that the prosthesis can move out of place if it is not properly fixed by the surgeon.
In the case of a polyethylene prosthesis, the advantage is that the risk of it coming out of place is reduced . However, it is more difficult to implant and, consequently, more difficult to remove, if this is the client’s wish or if there is a need for removal for some reason.
Read also: How to solve sagging skin on the face?
How is mentoplasty performed?
In general, mentoplasty is performed in a hospital setting and lasts, on average, about an hour. The patient undergoes local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia and can be discharged on the same day. If the prosthesis to be implanted is small, the procedure can even be performed in the surgeon’s office.
In the most traditional surgical technique, the surgeon separates the tip of the jaw bone by means of a cut of up to 4 centimeters from the mouth and implants the prosthesis to give the adequate volume , fixing it in the new position with screws.
In addition to the prosthesis, another option is to implant the client’s own fat , taken from other areas of the face.
Pre and post-operative care
The pre- and post-operative care for a mentoplasty is not very different from that required for any other type of plastic surgery. The first step is to talk to the surgeon and present your complaints, so that you can decide together which technique will be used.
Additionally, you will need to undergo some pre-operative tests to ensure that you are in good health to undergo surgery. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol before surgery and avoiding taking medications that can increase bleeding are also recommended precautions by the surgeon.
In the post-operative period, the patient must rest for the first few days, take the medication prescribed by the doctor, avoid sun exposure and maintain a soft diet, avoiding foods that require effort to chew. Careful oral hygiene is also essential, as this is what ensures proper healing.
In general, results begin to be observed after one month of the procedure, but it is after three months that the new appearance of the face reaches its definitive form.