Chin & Cheek Implants Sydney
Dr Flood likes to use either silicone or Medpor (polyethylene) implants for chin and cheek augmentation. Both silicone and Medpor implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Silicone chin and cheek implants have the advantage of being smooth walled allowing them to slip through tiny incisions and be placed overlying the bone. However, the disadvantage is that the silicone chin and cheek implant may move about unless it is adequately fixed to the underlying bone with the aid of a screw.
Dr Flood prefers to use Medpor chin and cheek implants, when possible. Medpor is a porous substance that allows the patient’s tissues to grow into the outer layer of the implant. The body partially incorporating the implant certainly reduces the possibility of movement, as well as subsequent infection.
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Phone: (02) 9476 8066
Chin Implants
Procedures with chin implants can be performed in both men and women. Every procedure is personalised, tailored to your individual preferences and needs.
Preoperative assessment involves photographic documentation of the face from a frontal, oblique and true lateral view. A lateral head x-ray is also performed to assess the degree of augmentation required to the bony chin point, (pogonion).
Preoperative assessment involves photographic documentation of the face from a frontal, oblique and true lateral view. A lateral head x-ray is also performed to assess the degree of augmentation required to the bony chin point, (pogonion).
Assessment is also made of the patient’s occlusion to see whether a chin implant alone or jaw surgery would also be suitable for the patient. At times consideration will be given to performing an osteotomy, which involves cutting the chin point and advancing it forward and fixing it with special screws. This is called a genioplasty, and no implant is required in such cases.
Chin implant surgery is performed under general anaesthetic as a day surgery procedure. The incision line is hidden in the mucosa of the lower lip. The dissection is performed on the bone. The mental nerve is identified and preserved. The chin implant is placed directly on the bone and fixed with the aid of a titanium screw. At times, a sizer is used as a temporary implant to assess the degree of projection required for the patient. Sizers, as the name suggests, come in all “sizes and shapes” to allow for a personalised procedure. Wound closure following implant insertion involves re-suspending the mantalis muscles and using dissolvable sutures inside the mouth.
Most patients have a degree of bruising for up to one week post-operatively. Swelling usually lasts between one to three weeks, depending on the size and type of implant used. Most patients can return to work after one week. Antibiotics are given at the time of surgery, as well as a five-day course post-operatively. The final results may take up to six to eight weeks to form.