Frequently Asked Chin Implant / Cheek Augmentation Questions

During your consultation for chin or cheek augmentation, Dr. Buckingham will perform a facial analysis with the use of digital imaging. This will allow him to determine the best procedure to meet your goals and expectations. At this time, Dr. Buckingham will also address any questions or concerns that you may have.

Chin and cheek augmentation procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis.

Chin augmentation may be performed in the office with local anesthesia and mild oral sedation or at the outpatient surgery center. Cheek augmentation is performed in an outpatient surgical center with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

For chin augmentation, a small incision is made just beneath the chin. Dr. Buckingham prefers this incision to intraoral incisions because it offers more precise implant placement and allows exact re-approximation of the chin muscles. Intraoral incisions have been associated with chin contour irregularities from improper muscle healing. For cheek augmentation, a small incision is made inside of the upper lip. This implant is then inserted through the incision and positioned, and the incision is then closed.

Chin and cheek augmentation procedures typically take an average of thirty minutes to an hour to complete.

The incisions made for chin and cheek augmentation procedures do result in scars though they are typically very small. Incisions made on the inside of the mouth are not visible while those made on the skin are typically well-concealed.

Chin and cheek augmentation procedures may result in some post-operative discomfort though this can be alleviated with medication.

The recovery after chin and cheek augmentation procedures lasts approximately one week for social activities although minor swelling will persist for several more weeks. Patients may experience some bruising as well as some initial tightness with facial movements like smiling, talking and moving the lips. Any discomfort can be alleviated with medication.

The recovery after chin and cheek augmentation procedures takes about one week and most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within this time.

Any surface stitches used are typically removed within five to seven days. Cheek augmentation procedures are often performed with absorbable sutures which dissolve on their own.