Hundreds of chin augmentation surgeries in Santa Rosa, Napa Valley, and the San Francisco area are performed every year. A chin implant adjusts the contours and increases the dimensions of the chin, which will correct an underdeveloped or receding chin.
The placement of a chin implant does not impact a patient’s bite or dental occlusion. On the other hand, if the teeth and bite have significant malocclusion, a more extensive procedure other than a simple chin implant surgery may be advisable.
The goal of chin implant surgery in San Francisco is to create harmony with the face as a whole. Chin implants can improve the appearance of the jaw and neckline as well. The improvement is long-lasting and does not fade over time.
Dr. Miguel Delgado—our board-certified plastic surgeon—has extensive experience with chin implant surgeries. This background allows him to provide informative consultations, explain the various surgical options, and review the wide selection of implants available.
| Procedure | What It Does | Surgery | Recovery | Results |
| Chin Implant | Improves definition in the jaw and chin | Yes | 7-10 | Long-lasting |
| Double Chin Removal (Kybella) | Dissolves submental (under-the-chin) fat | No (injectable) | Minimal to none | Long-lasting |
Chin implants come in many sizes and shapes. They are constructed of durable silicone and, unlike breast implants, have no liquid component. There is no potential for breakdown of the silicone material and once placed, the implant will not migrate out of position, nor can it become displaced by impact. Working with the patient’s preferences, Dr. Delgado will advise implant styles that he is confident will deliver a balanced and natural-appearing chin to face relationship.
Any man or woman who has an underdeveloped chin is a candidate for chin augmentation in Marin County. A receding chin disrupts the balance of the facial profile. The imbalance is even more accentuated if the nose is generously sized, as this will make the chin appear even smaller. An underdeveloped chin often results in crowding of the underlying neck structures. This creates fullness under the chin that obscures jawline definition and may project an erroneous appearance of plumpness.
A personal consultation is the first step for a patient considering chin augmentation surgery in Sonoma County. This appointment can be scheduled at either Dr. Delgado’s San Francisco or his Marin County office.
At this meeting, Dr. Delgado will discuss the patient’s concerns about the appearance of his or her chin. A physical examination will be done and the patient’s medical history reviewed to determine if chin augmentation surgery is a safe and appropriate option.
If you are a good candidate, Dr. Delgado will explain:
Digital photographs will be taken of the patient’s face. These will be entered into a computer program that will display realistic images of the procedure’s outcome.
This computer imaging facilitates further discussion between Dr. Delgado and the patient to ensure that the patient’s vision and goals for aesthetic improvement are met.
Blood tests done within six months of the surgery date are required to assure Dr. Delgado and the anesthesiologist that surgery is a safe option for the patient. These tests include a CBC (complete blood count) and possibly other tests, depending on the patient’s medical history. If the patient is 50 years old or older, an EKG (electrocardiogram) is required.
The patient is provided with a booklet that supplies detailed pre-and post-operative instructions, including the use of medications before surgery. For example, it is required that aspirin and aspirin-containing products be discontinued, including anti-inflammatory products, two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. These products hurt clotting ability. The pre-operative instructions include a complete list of medications that could pose hazards and, therefore, should be avoided. However, Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be safely taken during this time. However, do not exceed 1 gram over 4 hours or 4 grams per day from all sources since this can cause liver damage. The booklet also provides a list of vitamins and homeopathic preparations that promote healing and limit bruising, which the patient can opt to use before and after the surgery.
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Dr. Delgado performs chin implant procedures at Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center, a private surgery suite located in his Marin County office on the Sutter Marin County Community Hospital campus. This allows Dr. Delgado to offer his patients personal, concierge medical care while providing the extra measure of safety and reassurance afforded by the surgery center’s contiguous location to the hospital.
Most chin implant procedures are performed under general anesthesia and are usually performed in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. At Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center, general anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist with considerable experience. Dr. Delgado and the anesthesiologist assist the patient in making the best choice for the anesthesia. Additionally, the anesthesiologist calls each patient the evening before surgery to review his/her medical history, confirm last-minute instructions and answer any questions they may have regarding the anesthesia.
The placement of a chin implant can be done through the inside of the mouth or externally, from under the chin. The external approach is the most common since it doe not interfere with lip function nor cause scar tissue in the mouth or within the upper chin area. Dr. Delgado prefers the external approach.
Once the incision is made, a pocket is formed to house the chin implant. The chin implant is placed directly on the chin bone. When healed, the presence of the chin implant is not detectable. It feels firm and exactly like natural bone tissue. So that the chin implant cannot float in the soft tissue, it is securely sewn in place. This guarantees that its alignment with the chin will not change over time.
Dr. Delgado has the uncanny ability to help you shed some years, but not in an artificial forced way. Rather, he facilitates the younger, healthier you emerge.
The first hour or so after chin implant surgery in Napa Valley is spent in the recovery room. When the patient is fully alert, he/she can go home in the care of a friend or family member. After chin implant surgery, it is crucial to keep the head and back elevated to a 45-60 degree angle, as this will significantly minimize swelling and bruising.
Although there is usually moderate swelling in the surgical site, patients experience very little pain. Rather, there is numbness in the chin that persists for five to seven days before it resolves completely. Pain medications are prescribed for use the first day or two after surgery. However, it is unlikely the patient will need them, except possibly to facilitate comfortable sleeping in the elevated position.
There should be only a small amount of swelling the first week after surgery, and the slight bruising that also occurs can be easily concealed with makeup. Most patients find they can easily return to work and social activities one week after surgery. However, strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks as this can trigger unnecessary swelling.
As with all surgery, the risks of infection, bleeding, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia exist. On rare occasions, there can be slight asymmetry in the placement of the chin implant. Numbness of the chin and lower lip can persist past the first week after the procedure, but this is usually transient and related to any swelling that might be present. Although extremely unlikely, there is also the potential for nerve injury.
What material is used for chin implants?
Does a chin implant require a hospital stay?
When can I return to work after a chin implant?
How long does a chin implant last?
Can a chin implant be performed on both men and women?
The most commonly used material for chin implants is silicone. Polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) and newer biological inserts may also be used. Dr. Delgado may also adjust the bone and use fat tissue to sculpt the chin area.
A chin implant is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require a hospital stay. Usually, the procedure takes about 1-3 hours to complete. However, the length of the surgery will depend on the specific patient and the complexity of the procedure.
Most patients can go back to work within a week of the surgery. Some activities, such as strenuous exercise, should be minimized or avoided for about two weeks. The total downtime will depend on the individual’s healing process.
Chin implants are designed to last years. Although silicone implants can last a lifetime, it is important to remember that the facial skin and tissues will change over time. As the face naturally ages, the skin will become more lax.
Absolutely. Lack of definition in the chin area is an aesthetic complaint among both men and women, young and old. Dr. Delgado has performed the surgery on both men and women looking to improve their profile and balance the appearance of the face.
San Francisco offers a wide variety of museums and galleries for traveling enthusiasts and residents alike. One of San Francisco’s most well-known museums is the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco – Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture. Founded in the 1960s, it has more than 18,000 works of art (some dating back to over 6,000 years old). It was formerly located in Golden Gate Park until it outgrew its space and was relocated to the former San Francisco Library building. The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is located only one mile from the practice of Dr. Miguel Delgado (and 27.5 miles from Dr. Delgado’s Novato, Marin County office), next to the Civic Center Plaza and the San Francisco City Hall.
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