At MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center in Milford, PA, our passion lies in helping our clients feel as confident in their appearance as possible. We often have clients come in that remark on their dismay regarding the appearance of their jawline. They feel that they need a chin augmentation, but they are concerned about the longevity of the augmentation. That is what we are going to be looking at today.
How Long Does Chin Augmentation Last?
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect your chin augmentation results to last a lifetime if you opt for silicone implants. If you opt to augment your chin via fat transfer, you can also generally expect your ideal results to last a lifetime.
However, you must take care to not lose too much weight after surgery. If you opt to have dermal fillers injected to strengthen your facial appearance and enhance your jawline definition, you can expect your results to last for several months or years. Several factors affect how long you can expect your filler results to last, including the filler you choose.
What Fillers Can Be Used to Augment My Chin?
RADIESSE, Restylane, JUVÉDERM, and Sculptra can all be used to augment the chin. Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid-based injectable, and you can typically expect your results to last for two to five years if it is your chin augmentation injectable of choice. If you opt for RADIESSE injections, you can generally expect to enjoy your ideal results for roughly 15 months.
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA is quite a bit more durable than RADIESSE, but it is rarely as durable as Sculptra. If you opt for this hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler, you should expect to enjoy your ideal results for two years. If you decide you want to go with Restylane injections to augment your chin, you can expect your ideal results to last for approximately 12 months.
What Can I Do To Extend the Longevity of My Filler Results?
If you decide that dermal filler injections are the right way to augment your chin, regardless of the filler you choose, you can extend the longevity of your results by protecting your collagen from damage. There are many steps you can take to help protect your collagen, but the most effective is minimizing your exposure to UV rays. When you can’t avoid UV exposure, make sure that you use adequate sun protection. Other things you can avoid to help extend your results include:
- Tobacco consumption
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Too many high-GI foods
- Too many fried foods
Besides avoiding things that will damage collagen, you should strongly consider doing things that are good for the health of your collagen if you want your ideal results to last for as long as possible. One of the most important things you can do for the health of your collagen is to stay hydrated. It is also extremely important that you get plenty of protein and micronutrients in your diet. Moreover, you should moisturize once or twice daily for the sake of your collagen.
How Should I Prepare for Chin Enhancement Surgery?
The first preparation step you need to take prior to your chin enhancement surgery is to attend an initial evaluation with a cosmetic surgeon. During this evaluation, your health history, goals, desired outcomes, and lifestyle will be reviewed thoroughly to verify that chin enhancement surgery is right for you. If it is, we will advise you on all of the other preparation steps you must take prior to surgery, what results you can realistically expect, and what aftercare guidelines there are.
Another very important preparation step to take is to stop smoking. It is important that you do not consume any nicotine in the two weeks leading up to your procedure because this chemical compound can increase your blood pressure, affect your recovery negatively, and cause other problems. It is important to not consume any alcohol in the two weeks leading up to surgery for similar reasons. Other preparation steps you’ll need to take include:
- Avoiding the use of blood-thinners
- Minimizing UV exposure
- Avoiding any irritating skincare treatments
- Taking preventative medications as necessary
What Aftercare Guidelines Will I Need To Follow After Chin Enhancement Surgery?
Once your implants are in place, the incision used for the insertion of the implants will be closed. Then, a surgical dressing will be applied. This dressing must remain in place for approximately 48 to 72 hours. How long you will need to keep the dressing in place depends on your unique situation. Clear instructions will be given before you leave after your procedure.
Another very important aftercare guideline to follow is to avoid the consumption of anything that requires chewing. Your diet should consist of protein- and micronutrient-rich liquids and soft foods. For instance, you may want to have cottage cheese or a Greek yogurt-based green smoothie for breakfast. Drinkable yogurt and applesauce may make a great lunch.
How Should I Care for My Incisions After Surgery?
Once your dressing has been removed, you should apply a topical antibiotic ointment to your incision lines three times daily. You should do this in the seven days following the removal of your dressing. You must take care to dab the ointment rather than rubbing it, in order not to irritate the area.
How Should I Sleep After My Procedure?
You should sleep with your head elevated during the first 14 days following your chin enhancement procedure. It is crucial that you sleep on your back for the sake of your incision sites. If you usually toss and turn in your sleep, put some pillows or rolled bath towels on either side of you to prevent you from ending up on your stomach or side.
When Will I Be Able To Resume My Usual Routine?
For the most part, you will be able to resume your usual routine approximately 10 days after your chin enhancement procedure. However, you must consult with your surgeon before resuming vigorous physical activity. As a general rule of thumb, you should not expect to engage in any strenuous activity for roughly three weeks following surgery. This includes pushing, pulling, and lifting anything that weighs over 10 pounds.
When Can I Get Back To Work?
Including the day of your procedure, you should only expect to need three to four days off from work. Factors affecting how long you will need to dedicate solely to your recovery include the scope of the procedure, your age, and your health. The nature of your job will also affect how long you will need to take off from work. You may need to take at least three weeks off from work if your job is very physically demanding.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
How long you can expect your chin augmentation results to last depends primarily on the augmentation technique you choose. You can feel fairly confident that your results will last a lifetime if you opt for a silicone implant or fat transfer. If you opt for a dermal filler injection, your results may last between 12 months and five years. Contact us now at MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center in Milford, PA to schedule your initial consultation and learn more.
