A recessed chin or flat cheekbones can affect your overall facial appearance. Enhancing your bone structure can improve the balance and symmetry of your face dramatically. Both chin implants and cheek implants are made from special medical-grade materials that, when placed, look and feel like normal bone. Every year, the availability of synthetic materials used in cheek and chin implants increases, offering patients more options for their surgery. However, we insist that the chin and cheek implant materials we use be proven durable and safe before we introduce them into our practice.

How is chin implant surgery done?

The chin implant procedure can be performed while you're under intravenous anesthesia or local anesthesia. Dr. Bailey or Haghighi will determine which is the best option in your particular case. First, Dr. Bailey or Haghighi will make an incision in the skin just beneath your chin. Then, he'll create a pocket over the front of your jawbone. A chin implant, specially selected to be the correct size and shape to give you your desired results, will be placed in the pocket. After surgery, your chin may be taped to provide support and to minimize swelling and discomfort. A chin implant operation can be combined with the removal of fat from the chin and neck area to eliminate a double chin or the appearance of a "turkey wattle." Sutures will be removed during a follow-up visit to the office, about a week after your chin implant surgery.

Where will my chin/cheek implant surgery be done and how long will it take?

These procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis in our office surgical suite. The procedures usually take about 1 hour.

Cheek implant surgery

The incisions for cheek implants are made inside your mouth, just above the gum lines of the upper teeth, so that no scars will be visible. Dr. Bailey or Haghighi will then slip the implant into a small pocket over the cheekbone, and then close the incision. Like chin surgery, cheek implant surgery will be performed under intravenous anesthesia.

After chin or cheek implant surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room and monitored until you are discharged to go home. You will need a ride home, and you may want to arrange to have someone look after you for a day or two after your surgery.

What should I expect after my chin/cheek surgery?

You'll experience some swelling or discomfort in the days following surgery. Dr. Bailey or Haghighi will give you instructions about activities to avoid during your recovery. Because of the nature of cheek or chin implants, which fundamentally change your facial structure, it may take some time to become accustomed to your new look. However, after several months, you should be used to your appearance, and happy with the new balance and proportion of your features.