Plastic Surgery Ft. Worth - Facial Implants Information

• Am I a candidate for chin implant surgery
• Are there safety concerns associated with chin implant surgery?
• What to expect when planning your surgery
• What should I expect the day of my surgery?
• What chin implant surgery entails
• What should I expect during my chin surgery recovery?
• When can I expect to see my final results?
• Choosing a plastic surgeon
• Make sure your surgeon is board certified
• Ask about the surgeon's hospital privileges

The dimension and position of the chin can greatly affect the overall appearance of the face. Chin implants are often used to add strength to a weak jawline, provide balance with other facial features, such as the nose and cheeks, and generally make you feel better about the way you look. Chin implants and are available in a variety of materials, both solid and semi-solid, and offer natural-looking enhancement to many men and women who seek them.

You'll find basic information about facial implants on this website. However, the best way to get answers to specific questions that relate to you is to have a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For individuals considering facial augmentation in Dallas, plastic surgeon Dr. White is ABPS certified and will gladly address any questions and concerns you may have during consultation.

Am I a candidate for chin implant surgery

Many who seek chin implant surgery wish to build up a recessive chin. Some have chins that have always been recessive, while others have lost chin projection due to age. The procedure can also be performed to correct facial asymmetry issues caused by genetics or injury. When considering chin augmentation, it is important to have realistic expectations. Though the procedure can offer great improvement, it rarely offers perfection.

Chin implant surgery is often performed to complement with other procedures. Many Dallas cosmetic surgery patients combine rhinoplasty, a facelift, or a neck lift with their chin augmentation procedures.

Are there safety concerns associated with chin implant surgery?

Though thousands of men and women undergo chin implant surgery each year and experience no major complications, the procedure does carry some degree risk. It is important you be well informed of these risks when considering chin enhancement. Dallas cosmetic surgeon Dr. White sees the discussion of potential risks and complications as one of the most important aspects of patient consultation. During your consultation, he will discuss these potential complications with you, listen to your safety questions, and offer instructions on how to minimize your risk.

Some potential complications include the implant shifting out of alignment. In these instances, a second surgery will be needed to reposition the implant. As with any surgery, infection is also a potential issue. If infection does occur around the implant, it may clear-up with simple antibiotic treatment. In some cases, however, the implant may need to be removed and replaced at a later time. There are other risks associated with certain types of implants. Dr. White will discuss these issues with you during consultation.

What to expect when planning your surgery

A personal consultation with your surgeon is the first step for any patient considering plastic surgery. Dallas, Texas plastic surgeon Dr. Steven White believes in careful patient consultation to assess your physical and emotional health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

During consultation, it's important you clearly express your expectations. It may be helpful to bring photos of people with facial features you admire. Dr. White will study your facial characteristics and help you determine what results a chin implant can realistically achieve.

Be prepared to discuss any dental or gum problems you may have incase an incision inside your mouth is needed. Smoking may also affect your incisions and results, so be prepared to discuss your smoking habits with Dr. White.

Some patients will need to arrange transportation home after their procedure. Dr. White will discuss with you any such arrangements needed. He may also ask you to refrain from eating and drinking the night before surgery, and to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin or other drugs. To protect against infection, he may prescribe a regimen of oral antibiotics before surgery.

What should I expect the day of my surgery?

For your comfort and convenience, Dr. White maintains privileges in several hospitals in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. Chin implant surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, though some patients may require an overnight stay.

During surgery, medications will be administered to ensure comfort. General anesthesia will most likely be used to allow you to sleep during the procedure. Dr. White uses only doctors (anesthesiologists)-not nurses (CRNA's or anesthetists)-to administer anesthesia to his Dallas plastic surgery patients. He will carefully monitor your physical status throughout the operation and during your recovery.

What chin implant surgery entails

Your procedure may take anywhere from one to two hours or more. An incision will be made either along your lower lip inside your mouth, or concealed directly beneath your chin. A pocket for the implant will be created beneath the skin and the implant will be inserted. Dr. White will carefully select the proper size and shape of implant for optimal results.

What should I expect during my chin surgery recovery?

After surgery, your chin will most likely be taped to minimize swelling. Your stitches will be removed or dissolve after 5-7 days. Some discomfort and swelling in the chin is normal for the first several days. Temporary difficulty with talking and smiling can be expected as well. Some bruising may be visible in the chin and neck area for the first few days. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. White will instruct you about post-operative issues such as dental hygiene, eating and restrictions to your activities during recovery.

When can I expect to see my final results?

It may take months for your final results to emerge. It's important to give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new look. Chin implant surgery offers a high rate of patient satisfaction, with minimal scarring and a subtle, natural-looking enhancement.

Choosing a plastic surgeon

When considering undergoing cosmetic surgery, Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. White believes choosing a qualified surgeon to perform it is one of the most important factors. Though it's hard to believe, not all physicians who perform cosmetic surgery have had formal surgical training. It's important to research the credentials of all surgeons you consider for your procedure. Dr. White is fully trained in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery as well as Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). He invites potential patients to fully explore his training, experience online or during a personal consultation.

Make sure your surgeon is board certified

Find out if your doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Surgeons with this certification have completed a minimum of five years of surgical training following medical school, including a plastic surgery residency program. During this intensive program, surgeons learn to perform surgical procedures for the entire body and face. At the same time, they develop their technical skill and aesthetic judgment. After training, a surgeon must pass comprehensive oral and written exams before being granted certification.

Both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery require their members to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Plastic surgeons with this certification have completed approved training and examinations in plastic surgery including both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. White is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery. He is one of the few plastic surgeons in the United States certified by both of these boards.

Ask about the surgeon's hospital privileges

It is very important to find out if your surgeon has operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the procedure you are considering, even if you are planning to undergo surgery in your doctor's office or at a surgery center. Before granting privileges, hospital review committees evaluate a surgeon's training and competency for specific procedures.

Dr. White maintains surgical privileges at several area hospitals in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

To find out more, click on Making Sense of Certification.

For more information on cosmetic eyelid surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. White, call 214.696.6676 or contact us online at usaplasticsurgery.com.

       

STEVEN J WHITE, MD
PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL OF DALLAS
TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN DALLAS
PROFESSIONAL BUILDING 3, SUITE 814
8230 WALNUT HILL, DALLAS, TX 75231-4485

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