A jaw implant is a fantastic procedure that can give a patient a more refined and powerful appearance to their jaw. This type of aesthetic enhancement has the potential to boost a patient’s confidence and self-esteem.
Learning what to expect out of your jaw implant procedure is part of getting prepared for your procedure. If you’re planning on receiving implants, it can help to have a general outline of what they are going to feel like. This can help you avoid surprises down the road as you explore custom jaw implants.
What Is a Jaw Implant?
A jaw implant is a type of plastic surgery implant that is placed underneath the chin in order to provide the needed definition and shape to the jaw area. Jaw implants can be highly effective at giving individuals a much stronger and more defined jaw area. In addition, sometimes jaw implants are utilized to repair damage that is done to the jaw area in surgery.
What Do Jaw Implants Feel Like?
During a jaw implant, a physician will first apply general anesthesia to make the entire procedure move forward without physical pain. After this, there are a certain number of steps that one can expect to experience throughout the process:
- You will receive a physical exam to determine whether or not you are healthy enough to receive surgery
- You’ll have photographs taken of your jaw and surrounding area to determine what kind of progress is made before and after the procedure
- You may have to stop taking certain supplements or implants before your procedure
- The jaw implant is implanted in the bones of your face with small titanium screws
- The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches that will disappear on their own in their own time. Or, they may need to be removed a couple of weeks after your initial procedure by your physician.
Overall, most patients should find that the entire procedure just takes about two or three hours. After your procedure is complete, you should be given a set of instructions from your physician guiding you to maximize this period of your recovery.
After Your Procedure
Most patients who receive this type of work should be able to go home the exact same day after their jaw implant is completed. That being said, you should consider arranging for someone to drive you home following your procedure. The following instructions should be given out in terms of your recovery period:
- Consider eating only soft or liquid foods while the implant ingrains itself into your mouth and the incisions heal
- Use antibacterial mouthwash to lower the overall risk of infection at your surgical site
- Take good care of your incisions and surgical site
Your physician may have additional advice for you in terms of your recovery period and the way to maximize your results. You should discuss any nuances they may have in whatever time slot you have in terms of your overall surgery.
Benefits of a Jaw Implant
There are many different benefits that come paired with jaw implant surgery. Some of the more commonly defined benefits include:
- The creation of a more defined and attractive jawline
- Creating a stronger sense of symmetry in the face, jawline, and side profile
- Improving the patient’s sense of confidence and how they feel about their overall appearance
- Being granted a certain level of a youthful appearance
Jaw implant procedures are generally considered quite safe and effective. You can help to refine this process by discussing your overall surgical goals with your surgeon. Engaging in this process can give you a much stronger sense of what is to occur in your procedure before it actually happens.
Am I a Good Candidate for Jaw Implants?
Doctors will look for a certain set of qualities to determine whether or not an individual is a good candidate for jaw implants. Some of the following factors may help to determine whether this is the case for you:
- You do not have a health condition that would interfere with the process
- You are physically healthy and don’t smoke
- You do not have a history of broken bones in the face or jaw
- You have a good handle on what a jaw implant can do for you
Your Best Choice for Jaw Implants
Dr. Dhir is the head behind the lead plastic surgery center in Beverly Hills. If you have big ideas for jaw implants and would like to discuss some of the details of the procedure with an esteemed professional, contact our office today to hold a discussion.