My face looks too long after chin implant. Can this be because of swelling?

Question

I had a chin implant 5 days ago and right now my face looks a bit too long with the implant. I understand I am still swollen and my chin will continue to change. My main question is that when swelling decreases, will it typically also decrease the vertical length of someone's chin implant? Or does the swelling mostly affect wing area of implant?

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

It's too early to tell. But typically it shouldn't  increase vertical height significanly. Instead I bet what your seeing is gravity holding the swelling down towards the bottom aspect of the chin. This then make your face look longer. I would wait a few months and you'll see the swelling decrease.

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

Hello, I agree with my other colleagues. It is too early for any judgment regarding the shape of your facial features right after your chin implant surgery. You need to be patient and follow up with your surgeon. A photo would be helpful.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Yes - most certainly, post-operative swelling can cause this appearance.  Hang in there, and let the swelling resolve and the tissues "settle in" after surgery.  Most commonly used chin implants to not give much of a lengthening effect to the chin, and are more for projection.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for submitting your question as this is a very common one after chin implantation. It is very normal to have swelling causing the chin to look both longer and wider.  There may even be enough swelling to make it a little harder to talk clearly with the amount of swelling around the lower lip and chin.  Follow your surgeon's post op instructions carefully. Be patient and day by day you should see the swelling decrease. Best,Raymond Lee, M.D. Facial Plastic SurgeonOrange County, CA

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, its too early after to surgery to see final definition. Your swelling is still going down. The lowest part of your chin will usually take the longest to resolve from swelling. Give it some more time.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

5 days after a chin
implant is too early to tell the ultimate results.  It takes time for the swelling to
resolve.  I would not begin to judge the
results for at least 1 month after surgery. 
All swelling will typically resolve 3-4 months after surgery.  It is unusual for a chin implant to add
significant vertical height if a standard implant was placed in the correct
location.   At this time, I would let your body heal.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

This is a common question after most facial aesthetic surgery. You are currently still swollen at this point. It is important to remember that this is going to change over the next few weeks. Average bruising and swelling time is 2 weeks, everyone is different and some people take much longer. You have to give yourself time to heal, continue with your follow up appointments, and most importantly discuss any concerns that you have with your surgeon.

My face looks too long after chin implant. Can this be because of swelling?

Answers (7)

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