I’m afraid my chin implant is too big and pointy for my small face. I am 2 weeks post op. Input please (Photo)

Question

I’m afraid my chin implant is too big and pointy for my face. I had a revision rhinoplasty and chin implant at the same time. Although I’m very satisfied with my nose now, I feel my chin is a bit much, especially when I smile. I know I will hear that there is still swelling but how much of it will really go down? I really don’t want to have another surgery to fix it but I don’t want it to look so unnatural. Input pleases.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is not unusual for a chin implant to appear too big 2 weeks after it was surgically placed.  It can take several months for the swelling to resolve to see what the true appearance will be.  I would recommend waiting about 3-6 months for more swelling to resolve and then reevaluate your appearance.  If it still appears too big, it could be changed to a smaller size or different style implant.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

There can be a fair amount of swelling after a chin implant, which will gradually resolve over several weeks to months. I recommend following up with your surgeon. If your implant is asymmetrical, it can be re-positioned with a surgical procedure. I hope this helps.

Sudeep Roy, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for sharing your concern. First of all, I would like to complement you on your nose, seems very natural and certainly balances your face well. As far as I can tell from the pictures, your chin looks great as well, but as you mention, certainly has a strong appearance to it. As other surgeons have mentioned, there can be a lot of swelling in and around the chin area after a chin implant is placed and the only way to best assess the final result is to wait it out (approximately 6-9 months). Of course, speak to your surgeon about your concerns and how to manage them. He will likely reassure you and provide a plan that works for you. Depending on the implant that was placed, implant removal and replacement is actually pretty straightforward and can be performed under local anesthesia +/- oral sedation in the office, so it wouldn't be the same experience as your original surgery. Hope that helped! Best, Dr. Roy.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many chin implant surgeries over the past 30 years.  There are many different chin implants.  What style and size implant was used and was it placed through the mouth or using an incision under the chin?  Speak with your Chin Implant Surgeon but at 2 weeks there is still some swelling from the surgery.Hope this helps.

I’m afraid my chin implant is too big and pointy for my small face. I am 2 weeks post op. Input please (Photo)

Answers (4)