Can you drive home after a chin implant?

Question

I would like to get a chin implant, however, would like to do it under local anesthesia if it was possible so that I can drive myself home and not have to worry about getting family/friends involved. Are there very many doctors that offer this under local anesthesia only?

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing.  Driving home after a chin implant or any type of facial surgery is largely dependent on the type of anesthesia.  If it us under strictly local and no medication including pain medication or relaxation medication then it may be okay to drive.  Typically, I like at least oral sedation for chin implants for patients as it is more comfortable even though it is a relatively short procedure. Keep in mind even taking a pain narcotic pill may influence driving abilities. Let your surgeon know how you will be getting home. In general a driver regardless of type of anesthesia would be ideal.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There are different types of anesthesia that can be used when placing a chin implant.  The decision is primarily based on the preference of the surgeon.  Different methods of anesthesia would include general anesthesia, local anesthesia with IV sedation and local anesthesia alone.  My preference for anesthesia for a chin implant is local anesthesia with IV sedation, however, you would not be able to drive home after this type of anesthesia.  If you would like to have your procedure just with local anesthesia and nothing else so that you could drive home, you should discuss this option with your surgeon.  Your surgeon would ultimately be the one to make the decision regarding the anesthesia for your procedure.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we place most chin implants under local anesthesia as an outpatient surgical procedure. The procedure involves placement of the incision underneath the chin, the implant is then placed directly over the bone and a few sutures placed in the incision site. Under local anesthesia only patients can drive themselves home.  For many examples, please see the link and the video below

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

Hi, I have performed many chin augmentations, using a chin
implant, over the past 30 years.  From the photos, your chin is very weak
creating an imbalance that makes the nose appear larger, the lower face short
and the mid face appear top heavy.  Chin augmentation, using a chin
implant, will add projection to the chin creating harmony and balance to the
lower face.  I have found placing a silastic chin implant through a small,
curved, incisions under the chin to be very safe, quick, highly effective and
far less invasive than a sliding genioplasty that requires bone cuts with
placement of screws and metal plates.I have performed many chin implant surgeries under a local anesthetic with the procedure taking about 30 minutes.  If you live close, I'd suggest an Uber but there isn't a reason that you couldn't drive after a local anesthetic procedure.

Can you drive home after a chin implant?

Answers (4)

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