The Big

I got a chin implant during my 1 week vacation. Had been told - and read - that within a week+ I'd be "restaurant ready." Well - THIS is unbelieveable! I haven't seen any decrease in the swelling for about 4 days now (I'm on day 7 post op). My doctor put me on another antibiotic, although there's no evidence of an infection - the inside of my mouth has already healed beautifully. I was in no way prepared for this and am having to return to my very public position with a Jay Leno, huge chin - definitely NOT what I had planned! PLEASE do not let anyone tell you this is quick and easy. It might be, and that'll be great. Enjoy the surprise. But it could also be like this! I think you need at least 2 weeks to feel "public" ready! I've even begun taking photos each morning to record that the swelling has not changed for a long time!

I'm 13 days out from surgery. My jawline still looks rather square and unnatural. I still have no feeling in my lower lip, and my smile is uneven, but everything I have read suggests that this may take at least another week or so. The bruising on my neck is almost gone. But I'm still pretty swollen. Others have written about tightness and tingling in their chins and I'm experiencing both, but I expected these, too. I would easily say that you need at least 2 weeks before returning to the work world, especially if you work with people! One of the weirdest things I'm feeling is a burning under my chin, and my chin itself is really, really dry - as if all this stretching is drying it out! But week 2 I'm finally feeling like it is beginning to look better!

Okay. Now almost 3 weeks post-op (tomorrow it will officially be 3 weeks). Still numb on my bottom lip and actual chin area, but bruising is gone and sweeping is definitely down, but not completely. I realize this will take longer. It still feels tight, but I realize that takes time, too. My husband LOVES my new chin, and I'm getting there! The transition line of my jaw still has a dent on both sides, but the weirdest thing are the new "lines" (wrinkles!) on either side of my chin - they go left to right, not up and down! I'm hoping these are due to the swelling, but they're strange! My doctor has been great!!! Last week I had some excess fluid removed from an area under my jaw, but there's still a little knot there. Patience, patience!