The Big

I agree that its important that people really know what to expect with recovery, so I so appreciate you sharing this. I know all those who come after and read it, and are thus more prepared will be grateful as well!

Please continue to update us on how the swelling and bruising is doing. Hopefully you have a good scarf collection!!

I fully endorse your aim of raising awareness of the recovery time for this procedure. I had a large implant 9 weeks ago and was informed that 7 to 10 days was typical. Hmm..... Based on my particular experience, i would urge anyone contemplating a chin implant to think very carefully about this aspect and also the size of the implant itself as i believe this will also have a number of important implications. Unless your chin is exceptionally weak, a large implant will look very extreme and prove difficult to come to terms with; both visually and also in terms of the practicalities. Over 2 months later, for example, the right hand side of my chin is still numb, as is the same side of the lower lip and the whole area feels very tight indeed. To place this into context, the sensation may best be described as having a piece of strong industrial tape permanently taped across the lower half of the face below the bottom lip. Speaking looks about as natural as a Thunderbirds puppet! Even the relatively easy task of eating a sandwich is problematical as it is not possible to draw the lower lip out of the way. Manipulating food in the mouth to chew causes an accumulation under the gum at the front where it has to be swilled with water prior to swallowing. Smiling is narrow and restricted. I could continue, though by now you will know where this is going- a few weeks to recover is highly optinistic to say the least. This is a major procedure from which to recuperate. Additionally, a large implant is likely to have a more extreme effect on features than anticipated, so be prepared not to like the result. In my case, the word bulldog springs to mind. It will be very apparent to everyone that work has been undertaken, so forget the notion of a subtle profile change and be prepared not to receive a single complement on that new look new you cherished. Do not underestimate the psychological impact either. You may well find yourself avoiding social situations, ducking business meetings and ultimately lose your self confidence. This therefore is an expose of the less glamorous, less publicised side of the coin and hopefully this will enable any potentially interested parties to arrive at a more informed and meaningful decision. Just be certain that you want this and be prepared to live with the lengthy and painful consequences if the outcome is not as anticipated. My advice is to be absolutely sure that the size of implant selected suits the shape, size and contours of your face. Best of luck and hope this helps someone.

This advice is so spot on ! Bravo

Thank you SO MUCH for your comment. I keep reminding myself that it's not getting worse (!!) and the swelling truly is going down, but much slower than I had expected! I hope my track follows yours!

Will you be posting pics? Check out my review for my progress. I will be adding more progress pics. I'm also thinking of a revision. http://www.realself.com/review/la-jolla-ca-chin-implant-results-like

I'm going in on Friday to talk about it. I don't like them!! I'll post what I find out!

And some pics! I'm going to give it one more month, that will be 4 months post op, if not I will meet with my Dr again and talk about a revision. What kind of implant did you get? Mine is a medium anatomical by Implantech.