Advice Following Chin Implants
Immediately After Surgery
- Rest quietly in bed for the first 24 hours with your head raised.
- Your chin/cheek will generally be firmly taped for 2 -3 days following surgery.
- Put an ice pack on your cheek/neck/chin.
Diet and Hygiene
- Minimal talking or laughing in the first 48 hours during which time liquid diet is best/easiest for you.
- Eat soft food during the first week.
- Use of a toothbrush may be difficult for some days. Use mouthwash (warm salty water) regularly.
Pain and Medication
- Pain and discomfort experienced will vary from patient to patient.
- Your Surgeon will instruct you on pain relief.
- Take antibiotics prescribed by your Surgeon.
- No Aspirin or Aspirin containing products and no Vitamin E for 2 weeks.
- For your safety, do not drive whilst taking painkillers.
Swelling and Bruising
- When bending down, bend at knees, not with head down.
- Expect to have swelling for 2 Ð 3 weeks and stiffness/rigidity of the chin for approximately 1 Ð 2 months after insertion of the implant.
- Avoid excessive movement of the mouth and neck.
Exercise
- No heavy exercising for 3 weeks.
- Avoid trauma as the implance can become displaced by direct strong impact.
- In some cases, there is temporary numbness of the chin/cheek due to stretching of the nerve supply.
Wound Care
- Stitches are dissolvable, but if they do bother you they can be removed in 5 to 7 days.
- Gargle your mouth with warm salty water 3 times a day.
- Do not pull the lip down to inspect the sutures.
You Can Expect
- Moderate discomfort, take pain killers as advised.
- Moderate swelling and bruising, sometimes more on the second or third day.
Call us if you have:
- Severe pain not responding to medication.
- Profuse swelling.
- Difficulty breathing.
For further advice call: 01202 428773 or 01202 422171 (office hours) or 07889 793022 (out of hours)