Chin Implant Preoperative Instructions FAQ
1) What do I do to prepare for surgery?
Although the preparation for surgery is pretty simple, it is an essential element in a successful outcome. To prepare for surgery, a preoperative appointment will be scheduled with one of our experienced nurses.
2) What happens at the preoperative appointment?
Many things! To name a few, you will meet with our nurses who review your health history, answer your questions, instruct you on how to prepare for surgery, provide prescriptions for use after surgery and tell you what to expect. Most of the instructions are listed here below. This list of questions, however, will not take the place of a preoperative visit, which is essential in determining a patient’s understanding and readiness for surgery. We will be sure you are signing an informed consent.
3) What does informed consent mean?
Informed consent means you have an excellent understanding about the benefits of surgery as well as any risks, and all the preoperative and postoperative information. You are making an “informed” decision as to whether surgery is right for you.
4) What are the benefits and risks of a having a chin implant?
As part of your initial consultation, your physician will review your expectations for surgery. At that time, he can provide a realistic picture of what surgery can and cannot accomplish. Depending on which procedures you are interested in, we will provide you with a list of any risks reported in the medical literature associated with any procedures you are considering. Although risks from cosmetic surgery are uncommon, every patient should be fully informed of any risk associated with surgery.
5) Will I have any incisions?
Yes. See the diagram for placement of incisions just under the chin. Chin incisions, which typically are about one half inch long, heal very well and most patients and family members will not notice them after a few weeks.
6) What if I have a history of bad scars?
At the time of your consultation, it’s important to show your physician any previous scars that are of concern to you so he can give you a realistic assessment of your healing potential following facial plastic surgery. Scars on the rest of the body typically are not an indication for how patients heal following facial plastic surgery.
The incision is tucked just under the chin and is camouflaged very well. Also, skin of the head and neck generally heals much better than areas of the rest of the body. If you have pierced ears, the way you healed there is a good indication of how you will heal from facial plastic surgery.
7) What are some of the other things to do to prepare for surgery?
We review your health history and any daily medications you may be taking.
8) What about my daily medications before surgery?
You will have a preoperative appointment well in advance of your surgery when our experienced staff will review all mediations with you.
9) I take vitamins and supplements. Do I need to stop them before surgery?
Most vitamins and supplements have few side effects. We will provide a “medications list” of products to avoid before surgery.
10) Do I need any special prescriptions before surgery?
Most patients do not need any special prescriptions before surgery. Please let us know of any special medical concerns you may have. Because tobacco abuse impedes wound healing, you will be asked to stop for two weeks before surgery and two weeks following surgery. Our nurses will be happy to discuss aids to help you with this. You will also be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery. The medications needed after surgery are discussed below.
11) Why will I be asked not to eat or drink anything?
Anesthesia medications can cause stomach upset. The best way to prevent after effects from anesthesia will be to avoid food or drink from midnight the night before surgery. For patients with special concerns, such as a patient with diabetes, our nurses will be happy to address special arrangements with you ahead of time.
12) What happens when I check in for surgery?
Our nurses will help you get ready for surgery. Please let them know of any special needs you may have. Also, be assured that you have plenty of time for any last minute questions with your doctor.
13) How long will I be at the Surgery Center?
Most patients are asked to arrive about one hour prior to surgery. Chin implant surgery takes approximately one hour and recovery time takes about one hour. Depending on your individual response to anesthesia, you will be discharged from the clinic approximately three to four hours from the time of admission.