A pocket is created in front of the chin bone and under the muscles, and an appropriately sized prosthesis or chin implant is inserted. The incision is closed and a pressure dressing is applied. The resulting external scar is barely visible. Expectations of looking and feeling better after surgery should be discussed with the plastic surgeon before any surgery, keeping in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection. A liquid diet may be advised for a day or two.
Light activity can resume the same day as surgery.
Return to work and usual activity is allowed within 7 to 10 days. Within a week of surgery, the external dressing is usually removed. Infection and blood clots are rare postoperative problems. Nicotine from smoking can delay healing. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.