Wouldn’t it be great if you could just go in for your chin augmentation procedure and come out with instant results, looking exactly like you pictured you would?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work that way. Before you can look in the mirror and see your final results, you’ll need to go through a recovery process.
If you already understand the rough outlines of the procedure itself, it helps to have a good understanding of what to expect when you return home to heal and recover.
As you pass each milestone along the way, you’ll know that you’re that much closer to achieving the results that you are hoping for.
Table of Contents
Chin Implant Surgery Recovery Timeline at a Glance:
| Activity | Days after chin augmentation surgery |
| Mostly liquid diet; soups, shakes, juices. | 1 day after surgery |
| Return to normal diet | Within 1-2 days of surgery |
| Resume normal activities | 48 hours; nothing strenouos |
| Limit laugher, talking, and other movement | 3 days |
| Dressing removed | 2-3 days |
| Resume driving | 3-5 days |
| Resume exercise | 1 week |
| Sleep on back, with head elevated | 3 weeks (21 days) |
| Most swelling has subsided | 3 weeks (21 days) |
| Final results visible | 6-8 weeks |
Chin Augmentation: General Notes
It helps to understand what you’re actually being implanted with to improve the appearance of your chin. Your plastic surgeon will be using chin implants made from a biocompatible material, normally silicone, molded for a proper fit around your chin bone. These implants come in various sizes and contours. Your surgeon will have consulted with you to select an implant that will achieve your cosmetic treatment goals and offer the most natural-looking result.
As far as cosmetic procedures go, chin augmentation does not involve a very lengthy recovery time or complicated preparations for the patient. You should experience minimal discomfort that can be easily managed using pain medicine or cold compresses.
As with most types of cosmetic surgery, your results will not be immediately evident, although you will see some improvement right away. Once your incision has healed and your swelling has gone down, you will began to gradually see the results of your plastic surgeon’s handiwork, which will become fully evident when your swelling has completely resolved.
Week One
The first stage of your recovery is when you will be dealing with some discomfort at the site of the surgery, as well as some swelling. Take all of your pain medications as directed by your plastic surgeon to manage your discomfort during the first week.
The initial phase of your recovery also involves some changes to how you will be sleeping. You want to be sure to protect the area of surgery so that it can heal quickly and properly. You’ll need to start sleeping face-up for at least the first week after your chin augmentation to protect your incisions.
You may also be instructed by your plastic surgeon to consume only liquids for the first day or two after your surgery.
If you were prescribed any antibiotics, take them as directed to make sure that you are able to prevent infection from setting in and affecting your recovery. You should also be carefully following any instructions on incision care provided by your surgeon.
Avoid vigorous physical activity for now. It won’t be much longer before you can resume strenuous activities like exercise and sports.
Next Two Weeks
Continue sleeping with your face up for at least one more week, unless instructed otherwise by your plastic surgeon. Although this may not be the most comfortable position for you, it allows your swelling to go down and protects your incisions.
Week Four
You can allow yourself to start getting excited by Week Four, as your final results should be filling in nicely! This is also the time when you can begin taking part in strenuous activities again, like lifting weights and vigorous exercise.
It can take as long as three months for every last bit of swelling to go down, although it should be almost undetectable by now. Just keep following your plastic surgeon’s instructions while you’re recovering so that you heal as quickly as possible and enjoy some great-looking results very soon.
