Having a congenital chin deformity can not only impact your physical health but your mental health too. It’s a well-known fact that when you look good, you feel good. Genioplasty is a surgical procedure done by specialists which involves reshaping the jaw to improve the patient’s smile and facial symmetry.
If you’re considering getting a genioplasty, or have one already booked, here are some information and tips to get yourself ready for surgery.
- Consider the cost. You may want to get more than one surgery done simultaneously, and remember that different procedures have different prices. You should discuss your surgery options with your doctor.
- It is essential to make sure you and your doctor are on the same page about how your chin should look post-op. Your chin requirements should be discussed in detail to ensure there is no disappointment once it’s too late.
- Maintain good oral hygiene at least one week before your surgery.
- The procedure is not particularly painful. However, you may experience some soreness and discomfort for a few days after. You may also be given antibiotics through a vein to prevent any infections during your stay at the clinic. They will also provide you with antibiotics to take home with you, which you will have to take for the next few weeks.
- You’ll have to stay at the clinic overnight. Your doctor will check your chin with x-rays and ensure you can swallow liquids before allowing you to leave.
- You may have to take time off work depending on the kind of job you have. Because you will receive a general anaesthetic, you will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery for 48 hours.
- Most of the significant swelling will go down within two weeks, which is when you can return to work. However, it may take several months for the swelling to go completely and for you to see the full effects of the surgery, although only you and your close family and friends are likely to notice the subtle swelling.
- You will have to go on a liquid diet for the first two to three days. After this, you can progress on to soft foods. The liquid foods you are taking must be nutritious, although they aren’t particularly delicious. Some patients can find the texture of soft foods unpleasant and challenging to eat, so you should consider finding a few liquid diets and soft food recipes you could try, such as soups and smoothies.
- Due to a limited food menu, it is common for patients to lose weight after their surgery. If this is something that concerns you, speak to your doctor before your surgery.
- Fortunately, complications are rare with this type of surgery, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for them. You may experience minor bleeding from your surgery cut or numbness from the anaesthetic. You should discuss any concerns about aftercare with your doctor.
