3 Tips for Recovering From a Chin Reduction

Every year, about 15 million people schedule a cosmetic procedure. One of the least talked about surgery options is chin reduction. 

The goal of this procedure is to reduce the shape and size of a patient’s chin by shaving the jawbone. Oftentimes, people schedule a facelift or rhinoplasty to go along with their chin reduction. 

Like any other type of cosmetic surgery, there is a recovery timeline. You won’t be able to perform any strenuous activity until you heal. 

You can speed up the recovery process by taking it easy and using a cold compress to reduce your swelling. You’ll also need to change your bandages often. 

Want to learn more about how you can keep your after-surgery discomfort to a minimum? Check out this handy guide. 

1. Table of Contents

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   Reducing the Swelling

After your chin surgery, your surgeon is likely to send you home with a few ice packs attached to your chin. To keep your swelling to a minimum, you’ll need to change them every hour. 

If you don’t have someone living at home with you to remind you, set timers on your phone. Taking over-the-counter NSAIDs can do wonders for pain and inflammation. 

When you’re laying around your home, be sure to keep your head elevated. That means sleeping in a recliner.

If you find that you miss your bed, you can lie down, but place three pillows under your head to keep it propped up. You can go back to your normal sleeping routine after about three weeks. 

2. Take It Easy 

Before scheduling your plastic surgery, you’ll need to build up paid time off (PTO). For the first few days after your procedure, you’ll only be able to perform light activity.

That means no work! Especially if your job involves heavy lifting of any kind. 

Recruit a friend or family member to help you out with the chores around your home. The only thing you should have to worry about is taking it easy. 

Invest in a few button-down shirts to make getting dressed a little simpler. If your doctor prescribes you any pain medication, ask someone else to pick it up for you. 

While you can return to work or school three days after your chin reduction surgery, some prefer to hold off until after they have their sutures removed.

3. Change Your Bandages 

You may continue to experience bleeding at the incision site days after your surgery. During this time, it’s crucial that you change your bandages every few hours. 

Failing to change out your bandages will increase your chances of developing an infection. 

Recover From Your Chin Reduction 

Chin reduction is a type of plastic surgery that involves shaving down the jawbone to alter the size and shape of a person’s chin. 

Like any other type of plastic surgery, you will need to follow certain aftercare instructions to keep your chances of developing an infection to a minimum and speed up your recovery. 

For more tips that will help you bounce back after your surgery, visit the Health section of our blog.