BEFORE: Plan to stop blood-thinning meds only if your surgeon says so, and share all supplements, even “natural” ones. If you use nicotine, you’ll be asked to quit for a set window because it raises healing risks. Line up a ride home and a helper for the first night, since you may feel groggy. Have soft foods ready, plus ice packs, lip balm, and a way to sleep with your head elevated. Brush and floss well, and follow any special mouth-rinse steps if the incision may be inside. Take your before photos, then follow fasting rules and arrive in loose, easy clothing. Clear expectations now make recovery calmer later.

DURING: The team checks your plan, confirms markings, and keeps you comfortable with the right anesthesia. For an implant, a small opening is made under the chin crease or inside the lower lip, then a precise pocket is formed. For a bone move, the chin bone is carefully cut, shifted, and secured with small plates and screws. Either way, the goal is steady symmetry and a smooth transition into the jawline. You’ll likely wear a support strap or dressing, and you may feel pressure more than sharp pain. Before you leave, you get written care steps, pain control guidance, and a follow-up date. Most people go home the same day once they are awake, stable, and cleared to drink fluids.

AFTER: Expect swelling and a tight feeling at first, with the biggest puffiness early on. Cold packs, head elevation, and short walks help you feel better and lower stiffness. If the incision is inside the mouth, careful rinsing and gentle brushing protect the area while it seals. Stick to soft foods until chewing feels normal, and avoid heavy lifting or hard workouts until cleared. Numbness can fade slowly as nerves calm down. Most bruising improves in 10–14 days, but fine shaping keeps refining for months. Call your surgeon right away for fever, sudden one-sided swelling, spreading redness, or drainage.