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Incision Placement Options

• Intraoral: This incision is placed within the lower rear portion of the inside of the mouth. It is located between the lower gums and the jaw area. This is beginning to be the incision placement of choice for most surgeons. Although it has the advantages of no visible scar, it runs the risk of higher rate of infection due to the bacteria in the mouth. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or have any gum disease or cavities. These two could cause an infection as well as significantly impede healing.

• Behind the Ear: This intradermal incision is placed well behind the ear. Some doctors still make incisions in front or near the front of the ear (peri-auricular)- although this leaves a visible scar.

• Submandibular Intradermal:  Sometimes an incision is placed underneath the jawline to place your implants.  The drawbacks are of course the visibility of the scar.

• In conjunction with other procedures: If you are having a neck lift, face lift or other type of lower face surgery your surgeon may choose to use these incisions instead to implant your mandibular prostheses.

Incision Care and Scar Lessening
Intraoral incisions have a higher rate of infection so please take care to be sure all meats are cooked thoroughly, this includes no sashimi (sushi), steak tar tar, even seviche/ceviche.  Also be sure that all raw fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed or avoid them altogether until your incision is healed.

No "tonguing" the incision or touching it with your fingers or any other object unless specifically told by your surgeon (i.e. sterile antibacterial ointments with a sterile cotton swab).

Extraoral scars may be lessened with the use of silicone gel sheeting-backed foam squares which your surgeon may use as padding under your chin in conjunction with your support garment.  Some surgeons simply use Steri-Strips(R) which may work equally as well.

Some surgeons choose tissue glue for extraoral incisions, whereas many use conventional suture material.  If no post-operative therapy was used immediately after, you may choose to use scar gels such as Maderma or silicone sheeting. Please see our Scar Treatment section for more information.

 Injectable Fillers
Injectable products for jaw augmentation can deliver immediate results and can be in many cases, very rewarding.  Some are temporary and can be used as a "try on" to ascertain if you'd even like an enhanced jaw before actually going through with a more permanent procedure.  There are no incisions for injectables but you will have small pin pricks which may leave needles marks adn small bruises.  Swelling will be an issue, the severity depending upon the type and amount of product.

References:
Photo: BD Bard-Parker(TM) Protected Disposable Scalpel: The Leader in Precise Surgical Instruments