Chin Augmentation

A well defined chin helps give balance to the face and creates a major part of one's profile. When a person looks in the mirror, most of the focus is on the size and shape of the nose and loose skin of the neck and jawline or jowls. Surgeons who specialize in facial plastic surgery are often the first to suggest that changes in chin size or shape may enhance a profile as much as rhinoplasty. It is common for the facial plastic surgeon to recommend chin surgery in addition to nose surgery when the surgeon sees that chin augmentation is necessary to achieve facial balance and harmony. Fortunately, this is a relatively straightforward procedure that can make a major difference.

Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops during the consultation before surgery. Your surgeon can answer your personal questions about your specific needs.

IS CHIN SURGERY FOR YOU?

Good health and realistic expectations are key components to any elective surgery. A pleasing, balanced profile can be achieved by inserting an implant or moving the bone forward to build up a receding chin, or by reducing a too prominent chin. The result can be greater facial harmony.

Another possibility for improvement through chin surgery is submental liposuction in which excess fatty tissue is removed to better define the chin or neckline. When there is a contributing problem of dental malocclusions or birth defects in the structure of the jaw itself, surgery of the jaw can improve the form and function of the lower face and greatly enhance appearance.  Consultation with an oral-maxillofacial surgeon in conjunction with a facial plastic surgeon may be recommended.

Your individualized consultation with your surgeon will allow you to discuss if chin surgery would be an appropriate choice for you.

UNDERSTANDING CHIN SURGERY

During chin augmentation surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision either in the natural crease line just under the chin or inside the mouth, where gum and lower lip meet. By gently stretching this tissue, the surgeon creates a space where an implant can be placed. This implant, made of synthetic material that feels much like natural tissue normally found in the chin, is available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. This allows custom fitting of the implant to the configurations of the patient's face. After implantation, the surgeon uses fine sutures to close the incision. When the incision is inside the mouth, no scarring is visible. If the incision is under the chin, the scar is usually imperceptible.

In chin reduction surgery, incisions are made either in the mouth or under the chin. The surgeon sculpts the bone to a more pleasing size. For orthognathic surgery, the surgeon will make an incision inside the mouth and reposition the facial bones. The procedure, depending on the extent of the work, takes from less than an hour to approximately three hours.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY

Immediately after surgery, the surgeon usually applies a dressing that will remain in place for two to three days. You will experience some tenderness. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with prescribed medications. Chewing will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and a liquid and soft food diet may be required for a few days after surgery. Most patients feel a stretched, tight sensation after the surgery, but this usually subsides in a week.  Some patients may experience temporary numbness of the area.

After approximately six weeks, most swelling will be gone, and you can enjoy the results of your procedure. Rigorous activity may be prohibited for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after approximately ten days.