surgical procedures

With the value that is placed on physical beauty today by the media and societal standards, many of us feel pressure to improve our appearance, whether to compete in the business world, improve our social goals, or simply to feel better about ourselves.

The beauty and harmony of the face comes from features that are in balanced proportion to each other. A receded chin, also called a “weak” chin, is out of proportion to the other features and can make a normal nose seem larger as well as making the face less attractive. Having a chin that is too pointed or large can create a disproportionate and unappealing face as well.

Building up a recessive chin with an implant is a permanent method of bringing balance and a sense of correct proportion to the face, making it more aesthetically pleasing and boosting the self-confidence of the affected person.

An unusually large or pointed chin can be corrected surgically by removing a portion of the bone to reshape or reduce the size.

The best candidates for chin augmentation or reduction surgery:

• have a recessive chin and/or very prominent nose, or have an extraordinarily large, pointed, or elongated chin.
• are generally healthy.
• have completed growth and development of the chin.
• do not smoke.
• have realistic expectations.
• do not have pre-existing dental or sinus conditions that might affect the surgery.
• have not taken anticoagulants for at least six months.

Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia will be used. The procedure usually can be performed in 30 minutes to one hour.

To build up a receded chin, a small incision is made inside the mouth so there will be no visible scar after healing. (If liposuction to reduce a double chin is done at the same time, the incision is made just beneath the chin.) A pocket is created and an implant is placed against the lower jawbone and sutured into place, then the incision is closed. The chin may be taped to reduce discomfort and to help prevent swelling.

For reduction surgery to correct a long or protruding chin, portions of the jawbone will be trimmed to bring the chin into better balance with the rest of the face.

Chin augmentation or reduction is often performed at the same time a facelift or rhinoplasty is done for a markedly improved and more youthful facial appearance.

Instructions for mouth care and diet will be given to you following surgery. You will need to follow a liquid or soft diet for several days while healing from the incision. Using a mouthwash will be necessary to keep the incision site clean.

You may have some difficulty when talking or smiling until swelling subsides. You may experience temporary swelling and tightness in the chin, but this discomfort can be controlled with medication. Sutures made inside your mouth will dissolve after a few days; those made under the chin will be removed within five to six days following surgery. You can resume most activities within 5-7 days.

Although recovery from chin surgery is generally uneventful, risks such as bleeding and infection are possible as with any surgical procedure. Possible complications (numbness of the chin, shifting of the implant) specific to mentoplasty will be discussed during your consultation.