Chin surgery, or genioplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction or advanced surgery on the bone called genioplasty.
Implant surgery can often be performed on the lower jaw line and chin area to improve proportions of the face and to help with one’s confidence and self-esteem. These types of interventions are frequently suggested to improve the harmony of facial features and improve the chin/jaw/cheek/forehead balance.
You are a good candidate for chin implant surgery if
Consultation
During your consultation, you will meet with your surgeon and his/her team to discuss a customized treatment plan. You will need to be prepared to answer questions about your health history, including any prescription medications, supplements or recreational drugs you may take.
This will allow your surgeon to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the chin implant procedure, and if you have any risk factors that would impede your healing or increase the risk of adverse effects during your surgery.
Procedure
A chin surgery requires different incisions based on the technique used as well as on your surgeon’s preferred approach. Some plastic surgeons work through an incision inside the mouth, whereas other plastic surgeons perform the operation through an incision under your chin.
Surgery can be performed on the chin to alter or improve its appearance. The two main types of chin surgery are either chin augmentation or chin reduction.
Chin augmentation/implants
Chin augmentation surgery is usually performed to augment an under projected chin. Typically, this is accomplished by placement of an implant directly on the bone.Chin implants are pliable, which allows them to be inserted through a small opening. Your physician will insert and carefully position a sterile implant, ensuring a tension-free fit inside the pocket. With the implant in place, then we close the pocket and skin incision with sutures. Small bandages in combination with a compression bandage may be applied to provide comfort and support.
Chin reduction surgery
Chin reduction surgery, or chin shaving surgery, is performed to reduce a prominent or over projected chin. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. A small incision is made either inside the mouth or underneath the skin of the chin. Excess bone is removed, and the chin is contoured to the desired shape. The incision is closed with sutures.
Chin Implants
Chin implants are made of soft, solid silicone or porous substances that are designed to integrate with surrounding tissues
Sometimes bone from the jaw itself can be moved forward in an operation called a genioplasty. Alternatively, shaped silicone implants can be used to give more projection to the chin. Conversely, bone can be removed to decrease an overly projecting chin. Furthermore, modifications to the upper and/or lower jaw can be advised for improved chewing dynamics and occlusion—or how the teeth fit together. These operations can range from simple to very complex.Additionally, with recent advances in technology, and after obtaining informed consent after reviewing all options, risks and benefits, your plastic surgeon may suggest off-label use of FDA approved gel filler material as an alternative for providing augmentation of the chin area that may last for a shorter duration.
Risks
Is it painful ?
As with any surgical procedure, you will likely experience some painChin implant surgery is somewhat more painful than other common facial plastic surgery procedures.
However, you surgeon will prescribe suitable painkiller and you will be provided by ice bags which should be applied to the area of surgery. You might find hardness in speaking or eating. All these sensations are normal and will resolve as you heal.
recovery
Following your chin surgery, gauze dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or compression garment may minimize swelling and support the chin as it heals following surgery. Alternatively, you may not have any dressings or bandages. If you have a chin implant placed through an incision inside your mouth, you may be placed on a liquid diet and/or given special mouth rinses.
Swelling, and bruising after surgery, which will decrease over the course of several days. If the incision was made inside your mouth, the sutures will most likely dissolve.
If non-dissolving sutures were used for an incision beneath your chin, they will usually be removed within seven to ten days. While you may feel well enough to return to work and normal activities in approximately a week, you should avoid any strenuous physical activity for approximately three to four weeks.
results
You will notice results from facial implant procedures immediately. Swelling after the procedure may cause the skin to appear shiny at first, but it will subside within a couple of weeks, and the skin will regain its normal appearancel. Scars are hidden in creases or in areas where they are difficult to detect, and they will fade considerably over time, making them almost imperceptible.
With chin implants, you can achieve the shape, definition, and contours that you have always wanted.
Things to keep in mind
Chin Implants are permanent
In chin implant surgery, the doctor will insert a flexible implant on top of the bone. Though chin implants are made with a biocompatible material, your body will not break them down over time. That means your benefits of chin implant surgery will be permanent. While skin fillers can provide a temporary improvement.