Understanding Chin Surgery (Mentoplasty- chin reduction/ Genioplasty- chin augmentation)

A well-defined chin helps give balance to the face and creates a major part of one’s profile. When people look in the mirror, most focus on the size or shape of their noses, their ears, sagging jowls, or fine wrinkling of the skin. But even though few examine their chins with the same discerning eye, having a “weak chin” is certainly not an asset. Many surgeons like Dr. Dale Smith will recommend a chin surgery in conjunction with a nasal surgery to achieve facial balance and harmony.

 

Is Chin Surgery for you?

As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are

prerequisites. It is also key to understand all aspects of the 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 jutting or too prominent chin. The result can be greater facial harmony and an increase in self-confidence.

Another possibility for improvement through chin surgery is sub mental liposuction in which excess fatty tissue is removed to redefine the chin or neckline.

 

Making the decision for Chin Surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Smith can help you decide on the type of surgery(s) that addresses your concerns. Your surgeon will thoroughly examine your chin and jaw to pinpoint problems. In some instances, your surgeon will suggest chin surgery as a supplement to nasal surgery because a small chin can make the nose appear larger. Your surgeon will weigh other factors that could influence the outcome of surgery such as age, skin type, and attitudes toward surgery. The surgical procedure will be described in detail along with reasonable projections.

Insurance does not cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic surgery fees are the responsibility of the patient, however, we do accept CareCredit. You can easily apply online prior to services.

 

Understanding the surgery

To augment the chin, the surgeon begins by making an 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 inserted or the bone can be moved. The implant, made of synthetic material that feels much like natural tissue normally found in the chin, is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. 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 in the chin. The surgeon sculpts the bone to a more pleasing size. The procedure typically takes one to three hours to complete, depending on the extent of the work.

 

What to expect after Chin Surgery

Immediately after your surgery, the surgeon will apply 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.

 

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.

 

Facial Cosmetic Surgery makes it possible to enhance your appearance and eliminates signs of premature aging that undermines self-confidence. By changing how you look, Facial Cosmetic Surgery can improve your self-image.