Chin Augmentation

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Disclaimer: The details in this section are for general information only. Always check with your own doctor.

Why have a chin augmentation/reduction?

The chin plays an important role in facial balance. Correcting the chin position will improve the aesthetic appearance of the face by introducing a more pleasing balance between the upper, mid and lower thirds of the face, especially in the side view. The teeth and the bite will not be improved or altered.

The Procedure

There are 2 basic approaches to augmenting a chin. The first being a chin implant, usually made of silicone. The second is called a genioplasty, where cuts are made into the jaw bone to correct the position of the chin. The position is then held with screws.

The chin implant is a reasonably quick procedure and involves a cut on the inside of the lower lip. Some surgeons prefer a cut in the skin just below the chin. A pocket is then created around the lower edge of the mandible by pushing the soft tissues out of the way. The implant is fitted inside the pocket and is normally held by the surrounding soft tissues but may need fixing with a screw/s. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. Some surgeons then apply a dressing to try prevent any bleeding.

The Genioplasty takes longer to do but does allow for a more precise three dimentional correction, including reducing the chin. It involves a cut inside the lower lip and raising a pocket of the soft tissue away from the lower jaw. Cuts are then carefully placed in the bone to allow the lower part of the jaw bone to slide forward and or downward as needed to correct the chin position. The position is then held by screws, although plates and screws are sometimes used. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures and some surgeons then apply a dressing.

After the operation

Some swelling is to be expected, but this will settle over the following days. The incision will be uncomfortable and painkillers may be needed. The appearance will be improved immediately, but due to swelling it may take a while for the final result to be seen. If the surgeon used a skin incision, this scar will need some aftercare which will be explained by the surgeon.
 
Possible Complications

Complications are rare but a risk of infection does exist. Most infections would settle with antibiotics, but in severe cases the surgeon may need to remove any foreign material, such as implants and screws. The procedure can then be revisited after the infection has settled.
Bleeding may lead to bruising, but this will settle over time. Some patients experience numbness over the lower lip, but this recovers mostly over the following weeks. In rare cases the teeth may feel numb for a period of time.
In order to minimize the risk of bleeding, it is important to stop medications that prevent coagulation two weeks before the operation, until two weeks afterwards. Examples of these medications are aspirin, warfarin and anti-inflammatory medications. Please discuss any homeopathic, over the counter medications or alternative medicines you may be taking with your surgeon.

General aftercare

Be careful with the lower lip where the incision was made for the first few days while brushing your teeth. Regular painkillers will help with discomfort. Regular mouthwash will help keep the area in a healthy condition and free from food.
The dissolvable sutures will fall out after a few days and do not need any specific care.

Any temperatures or spreading red areas of the skin should be reported to the surgical team.

The surgeon will normally arrange a follow up visit within a few weeks after the surgery.