Chin Surgery

Chin implant

This procedure involves placing a chin implant directly on your bone via a short incision under the chin or inside the mouth. Surgery will usually require about 1 hour. Before the surgery, your surgeon selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance. He or she then inserts it into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area. The implant is then secured with a titanium screw to prevent postoperative movement or malposition. Although an implant will add projection, it will not correct asymmetry, add length, tighten neck tissue, or allow modification of the labiomental crease (the groove between chin and lower lip).

Genioplasty

During osseous genioplasty, an incision is made inside the mouth and the bone that makes the chin is moved into a new position. The jaw is not broken, only the chin button is moved. Therefore, there are no restrictions on diet and no limitations on mouth opening. The advantage of this technique is that it allows the chin to be repositioned with control of the labiomental crease and three-dimensional movement. In a genioplasty, the bone is being moved forward and the muscles and tissue of the neck that attach to the back of the chin are being pulled tighter. This tightening of the soft tissue under the chin has a rejuvenating effect on the soft tissues of the neck, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Once the chin bone is in its new location, a titanium plate is used to secure it.

Your physician will give you specific instructions to prepare for the procedure, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery and your recovery proceed more smoothly.

Anesthesia will be administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the best choice for you.

Recovery after surgery

The chin is frequently taped to minimize swelling and discomfort. If an intraoral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve on their own. If the incision is made under your chin, your sutures will be removed within 1 to 2 weeks following your surgery. While the initial outcome of plastic surgery with facial implants is noticeable almost immediately, it may be obscured by visible swelling, which can take several months to fully dissipate. Some temporary numbness is usually present on the lower lips after chin surgery but typically returns to normal within several weeks.