Chin Augmentation
Chin augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the size or shape of the chin. The procedure may involve surgical insertion of implants, or shifting or reshaping of the bones, or a combination of the two. Chin augmentation may be performed at the office of the plastic surgeon, or a hospital facility.
During the initial consultation process, the surgeon will take the X-rays of the face and chin. This will be used to determine which areas of the chin need to be worked upon. Dr. Eugene Kim will take into account the overall facial profile and proportion of facial features, along with the patient’s personal aesthetic goals in order to create a customized treatment plan for chin augmentation.
Need for Chin Augmentation
Chin augmentation procedure is typically performed with an aim to improve the balance among various facial features, particularly the nose. Individuals with weak or receding chins, which make the nose appear more prominent, may be fantastic candidates for chin augmentation. Mostly, the candidates will have a normal bite, and will need the procedure just to improve facial aesthetics.
Procedure
When chin augmentation only involves an implant to round out the chin, the procedure may be performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia. The surgeon will make the incision inside the mouth or beneath the chin outside. A cavity will be carved through the incision in front of the chin bone where the implant will be placed. Sutures or screws will be used to attach the implant to the bone. The incision will finally be closed with sutures.
If the procedure involves reshaping the bone, the surgeon will make an incision inside the mouth along the lower gum. This will provide access to the chin bone, and the surgeon will make a second incision through the jaw bone using a chisel or bone saw. The jaw bone will be shifted and screwed in place. The incision will be closed with sutures. The entire procedure may be completed in about one to three hours.
In many cases, chin augmentation and rhinoplasty may be performed together to achieve more harmonious results. Facial liposuction may also be performed in some cases. If the patient suffers from bite problems, these can be corrected along with the chin augmentation surgery.
Recovery and Results
Most patients will experience mild pain and soreness in the treated area for a few days, which can be managed with pain medication. Some amount of numbness in the chin may remain for up to three months. In about six weeks, most of the swelling will disappear, depending on the extent of surgery involved.
The surgeon may remove the outside bandage in a week, and may require the patient to wear a brace while sleeping for about one month. Most patients will be able to return to their workplace or resume regular activities in a week to ten days. In most cases, the implants are good for life. A scar will not be noticeable if it was made inside the mouth or underneath the chin.
