If you have a receding chin or any deformity of the chin whether by birth or through injury, you can have a chin augmentation procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to correct the problem. The procedure can be very effective in reshaping or enhancing the size your chin if done properly, so you will need it performed by a board certified plastic surgeon with the right training and qualifications. The procedure is often performed using chin implants, reshaping or moving the bones. The plastic surgeon usually examines your chin to know which chin augmentation option can produce the best outcome for you. The most important goal with this procedure is often to help achieve a balance of your facial features, and is therefore often performed together with rhinoplasty (nose surgery) or facial liposuction.
Good candidates
Before the chin augmentation procedure is performed, the plastic surgeon will evaluate your health status, attitude and expectations to know if you are good candidate. However, the best candidates for the procedure are individuals with microgenia, a condition characterized by receding or week chins. When going for this procedure, you should expect to get an improved chin appearance and not a perfect one. If your goal is to correct any facial asymmetry, you are also a good candidate for the procedure.
A particular process, known as a sliding genioplasty, involves mobilizing a horseshoe-shaped piece of the bottom part of the chin bone by osteotomy and sliding it either backwards or forwards, finally fixing it in place with a titanium step plate using titanium screws. The bone segments can also be fixed by using 26 or 27 gauge wires and IMF given for 3-4weeks. This type of surgery is usually performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a plastic surgeon.
You will feel some discomfort and soreness, which you can easily control with medication. You may feel some numbness in your chin for up to 3 months, and a stretching sensation around your chin for 1 week. Most of the swelling will be gone by 6 weeks, depending on the type of procedure you had. You might have to stick to a liquid or soft diet for at least a day or two. You’ll probably have the outside bandage removed within a week of surgery.
You may be asked to wear a brace while you are sleeping for 4 – 6 weeks. You can resume light activity the day of surgery. You should be able to return to work and your usual activities within 7 – 10 days. Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions.
Potential Risks
After your chin augmentation procedure is performed, you might experience complications such as swelling, bruising and even implant movement. These are not serious complications and should disappear within a reasonably short period of time. Other potential complications may have to do with teeth damage and loss of feeling. Blood clots, skin numbness, infection and pain that doesn’t go away are some of the rare side effects. Sometimes more surgery might be necessary especially if wounds that won’t heal, irregular skin contours, scarring, uneven face, fluid collecting under your skin, and other problems are experienced.
