Chin Augmentation to Restore a Youthful Look

One of the areas on the face that often shows aging signs early is the chin. Through a chin augmentation procedure the area can be dramatically improved to achieve better facial balance. Chin implants provide the most common way of augmenting the chin area.

Many people with smaller, weaker, or receding chins opt for this procedure to help improve their facial profiles and restore youthful appearance. It is an easy procedure for the patient and can significantly improve appearance. However, the procedure should be performed by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, otolaryngologist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dr. Bloch is one of the most respected plastic surgeons with over 30 years of practice in the area of plastic surgery. Book for your chin surgery consultation with the board certified plastic surgeon conveniently online at www.bodybybloch.com.

WHY THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED

Chin augmentation is usually done to balance the face by making the chin longer or bigger compared to the nose. The best candidates for chin augmentation are people with weak or receding chins (microgenia), but who have a normal bite.

Before your surgery, discuss how you want to look and feel with the plastic surgeon. Keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.

How is chin augmentation performed?

Dr. Bloch will examine you to determine if you are a good candidate for a chin augmentation procedure. The chin and the face are scanned with x-rays to determine the part of the chin to be operated. Depending on the assessment made by the surgeon, your chin augmentation may require placement of implants, fat tissue, other biological inserts or even manipulation of the jaw bone. You will be put under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The incision is either made inside the mouth or under the chin outside, and creates a pocket between the chin bone and the muscles. The surgeon places the implant and attaches it with sutures or screws to the chin bone. The incision is then closed and if inside the mouth no scars will be expected to be seen.

What should you expect during recovery?

After your chin augmentation surgery, you can expect to experience discomfort with soreness. Dr. Bloch will prescribe medication to control your discomfort and promote faster recovery with reduced risk of infections. Numbness may be felt in the chin area for up to 3 months. Swelling usually disappears within a period of 6 weeks, but that depends on how your procedure was performed. You should be able to go back to your normal work activities after 10 days, but the doctor will advise you and provide the specific instructions that will ensure faster healing.

RISKS

most common complications of chin augmentation are:

• Bruising
• Movement of the implant
• Swelling

Other possible complications include:

• Damage to the teeth
• Loss of feeling

Rare side effects include:

• Blood clots
• Infection — sometimes the implant will have to be removed
• Pain that does not go away
• Numbness or other changes in feeling to the skin

Although most patients are happy with the outcome, poor cosmetic results that may need more surgery include:

• Wounds that do not heal well
• Scarring
• Unevenness of the face
• Fluid that collects under the skin
• Irregular skin shape (contour)

Nicotine from smoking can delay healing.