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Chin Surgery: Augmentation (Genioplasty) and Reduction (Mentoplasty) A balanced facial appearance depends partly on the shape and size of your chin in relationship to your nose. Chin surgery can reduce or augment the chin to give your face a more balanced appearance. Options and Combinations Other procedures may be performed with chin surgery. For example, liposuction may be used to treat a double chin or to remove excessive fat in the chin area and neckline. The surgeon may suggest chin surgery as a supplement tonose reshaping because a small chin can make the nose appear larger. Chin surgery may be recommended as part of a combination treatment plan for a facelift patient as well. For a droopy chin, your doctor may recommend corrective elevation. Getting Started with Chin Surgery Chin surgery is performed in a private hospital facility. The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia (sedated, numbed, and awake). For more complicated cases, general anesthesia may be used (asleep). Patients usually return home within hours of the procedure. Some patients require an overnight stay. Depending upon the extent of the case, time in surgery may be one or more hours. To decide how to proceed, Dr Zacharia will examine your chin and jaw, and weigh factors that could influence the outcome of surgery, such as your age, skin type, and whether you are psychologically prepared for treatment. Mentoplasty: Chin Reduction During the mentoplasty procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in one of two possible locations: under the lower lip inside the mouth under the chin in an inconspicuous location The surgeon will then use an electrical instrument (a bone burr or a drill) to reduce and reshape the bone to create a more natural appearance. The surgeon will stitch the incision closed and apply tape to the chin area. Genioplasty: Chin Augmentation Genioplasty can be performed by the use of a chin i mplant to augment a receding chin, or by the surgical advancement of the bone itself. Once you and your surgeon decide whether to use a chin implant or to advance your own bone, the incision will be chosen. GENIOPLASTY WITH A CHIN IMPLANT If a chin implant is chosen, an incision is in one of two possible locations: under the lower lip inside the mouth under the chin in an inconspicuous location The implant is placed in an appropriately sized pocket. Sizers are used to achieve the best appearance; then the actual implant is carefully placed and the incisions are closed. GENIOPLASTY WITH BONE ADVANCEMENT To advance bone in the chin, the surgeon makes an incision under the lower lip inside the mouth using a powered saw with a special blade to separate the edge of the chin bone. The surgeon moves the separated chin-bone tip forward and positions it with wires or special bone plates and screws. Finally, the surgeon stitches the incision closed and applies tape to the chin area. After Chin Surgery You may also experience significant swelling or discoloration in the treated area, which will subside over the course of several weeks. The stitches are typically removed within seven days of the procedure. Follow your doctor's post-operative instruction list to help reduce the risk of complications. There may be some pain, which can be managed with oral medications. The surgeon may have recommendations to reduce swelling, such as elevating your head. Normal activities can be resumed typically within seven days. Complications and Risks of Chin Surgery There are risks associated with any plastic surgery procedure. Complications in the mentoplasty or genioplasty procedures do not occur often. Although rare, a small number of patients may develop an infection in the chin or lip area, usually treated with antibiotics. The surgeon may recommend a waiting period to see if the infection resolves itself with antibiotic treatment. In rare instances an infection requires surgical drainage. Scar tissue formation is also a possibility. Over time, portions of the bone may erode; however, this does not typically cause any medical concerns, discomfort, or changes in the appearance of the chin. In the genioplasty procedure, wires or plates are removed if they cause discomfort. Patients may experience lack of sensitivity in the chin or lip area; however, the numbness is usually temporary. In rare cases, sensitivity loss may be permanent. It is important to note that complications are infrequent and there are options available to treat complications. Consult a Qualified Facial Plastic Surgeon Consulting a qualified facial plastic surgeon will enable you to choose the best treatment plan for your condition and your goals. During your consultation, the surgeon will complete a medical evaluation and will describe the technique, the type of anesthesia to be used, the surgical facility, any additional surgery, risks, and costs. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Here are some tips to consider when consulting a facial plastic surgeon: Review the surgeon's credentials, education, training, type of board certification held, and the number of times that the treatment has been performed by the plastic surgeon. View before-and-after photos of the surgeon's patients who received chin surgery to help set reasonable expectations. Bring a photo of the results you would like the see. The surgeon can help determine if this is a reasonable expectation. Inquire about the type of equipment used, where the procedure will be performed, and extent of the treatment plan. Inquire about the specific technique that is recommended for your situation. Techniques may vary among surgeons and patients. Review the pre-operative and post-operative instruction list provided by the surgeon. These instructions may include - o no eating or drinking after midnight before surgery o a prescribed antibiotic for both before and after the procedure. o ceasing certain medications o having someone drive you home after the procedure o having someone help with daily activities for at least twenty-four hours o diet restrictions (liquid or soft foods) for about a week after surgery The information provide on this site is not intended to replace the need for a doctors consultation. Final decisions should not be made until an individual assessment has taken place with the surgeon. There is no obligation on the part of the patient to undergo surgery by attending a consultation. Please phone 1800 685 438