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Chin augmentation

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Chin augmentation  - series
Chin augmentation - series

Alternative Names    Return to top

Augmentation mentoplasty; Genioplasty

Definition    Return to top

A chin augmentation is a surgical procedure to reshape or enhance the size of the chin.

Description    Return to top

Chin augmentation is usually done to balance the face by making the chin longer compared to the nose. Surgery may be performed in the surgeon's office, a hospital, or an outpatient clinic.

You will have x-rays taken of your face and chin, which the doctor will use to determine what part of the chin to operate on.

One surgical approach is to make a cut inside the mouth along the lower gum. This gives the surgeon access to the chin bone. The surgeon uses a bone saw or chisel to make a second cut through the jaw bone. The jaw bone is moved forward to the desired position and wired or screwed in place. The cut is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. Since the surgery is performed inside the mouth, you can't see any scars.

When you need only a little bit of chin augmentation to round out the chin, the surgeon may use real bone or an implant made of silicone, Teflon, or Dacron. For this procedure, a cut is made either inside the mouth or outside under the chin. A pocket is created in front of the chin bone and under the muscles, and the implant is placed inside. The cut is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. The scar is barely visible.

Surgery to correct bite problems can be done at the same time as chin surgery.

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

The best candidates for chin augmentation are people with weak or receding chins (microgenia), but who have a normal dental bite.

Before your surgery, discuss your expectations about looking and feeling better with the plastic surgeon. Keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.

Risks    Return to top

The most common complications of chin augmentation are:

Other possible complications include:

Rare side effects include:

Nicotine from smoking can delay healing.

After the Procedure    Return to top

You will feel some discomfort and soreness, which you can easily control with medication. You might have to stick to a liquid diet for a day or two. You can resume light activity the day of surgery.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

You should be able to return to work and your usual activity within 7 to 10 days. You'll probably have the outside bandage removed within a week of surgery.

References    Return to top

McGrath MH. Elective plastic surgical procedures in adolescence. Adolesc Med Clin. 2004;15(3):487-502.

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005:810-811.

Update Date: 10/19/2007

Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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