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Chin Surgery
Surgery
Of The Chin
A well defined chin helps give balance to the face and creates a major
part of one's profile. When people look in the mirror, most focus on the
size and shape of their noses, their ears, sagging jowls, or fine
wrinkling of the skin. But even though few examine their chins with the
same discerning eye, having a "weak chin" is certainly not an asset.
Surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty, or surgery of the nose, are often
the first to suggest that changes in chin size or shape may enhance a
profile as much as rhinoplasty. It is common for the facial plastic
surgeon to recommend chin surgery in addition to nose surgery when the
surgeon sees that chin augmentation is necessary to achieve facial balance
and harmony. Fortunately, this is a relatively straightforward
procedure that can make a major difference. |
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If you are wondering how chin surgery could improve your appearance, you need
to know how the surgery is performed and what you can expect from this
procedure. This article can address many of your concerns and provide you
with the information to begin considering chin surgery.
Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient
and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical
expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Your surgeon can
answer specific questions about your specific needs.
Is Chin Surgery For You?
As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are
prerequisites. It is also key to understand all aspects of the surgery. A
pleasing, balanced profile can be achieved by inserting an implant or moving the
bone forward to build up a receding chin, or by reducing a jutting or too
prominent chin. The result can be greater facial harmony and an increase in
self-confidence.
Another possibility for improvement through chin surgery is submental
liposuction in which excess fatty tissue is removed to redefine the chin or
neckline. When there is a contributing problem of dental malocclusions or
birth defects in the structure of the jaw itself, surgery of the jaw can improve
the form and function of the lower face and greatly enhance
appearance.
Your consultation can help you decide on the type of surgery that addresses
your concerns. Your surgeon can also provide information on new medical
techniques for chin surgery and offer recommendations for supplementary
surgery that can ensure the greatest improvement.
Making The Decision For Chin Surgery
Whether you are interested in chin surgery for functional or cosmetic
reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is extremely
important. During the consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly examine
your chin and jaw to pinpoint problems. In some instances, the surgeon will
suggest chin surgery as a supplement to rhinoplasty because a small chin can
make the nose appear larger. Your surgeon will weigh other factors that could
influence the outcome of surgery such as age, skin type, and attitudes toward
surgery. The surgical procedure will be described in detail along with
reasonable projections. If you opt for surgery, your surgeon will describe the
technique indicated, the type of anesthesia to be used, the surgical
facility, any additional surgery, and risks and costs.
Understanding The Surgery
To augment the chin, the surgeon begins by making an incision either in the
natural crease line just under the chin or inside the mouth, where gum and lower
lip meet. By gently stretching this tissue, the surgeon creates a space where an
implant can be inserted or the bone can be moved. This implant, made of
synthetic material that feels much like natural tissue normally found in the
chin, is available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. This allows custom
fitting of the implant to the configurations of the patient's face. After
implantation, the surgeon uses fine sutures to close the incision. When the
incision is inside the mouth, no scarring is visible. If the incision is under
the chin, the scar is usually imperceptible.
In chin reduction surgery, incisions are made either in the mouth or under
the chin. The surgeon sculpts the bone to a more pleasing size. For orthognathic
surgery, the surgeon will make an incision inside the mouth and reposition the
facial bones. The procedure, depending on the extent of the work, takes
from less than an hour to approximately three hours.
What To Expect After The Surgery
Immediately after surgery, the surgeon usually applies a dressing that will
remain in place for two to three days. You will experience some tenderness.
Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with prescribed medications. Chewing
will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and a liquid and soft
food diet may be required for a few days after surgery. Most patients feel a
stretched, tight sensation after the surgery, but this usually subsides in a
week.
After approximately six weeks, most swelling will be gone, and you can enjoy
the results of your procedure. Rigorous activity may be prohibited for the
first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after
approximately ten days.
Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to enhance your appearance and
eliminate signs of premature aging that undermine self-confidence. By changing
how you look, facial plastic surgery can improve your self-image.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic
reasons. Surgery to correct or improve genetic deformity or traumatic injury may
be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check
with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of
coverage.
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