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Chin Augmentation (Genioplasty)
San Francisco - Oakland - Santa Rosa - Marin
Thousands of genioplasties (chin augmentation) are performed successfully each year. Aesthetic genioplasties are typically performed to add size and contour to a receding chin. The patient usually has a normal bite or dental occlusion which will not be affected by chin augmentation. The extent of the procedure depends on what changes are desired and what your surgeon deems appropriate. There are two basic approaches to chin augmentation. In some cases, it may be best to move the chin bone forward when only a modest degree of chin augmentation is required to provide contour, Dr. Delgado may choose to use a chin implant or prosthesis.
Indications
Any man or woman who had an under-developed chin is a candidate for chin augmentation. On profile, the retrusive chin adds imbalance to the face. If a patient has a large nose, it makes the chin appear smaller. The retrusive chin may cause more crowding underneath the chin, causing the neck and jaw line to be less defined.
Before Chin Augmentation Surgery
At your initial consultation, Dr. Delgado will have you express your concerns about your appearance. Your medical history, physical examination, and dental history will be taken at that time. Dr. Delgado will use digital photograph and computer imaging to evaluate the deficiencies of your chin. The computer imaging can provide a realistic appearance of how a chin augmentation would appear. Based on the facial anatomy, the computer can calculate within milliliters the size augmentation that would be best for your facial anatomy.
Precise preoperative instructions will be given to you before surgery that will include prescriptions for all required medications. All aspirin, aspirin containing products, and anti-inflammatory products must be stopped at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. You will be provided with a complete list of these medications to avoid. Tylenol may be taken during this time. Also you will be given a list of vitamins and homeopathic preparations to take prior to and after surgery. This is done to limit bruising and to promote healing.
Anesthesia
In the vast majority of cases, chin augmentations can be performed under local anesthesia, or with IV sedation in the office or an outpatient surgery center. Dr. Delgado will help make the best decision for you.
Operative Procedure
After preoperative markings are made, you will be given the appropriate anesthesia. The two approaches that are taken is either the genioplasty with the movement of bone or the chin implant. In the former technique, the surgeon makes an incision inside the mouth to gain assess to the chin bone. Using a sawing instrument, the surgeon makes a horizontal cut through bone. The lower portion of the separate bone is moved forward and wired in place. The incision in the mouth is closed with sutures and an external pressure dressing is placed over the chin. Since surgery is performed through an internal incision, the patient has no visible scaring. When a chin implant is placed, the incision is made either inside the mouth or externally on the other side of the chin. Working through the incision, the surgeon creates a pocket above the chin bone and under the muscles, and inserts an appropriate size prosthesis or chin implant. The incision is closed and a pressure dressing applied. The result and scar from the external excision is negligible.
Postoperative
The first few hours after surgery are spent in the recovery room. When you are fully alert you can go home to be cared for by a friend or family member. It is extremely important that the head and back are elevated to minimize swelling and bruising. The pain from the chin augmentation is minimal. There is a moderate amount of swelling in the area and there may be five to seven days of temporary numbness around the chin area. Pain medications are prescribed, although this is usually unnecessary after a day or two. There is an amount of bruising and swelling for approximately a week that can easily be covered with makeup. Most patient can return to work and social activities after one week. Strenuous exercise is avoided for four to six weeks.
Risks and Complications
As with all operations, infection, bleeding, scaring and risks of complications are present. On rare occasion there could be slight asymmetry of the chin implant. There could be prolonged numbness around the chin and lower lip area that is usually transient and improves once the swelling comes down, and on rare occasions there could be injury to the actual nerve.
Results
The goal of chin augmentation is to create a better balance and harmony with the rest of the face. The improvement is not transient and will last forever. In addition, patients undergoing a chin implant have had a much improved jaw line and neck line.