Chin surgery, also known as genioplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or surgery on the bone. Many times a plastic surgeon may recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion. Chin surgery can help provide a harmonious balance to your facial features.
Plastic surgeons use facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours. There are many implants available, manufactured from a variety of materials.
Facial implants can enhance your appearance and give you a more youthful look. Plastic surgeons will frequently use facial implants to bring better balance to the features of a younger patient. The more mature patient may choose to have an implant placed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure.
For example, during a facelift, a patient may wish to have implants placed over the cheekbones to help restore a more youthful appearance. Implants may also be selected to fill out a face that appears "sunken" or tired.
Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, the surgeon selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the chin implant is made in the skin under the chin. For a bony genioplasty the incision is placed inside the mouth. The bony chin is cut and moved to the appropriate position. The bone is held in position using titanium micro plates and screws.
A chin dressing is used after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort.
You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks. Often people will not recognize that you have had facial implant surgery -- only that you look better.
You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days. It is normal to experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking. Bruising may be visible around the chin and neck. Your plastic surgeon will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to your activities after surgery.
Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days. If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve.
Remember, with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better in a short period of time. However, it may not be advisable to participate in certain physical activities for 3-4 weeks. Check with your plastic surgeon before engaging in these activities.