Chin Surgery

The chin is an important aspect of one’s appearance.  Along with the nose and forehead, it plays a vital role in balancing the facial features.  Most people agree that a chin should be prominent but proportional in relation to other aspects of your face.

Chin surgery is intended to correct a facial imbalance caused by a weak or inadequate chin.  This surgery takes several forms including sliding genioplasty and chin augmentation, i.e. alloplastic mentoplasty.  Using an anatomically shaped facial implant, a plastic surgeon can increase projection of your chin to balance your facial features.

Are You a Candidate for Chin Surgery?

If you’re a candidate for chin surgery / augmentation, you probably have a chin that is not proportional.  This means that your chin is not necessarily small, but relatively small. Such a condition can make your nose or forehead appear more prominent.

The medical term for this condition is microgenia, characterized by inadequate underlying bone structure in the chin.  If you are bothered by this condition, you may be an ideal candidate for chin surgery.  Patients must be psychologically stable and capable of understanding the risks, benefits and limitations of cosmetic surgery.  Patients who present severe microgenia or dental problems may not be good candidates for chin surgery.

How It Works: Alloplastic Mentoplasty

The doctor will examine your face, head, neck and jaw to determine if you are a suitable candidate for chin surgery.  If you proceed with surgery, the doctor will give you instructions on using facial cleanser or antibacterial mouthwash, depending on the planned incision site.

Local and/or general anesthesia can be used during chin surgery, depending on the circumstances and your plastic surgeon’s preference.  There are also two different incision methods for placement of a chin implant: the intraoral incision (in the mouth) and below the chin.  There are special considerations for each incision.  The intraoral incision leaves no visible scar but carries a higher risk of infection.  An incision below the chin leaves a small but permanent scar.

After performing the incision, the surgeon creates a pocket for the implant, selects an implant of proper size and shape, and then secures it in place in front of your jawbone.  Soft sutures are used to close the incision, followed by wound dressing.

What to Expect After Chin Surgery

Dr. Ljung will send you home with post-operative instructions that should be closely followed.  These may include steps to elevate your head, eat a soft diet, avoid contact with the incisions/chin, and practie good oral hygiene.  You may also be prescribed antibiotics and pain medications.  After about 7-10 days, the sutures will be removed in a follow-up appointment.

Possible Side Effects / Risks

Like all surgical procedures, chin surgery has some uncertainty and risk.  Complications are relatively rare but can occur.  Possible complications include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, implant malposition or mobility, and nerve injury.  Ask Dr. Ljung for more information if you are concerned about complications.

To learn more about chin surgery in Wilmington or Jacksonville, North Carolina, contact Azalea Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.