Procedures

Chin Augmentation

Medical Term: Genioplasty

Who is a Candidate?

• A person who's chin is recessive or small, relative to other facial proportions such as the nose
• A person with a poorly projecting or narrow chin, who desires an improved jaw line
• Patients with malocclusion or bite problems

Goal of Surgery:

• To improve facial proportions and balance with other facial features
• Creation of a well defined jaw line
• An attractive profile

Procedure Description:

• The procedure is done as an outpatient under general or local anesthesia
• An incision is made under the chin
• A chin implant is placed underneath the soft tissue of the lower jaw bone
• Sizers are used to determine the most appropriate size and shape of the implant required to improve a patient's appearance
• The incision is closed with sutures
• In some instances, when correcting an abnormal bite, the jaw bone is actually moved foreword, restoring a normal bite and augmenting the chin without the presence of an implant. These types of procedures are usually done by oral-maxillofacial surgeons

Postoperative Course:

• There is mild to moderate swelling of the chin which resolves in about 5 days
• Tape is used to bandage the chin for 1 week
• Oral pain medicine is prescribed as needed, but pain is typically mild
• Most patients return to normal activity within a few days, but strenuous activity, aerobic activity, or heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks

Other Options:

• Additional procedures that may be performed at the same time as the chin augmentation include nasal surgery, neck or chin liposuction, neck lift or facelift