Chin Surgery

The chin is a major part of one's profile. When people look in the mirror, they focus on the size and shape of their eyes, noses, ears, sagging jowls, or fine wrinkles. They are less likely to notice an unbalanced chin. Surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty, or surgery of the nose, such as Dr. Majmundar, are often the first to suggest that changes in chin size or shape may enhance a profile as much as a rhinoplasty. It is common for the facial plastic surgeon to recommend chin surgery in addition to nose surgery when he sees that chin augmentation is necessary to achieve facial balance and harmony.

Is Chin Surgery For You?

A harmonious profile can be achieved by inserting an implant to advance a receding chin, or by reducing the bone to correct a prominent chin. The result can be greater facial balance, an increase in self-confidence, and an improved self-image. Another possibility for improvement through chin surgery is liposuction of the neck in which excess fatty tissue is removed to sculpt the chin and neckline.

Making The Decision For Chin Surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Majmundar will thoroughly examine your chin and jaw. Occasionally, he will suggest chin surgery as a supplement to rhinoplasty because a small chin can make the nose look larger. Other factors that could influence the outcome of surgery include age, skin type, and your attitudes toward surgery.

Understanding the Surgery

Dr. Majmundar begins his chin augmentation by making an incision either in the natural crease just under the chin or inside the mouth, where gum and lower lip meet. By gently stretching this tissue, Dr. Majmundar creates a space where an implant can be placed. 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 patient's face. 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.

If neck liposuction is further needed to redefine the neckline and chin, it can be performed at the same time through the same incision made just under the chin. If the chin augmentation or reduction is performed through the mouth, then a small quarter of an inch incision is made in the natural crease line just under the chin to perform the liposuction.

What To Expect After The Surgery

Immediately after surgery, a dressing is applied that will remain in place for approximately 24 hours. A chin strap will be provided to you to wear as much as possible for the following week. Recovery usually takes 7 - 10 days but some patients can return to work after 7 days with makeup. Post-operative discomfort is controlled with pain medications but usually improves after the first 3-5 days. To minimize movement of the tissue overlying the chin, a liquid and soft food diet is recommended for a few days as is minimal contact and trauma to the new chin. Most patients feel a stretched, tight sensation after chin augmentation, but this usually subsides in a week. Liposuction performed at the same time usually does not prolong the patient's recovery. (TOP)