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Chin Augmentation:
What is Chin Augmentation surgery (Genioplasty)?
Chin augmentation (genioplasty) can often produce a dramatic and gratifying outcome. The goal of the procedure is to balance the profile by enhancing a weak chin and improving overall facial harmony. A weak chin will often make the face appear 'bird-like' and pointy and may also make the neck appear too fat. Chin augmentation is accomplished by placing a synthetic implant over the bony chin to improve the balance between the chin and the rest of the face. The implant sits directly on the top of the bone and feels like an extension of the bone itself.
What is an ideal chin size?
The ideal size of the chin is somewhat subjective and depends on other factors such as the overall size of the face, size of the nose, and height of the individual. As a general rule, in a profile view, the front of the chin should come close to a vertical line drawn from the vermilion border of the lower lip. In women the chin can be a few millimeters behind that line, while in men the chin can be a few millimeters in front of that line. The front border of a weak chin is usually significantly set back from this ideal line.
What does the chin look like after chin augmentation?
After chin augmentation, the position of the chin is closer to the ideal line, and the profile is much more balanced. Because the chin implant sits directly on the top of the bone, it feels like part of the bone itself. Following chin augmentation the neck usually appears thinner and more sculpted as well. In situations where there is excess neck fat, this can be removed by liposuction at the same time.
What material is used for chin augmentation?
The materials of choice for chin augmentation are Silastic (medical-grade silicone rubber) and Gore-Tex. Because the implants rest directly on top of bone, they feel as if they were part of the bone itself. These implants are stable over time and do not reabsorb, and so the results are permanent. Another technique of chin augmentation involves cutting the lower jawbone and sliding it forward. This is a more invasive technique with greater risks and is not Dr. Movagharnia's preferred technique. As an alternative to an implant, fat injections may be used to augment the chin, although the fat will disappear over time.
What type of incision is used for chin augmentation?
The implant is typically placed using a small incision under the chin. There is usually a natural crease under the chin that allows for camouflage of the small incision. Alternatively, an incision can be made inside the mouth, between the gum and the lip.
What type of anesthesia is used for chin augmentation?
Dr. Movagharnia feels it is appropriate to use local sedation anesthesia for this type of procedure. The main advantages of local sedation anesthesia are: it does not require putting a breathing tube in the throat, it does not require a breathing machine, the recovery is much faster, there is much less "hang-over" from anesthesia, and there is much less chance of nausea. All these elements translate into greater comfort. All surgeries performed by Dr. Movagharnia are done in a hospital as an outpatient.
What is the recovery like for chin augmentation?
There is some discomfort after the surgery for which medication is prescribed. A pressure dressing is placed overnight but typically nothing else needs to be worn afterwards. Swelling around the chin will improve over 4-5 days, by which time most patients are able to return to work and social activities. It is recommended to avoid chewing hard foods for about a week.
I am interested! What do I do next?
If you are considering this procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Movagharnia in our office. During this visit he will listen to your concerns and discuss your options. He will tell you whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure and inform you of the potential risks of the procedure. There is great variety in features of the chin, neck, and lower jaw so that each procedure must be custom tailored for the best possible result. You will also have a chance to view “before” and “after” photo albums of his patients who have undergone similar procedures.
For more information about chin augmentation call our office at 770-951-7595.