Chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction 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, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.
Chin Surgery Candidates
Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their chin are good candidates for chin surgery. Patients with a weak chin that lacks projection are often ideal candidates for chin augmentation, especially if they also have a prominent nose. If you have a prominent chin, you may be a good candidate for chin reduction.
Before undergoing surgery, it is very important to have realistic expectations. It is also important to be in good overall health, since certain health conditions can lead to an increased chance of complications.
Chin Surgery Preparation
The patient must have X-rays of the face and chin taken before the chin surgery treatment. This allows Dr. Balakhani to determine which area of the chin has to be addressed. Patients may be advised to refrain from eating prior to the operation, depending on the type of surgery.
NSAIDs should be avoided before the procedure, as should smoking. NSAIDs can lead to bleeding-related issues, and smoking can result in a prolonged healing process.
Types of Chin Surgery
Chin Augmentation: Chin augmentation is a type of chin surgery that takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia may be employed. An incision is made inside the mouth during the treatment, which eliminates obvious surgical marks.
The implant, which is usually made of semi-solid silicone, is placed into a pocket in the tissues and then positioned in front of the jawbone. Sutures are used to fix the implant in place. When it is not possible to make an incision in the mouth, one is done beneath the chin to camouflage surgical marks.
Chin Reduction: Chin reduction surgery can be done within one to two hours under general anesthesia. Dr. Balakhani starts the procedure by making an incision within the mouth or under the chin.
During chin reduction surgery, excess bone, tissue, and muscle are removed. The chin tip is then sculpted to achieve the desired profile by drilling the bone. In certain situations, a piece of the bone is removed, and the chin is repositioned. Sutures are used to seal the incision. The patient gets discharged the same day.
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Chin Surgery Recovery
A patient may have chin tightening and edema following chin surgery. Pain medication can be used to alleviate discomfort, but most patients report that the pain is gone within three to five days. To minimize swelling, a compression garment can be taped to the chin.
For the first two weeks after chin surgery, a liquid and soft food diet may be advised by Dr. Balakhani. Sutures will be removed after ten days. It takes around six weeks to fully recover following mentoplasty.
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact us today to book a consultation with Dr. Mehdi Balakhani if you are considering chin surgery in Delaware. During the appointment, you will be advised regarding the best chin surgery approach for your needs.
