Surgery of the Chin

A well defined chin helps give balance to the face and creates a major part of one's profile. When people look in the mirror, most focus on the size and shape of their noses, their ears, sagging jowls, or fine wrinkling of the skin. But even though few examine their chins with the same discerning eye, having a “weak chin” is certainly not an asset. Surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty, or surgery of the nose, are often the first to suggest that changes in chin size or shape may enhance a profile as much as rhinoplasty. It is common for Dr. Maloney to recommend chin surgery in addition to nose surgery when he sees that chin augmentation is necessary to achieve facial balance and harmony. Fortunately, this is a relatively straightforward procedure that can make a major difference.

If you are wondering how chin surgery could improve your appearance, you need to know how the surgery is performed and what you can expect from this procedure.

Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Dr. Maloney can answer specific questions about your specific needs.

Is Mentoplasty For You?
As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. It is also key to understand all aspects of the surgery. A pleasing, balanced profile can be achieved by inserting an implant or moving the bone forward to build up a receding chin, or by reducing a jutting or too prominent chin. The result can be greater facial harmony and an increase in self-confidence.

Another possibility for improvement through chin surgery is submental liposuction in which excess fatty tissue is removed to redefine the chin or neckline. When there is a contributing problem of dental malocclusions or birth defects in the structure of the jaw itself, surgery of the jaw can improve the form and function of the lower face and greatly enhance appearance.

Dr. Maloney can help you decide on the type of surgery that addresses your concerns. Dr. Maloney can also provide information on new medical techniques for chin surgery and offer recommendations for supplementary surgery that can ensure the greatest improvement.

Making the Decision For Mentoplasty
Whether you are interested in chin surgery for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is extremely important. During the consultation, Dr. Maloney will thoroughly examine your chin and jaw to pinpoint problems. In some instances, he will suggest chin surgery as a supplement to rhinoplasty because a small chin can make the nose appear larger. Dr. Maloney will weigh other factors that could influence the outcome of surgery such as age, skin type, and attitudes toward surgery. The surgical procedure will be described in detail along with reasonable projections. If you opt for surgery, Dr. Maloney will describe the technique indicated, the type of anesthesia to be used, the surgical facility, any additional surgery, and risks and costs.

Understanding the Surgery
To augment the chin, Dr. Maloney begins by making an incision either in the natural crease line just under the chin or inside the mouth, where the gum and lower lip meet. By gently stretching this tissue, he creates a space where an implant can be inserted. 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 configurations of the patient's face. After implantation, Dr. Maloney uses fine dissolvable sutures to close the incision. 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. Dr. Maloney sculpts the bone to a more pleasing size. For orthognathic surgery, Dr. Maloney will make an incision inside the mouth and reposition the facial bones. The procedure, depending on the extent of the work, takes from less than an hour to approximately three hours. Dr. Maloney's chin implant was recently featured on The Discovery Channel.

What to Expect After the Surgery
Immediately after surgery, Dr. Maloney usually applies a dressing that will remain in place overnight. You may experience some tenderness. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with prescribed medications. Chewing will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and a liquid and soft food diet may be required for a few days after surgery. Most patients feel a stretched, tight sensation after the mentoplasty surgery, but this usually subsides in a week.

After approximately six weeks, most swelling will be gone, and you can enjoy the results of your procedure. Rigorous activity may be prohibited for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after approximately ten days.

Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to enhance your appearance and eliminate signs of premature aging that undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, facial plastic surgery can improve your self-image.

Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve genetic deformity or traumatic injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.

© Copyright 2000 American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery