Chin Augmentation - (Mentoplasty)

Description

Reshapes the chin by inserting an implant or performing reduction surgery on the bone. Chin augmentation is often done in connection with a nose job (rhinoplasty) or a full face lift. Implants may include solid silicone, bone or fat from the patient’s body.

Duration

Half hour to about 2 hours, depending on individual circumstances.

Side Effects

Difficulty talking and smiling for several days after surgery. If you have intra-oral sutures, a patient may be placed on a liquid diet for several days.

Recovery

If a patient has intra-oral sutures, he or she may be placed on a liquid diet for several days. Patients can usually go back to work within a week and resume workouts after about 2 weeks.

Risks

Possible bleeding, infection, facial numbness or reaction to anesthesia. Capsular contraction in which the scar tissues become tightened and hard. The implant may even shift out of position or work its way to the surface of the skin, requiring a second operation.

Results

Permanent, but results may require several months to become fully visible. Bone and fat implants can possibly be reabsorbed into the body.

Technology

Some chin implants are inserted through the inside lower lip (intro-oral incision) to avoid facial scarring. Chin augmentation is often combined with liposuction to remove fat from under the chin and the neck.