Chin Augmentation

This cosmetic surgery procedure is indicated for patients with a flat chin. It is a common procedure that can help to effectively bring balance to the overall facial structure. A flat chin, or a “weak chin,” may be the result of a congenital deficiency, age-related bone absorption, or facial trauma.

It is not uncommon for a chin surgery patient to also elect rhinoplasty as well. This is because the size of the chin may appear to magnify or minimize the size of the nose. Therefore, if you want both of these procedures performed, you may anticipate a dramatic effect and more harmonious balance to your facial features. Your silhouette (side profile) will especially be more defined, which can help raise your self-confidence and improve your self-image.

You may qualify for chin surgery if you are:

• Physically and psychologically healthy
• Realistic in your expectations
• Unhappy that your chin is not proportional to the rest of your face

Individuals who have certain dental problems or extreme “microgenia,” the medical term for having inadequate underlying bone structure in the chin, may not be good candidates for this procedure. During your consultation with Dr. Jazayeri, he will determine if chin augmentation is right for you.

Procedural Details of Mentoplasty

You have two surgical options for chin augmentation: enhancement with an implant or reshaping of the jaw bone. In most cases, a chin implant is used for augmentation. This implant is made of a synthetic material that feels similar to the natural tissue that is usually found in the chin. The incision can be placed in one of two areas – in the natural crease line just under the chin or where the gums and lower lip meet, inside the mouth. Studies have shown that the chin incision results in a lower complication rate and, therefore, is the preferred method of placement. Dr. Jazayeri will delicately stretch the tissue to custom fit the particular shape and size of the implant. Fine sutures will be used to close the incision. You will have no visible scarring if you choose to have the chin implant inserted inside the mouth. Should the implant be placed under the chin, the scar will be only slightly visible. This cosmetic surgery procedure can be performed under light sedation or general anesthesia.

During your consultation, Dr. Jazayeri can discuss your options with soft tissue augmentation with fillers (Juvederm, Radiesse, etc.), which offer a temporary chin enhancement.

Recovery

A dressing will be applied immediately after surgery, which will need to remain in place for about two to three days. Special tape will be placed on the skin to keep the implant in place. These tapes are typically removed in seven days. No chewing or using a straw is allowed for the first seven days. You may anticipate some tenderness after your procedure; should you experience any post-operative discomfort, certain pain-relieving medications can be prescribed. It is common for chin implant surgery patients to feel a stretched, tight sensation after your procedure, which typically subsides within a week. Lip numbness is also common and usually improves in two to four weeks.

It is important that you follow Dr. Jazayeri’s instructions regarding your recovery period. Because the ability to chew will be limited directly after chin augmentation, you may be required to adopt a liquid and soft food diet for the following few days.

Most swelling should be gone after about six to eight weeks, and final results will be apparent. Normal activity can resume after approximately 10 days, but rigorous activity should be avoided for at least the first few weeks after chin augmentation surgery.

Élan Institute for Plastic Surgery
2010 East First Street, Suite 270
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: 714. 834. 0101

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