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Chin Augmentation - Chicago Plastic Surgery
Considering chin augmentation?
Chin augmentation, also known as mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement
with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone. Chin augmentation is a common procedure for Chicago plastic surgeons.
Search Chicago plastic surgeons performing chin augmentation.
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
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
the facial plastic surgeon to recommend chin surgery in addition to nose surgery when the surgeon 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. This pamphlet can address many of your concerns and
provide you the information to begin considering chin surgery.
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. Your
Chicago plastic surgeon can answer specific questions about your specific needs.
Is chin augmentation 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.
Your consultation can help you decide on the type of surgery that addresses your concerns. Your Chicago plastic surgeon
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 chin surgery
Whether you are interested in chin surgery for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial
Chicago plastic surgeon is extremely important. During the consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly examine
your chin and jaw to pinpoint problems. In some instances, the surgeon will suggest chin surgery as a supplement
to rhinoplasty because a small chin can make the nose appear larger. Your Chicago plastic surgeon 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,
your surgeon will describe the technique indicated, the type of anesthesia to be used, the surgical facility,
any additional surgery, and risks and costs.
Understanding chin augmentation surgery
To augment the chin, the surgeon begins by making an incision either in the natural crease line just under the chin
or inside the mouth, where gum and lower lip meet. By gently stretching this tissue, the surgeon 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, the surgeon uses fine 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. The surgeon sculpts the bone
to a more pleasing size. For orthognathic surgery, the surgeon 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
What to expect from chin augmentation surgery
When injectables are administered by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor in
nature. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions and their healing abilities. The
outcome of treatment with injectables is never completely predictable.
What happens after chin augmentation surgery?
Immediately after surgery, the surgeon usually applies a dressing that will remain in place for two to three days.
You will 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 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.
Reference: American Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASFPRS)
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