CONSULTANT PLASTIC SURGEON
CHIN SURGERY
What is chin surgery?
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. Procedures can be performed on the lower jawline and chin area to improve the proportions of the face and to help with one's confidence and self-esteem. These types of interventions are frequently suggested by Dr Ricardo to improve the harmony of facial features and improve the chin/jaw/cheek/forehead balance.
Many times Dr Ricardo may recommend chin surgery or procedures to a patient having a rhinoplasty to achieve better facial proportions, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose.
“Chin surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image, especially those coming from social media. Choosing a procedure based on “what’s new” is never a medically sound decision. Hearing about a procedure on television, through an advertisement or online does not necessarily mean it is the best procedure for you.”
Who is a good candidate for chin surgery?
In general, you may be a good candidate for chin surgery if you have a weak, receding chin and wish to improve the appearance of your profile by increasing the projection of your chin, improving your jawline, wish to correct facial asymmetry or deformities resulting from injury or congenital conditions, you are physically fit, nonsmoker or have stopped smoking recently and have realistic expectations of the outcome of your surgery.
What should I expect during a consultation for chin surgery?
During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Dr Ricardo will evaluate you as a candidate for chin surgery and clarify what approach is best for you. Alternative and additional treatments may be considered, once he understands your goals and medical condition. It is important to be completely honest during the consultation and be prepared to discuss your surgical goals, medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, previous surgeries, and your history with any noninvasive cosmetic procedures.
Dr Ricardo will also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, examine your face, take photographs, discuss the approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures and tell you whether your expectations are in line with typical results, discuss any risks or potential complications and share before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours.
The success and safety of your chin surgery depend very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. It's very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement about your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr Ricardo.
How should I prepare for chin surgery?
In preparing for chin surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, take certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking in advance of surgery and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.
The surgery will be performed in an accredited hospital and you will probably be permitted to go home after a short observation period unless you and Dr Ricardo have made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery. You must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you the first night following surgery.
Dr Ricardo and the entire staff will provide thorough preoperative instructions and answer any questions you may have. The goal is to help you achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results, as well as to make your surgical experience as easy, comfortable, and safe as possible.
What are the steps of a chin surgery?
Step 1 – Anaesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Dr Ricardo will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – Surgical procedure
Chin surgery requires different incisions based on the technique used. Shaped silicone implants can be used to give more projection to the chin. For some patients, the chin implant inserts through an incision inside the mouth, whereas in other patients the placement will be through an incision just beneath the chin.
Sometimes bone from the jaw itself can be moved forward in an operation called a mentoplasty or genioplasty. Alternatively, bone can be removed to decrease an overly projecting chin. Furthermore, modifications to the upper and/or lower jaw can be advised for improved chewing dynamics and occlusion - or how the teeth fit together. These operations can range from simple to very complex.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Sutures, skin adhesives (glues) or tapes close the skin incisions.
Step 4 – See the results
Your chin surgery with an implant will result in a fuller and more projected chin and the results are permanent.
What should I expect during my chin surgery recovery?
Following your chin surgery, bandages or dressings may be applied to keep the surgical site clean and to support the position of the implant during initial healing once your procedure is finished. Alternatively, you may not have any dressings or bandages. If you have chin implants placed through an incision inside your mouth, you may be placed on a liquid diet and/or given special mouth rinses.
You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr Ricardo. Remember to always follow his instructions to ensure the success of your surgery.
Initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after 5-7 days. As swelling and bruising subside, visible improvements in the chin appear. The surgical incisions mustn't be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. You must realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
What results should I expect after my chin surgery?
While the initial outcome of your chin surgery with an implant is present almost immediately, it will be obscured by visible swelling. It may take several weeks for swelling to fully dissipate.
The final result of a chin surgery will be long-lasting; however, the initial healing phase may include localized swelling, discolouration, numbness, or discomfort. In addition, facial movements may be temporarily restricted or impaired. These are common conditions. Your final result should not only provide a more balanced appearance on your chin but also improve your jawline.