Aesthetic Chin Surgery
Aesthetic chin surgery – Genioplasty
Cosmetic chin surgery (Genioplasty or mentoplasty) aims to improve the appearance of the chin and therefore the overall symmetry of the profile.
A chin can be unattractive when it:
- protrudes too much (clog chin) ;
- is recessed (nonexistent ) ;
- is too large ;
- is too small ;
- is poorly defined.
These chin defects can cause abnormalities in the gums and lower teeth and also with the lips, which can sometimes make it difficult to close the month completely.
An incision is made in the mouth at the lower gum.
Depending on the type of abnormity the surgeon will perform a:
- filing down of the bone
- or insertion of a silicone implant.
A chin augmentation can also be achieved by fat injections made through tiny incisions.
The procedure is performed either under general anaesthesia or under assisted local anaesthesia (local anaesthesia with sedation) as an outpatient and lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.
Additional corrective procedures may also be suggested to restore the profile and dental bite (profiloplasty) :
- rhinoplasty to remove a bump ;
- jaw surgery (maxillary and mandibular osteotomies) ;
- orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusions.
The pain is relieved by analgesics.
Swelling and bruising to the lips and cheeks disappear in 1 to 2 weeks.
Some precautions must be taken to avoid scarring problems:
- eating warm or cold soft food for 8 days ;
- avoiding spicy, hot and acidic foods (orange juice, lemon, …) ;
- maintaining good oral hygiene (brushing, mouthwash) ;
- completely banning tobacco and alcohol until complete healing (about 2 weeks).
As with any surgery, a number of complications can occur. But the likelihood of these complications is reduced in the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon and in the presence of a competent anaesthetist.
The patient’s compliance to instructions given by the surgeon is also essential and include :
- stopping smoking 1 month before and after the procedure (reduction of all risks) ;
- not taking aspirin for 10 days before and after the procedure (reduced risk of hematoma).
Fortunately, postoperative effects are generally manageable following a genioplasty that has been carried out properly, so serious complications are rare.
Rare complications that could occur include, but are not limited to risk of hematoma, infection and delay of healing process.
In the event of a complication, appropriate measures will be taken.
In practice, the vast majority of cases take place without any problem and the patients are satisfied with the result.
Rhinoplasty + Genioplasty by lipofilling
Chin implant
