Chin Augmentation – A way to alter your image

Are you unhappy with the silhouette of your face, especially the chin? Is it too small? Don’t worry; a chin augmentation can take care of this. A chin augmentation is a procedure done to reshape the chin or enhance its size surgically. It is usually performed on people with prominent facial features like nose, but a weak chin. The procedure will help to make your face more proportional.

Chin augmentation surgery may be performed at a hospital or at an outpatient facility. A plastic surgeon, otolaryngologist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon usually performs it.

The surgeon will decide whether to have the incision inside or outside the mouth after studying the facial features of each individual. When only little augmentation is required, an implant is placed in front of the chin bone, under the muscles, after making an incision. The implant may be natural or artificial. Natural implants are taken from ribs or pelvis of the patient itself or a donor. Infection rate is higher for natural implants, sometimes years after the implant.

Artificial implants are made from ePTFE, silicone, Dacron or Teflon. They are available in different sizes and shapes to suit the need of the patients. To get better results, custom-made implants are used.

Each type of incision has its own advantages and disadvantages. When the incision is inside the mouth, there will be no scar, but the chances of infection are higher. An outside incision can cause scars though they are almost invisible.

Chin augmentation is also done without implants. This involves making an incision inside the mouth, along the lower gum line. When the chin bone is exposed, a cut is made in the jawbone using a chisel or a bone saw. Then the jawbone is moved to the right place and fixed firmly using screws or wire.

The surgical procedure takes two to three hours, irrespective of the location of incision and implant used. Normally, patients are kept under observation at the hospital or the outpatient unit overnight.

As in any surgical procedure, chin augmentation also involves risks. These are infection, bleeding, bruising, scarring, swelling and haematoma or blood pooling. Loss of sensation, dislocation or rupturing of implant and teeth damage are also may occur.

In spite of best efforts, the chin may end up with an asymmetrical shape after the surgery. This will require corrective procedures. The body of the recipient may reject the implant.

In the first few days, there will be tenderness and irritation in the area. This may be reduced with medications. Liquid diet is prescribed for the initial days to overcome and reduce the discomfort. However, patients are allowed light movements on the day of the surgery itself. The bandage will be removed in a week’s time and the patient can get back to regular routine within 10 days.

Chin augmentation is a popular procedure, as it can be done as an outpatient and there will be visible change to the face.