Chin Augmentation

Need more facial definition? Consider a chin implant.

Today’s society places great emphasis on image and beauty. The dimensions and proportions of the face directly influence how a person is perceived. Chin Augmentation is a procedure Dr. Karen uses to bring balance to the facial structure, to correct a ”weak” chin and for those individuals who may have a congenital condition or have suffered a facial trauma.

You may have heard an individual’s facial features described as a “weak chin”. A weak chin can make a normal nose appear large and an already prominent nose seem even larger. It may also give the appearance of a fuller neck. A very prominent chin may give the appearance of having too small of a nose.

Chin position can be estimated by dropping an imaginary line from the highest point of the nose straight towards the floor. The male chin should be at or slightly ahead of this line, while the female chin should be just behind this line. Correction by augmentation and reduction can be carried out to align the chin in its proper position. The bone can be moved forward and plated into position (sliding Genioplasty), or excised and moved back (Reduction Genioplasty). In addition, implants made of non-reactive materials can be inserted to move the chin toward this imaginary line.

Chin surgery can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries (Rhinoplasty, Facelift) to improve the overall surgical effect. If a nose is made smaller and a chin larger, a more symmetrical face appearance can be achieved.

At Exclusively Faces we work with you to provide balance for your facial features.

Procedure

Bony work on the jawbone is performed through incisions on the inner surface of the lip. Bone is cut and repositioned with metal plates and screws much like in facial fracture repair. Implant material can either be placed through this incision as well or utilizing a hidden incision under the chin where a pocket can be created to house the implant. These surgeries can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation (implant insertion) or under general anesthesia. (Jaw moving)

Risks

Risks are few, but may include bleeding, infection, movement/asymmetries of the implant, and/or mild changes in sensation. Antibiotics can treat infections and bleeding is usually controlled at the time of surgery. Implants can be repositioned with little difficulty. There is usually mild to moderate swelling that occurs postoperatively. This can cause temporary sensory changes that will disappear as the swelling subsides. Very rarely sensory nerves can be stretch and sensation will take longer to return.

Results

Chin surgery can offer many benefits to a properly selected patient. It can be a tremendous addition to nasal cosmetic surgery. Your overall expectations and results will vary and can be discussed in the patient’s private consultation.

Post Treatment Instructions

After surgery, your chin will be bandaged. This will remain for 4-5 days. Once removed, bruising will be evident, but will usually resolve by 2 weeks. Care must be taken not to accidentally strike your chin as shifting of the implant could occur. Sutures will be removed on post-op day 5-7. Head elevation for 36 hours will decrease the swelling. Heavy lifting and increased activity should be avoided for up to two weeks. Antibiotic and pain prescriptions will be provided.

Our practice serves consumers from the following areas of : Washington DC, and the cities of Virginia like Winchester, Frederick County, Clarke County including Berryville, Warren County including Front Royal, Shenandoah County including Strasburg and Woodstock and Northern Virginia including Landsdowne, Leesburg, Purcellville, Ashburn, Manassas, Alexandria, Arlington, Manassas, Landsdowne, Leesburg ,Loudon, Purcellville, Reston, Stafford, Sterling, Fairfax, Vienna, and Woodbridge. This also includes cities in Maryland such as Chevy Chase, Bethesda , Silver Spring, MD and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia including Martinsburg and Charles Town.