Chin surgery involves reshaping the chin to increase it with the support of an implant or to lower its profile using bone reduction surgery. Chin surgery comprises the insertion of an implant or the movement or resculpting of bones, based on the needs of the patient.
Chin Surgery Candidates
Chin surgery will definitely help enhance facial asymmetry and look. Chin surgery can benefit persons who suffer from the following conditions:
- Chins that protrude or are very long
- Chins that are shifted, causing asymmetry
- Those who have buck teeth or an underbite
- Weak chins
Chin Surgery Alternatives
A variety of chin surgeries are available to fit your needs. It can be performed on its own or in conjunction with other surgical operations including an eyelid lift or facelift. The surgeon may utilize implants or reshape and reposition bones based on if the patient desires a bigger or smaller chin. The surgical procedures include:
- Chin trimming is a procedure that involves shaving the extra chin bone with a specific burr.
- Chin implantation is the procedure of recontouring, expanding, or extending the chin forward using artificial implants.
- Hyaluronic acid fillers are non-invasive, biodegradable injections.
- Transfer of fat to the chin involves injecting spun fat from your own body into the soft tissues of the chin for mild chin augmentation.
- Surgery that moves the chin bone forward or backward to enable the chin to project further.
What Can I Expect During Recovery?
Before your chin surgery, the cosmetic surgeon will explain what to expect after the procedure and provide you specific post-surgical guidelines to follow. While this procedure is highly safe and straightforward, it is critical to follow all post-operative instructions. Patients can anticipate the following during their recovery process:
- After chin surgery, you should expect some discomfort and soreness. Pain meds recommended by the plastic surgeon can help manage it.
- It’s possible that the chin will itch and be numb for a few days.
- Following surgery, you may have puffiness and headaches. It’s also possible that sleep will be affected. Raise your head while sleeping. You can raise the head of the bed with two pillows.
- Avoid bending or lifting objects.
- If the incision site is made beneath your chin, it will leave a noticeable scar.
- After a few weeks, you can restart more intense exercises.
- Within seven to ten days, you can report to work and participate in many activities.
- For approximately a week, a pulling sensation may be felt around your chin.
- After chin surgery, some transient numbness on the lower lips is common, although it normally goes away after a few weeks.
Be sure you have a friend or relative to assist you throughout the entire process. This is necessary since you will be experiencing some discomfort for a couple of weeks. Don’t be alarmed, if you don’t see immediate results. You will see results once the swelling completely subsides.
Are There Potential Risks?
Plastic surgery of the chin is usually harmless, however there are some dangers involved. They include the following:
- Complications from general anesthesia including nausea, vomiting, or difficulty waking up
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Swelling or pain that persists longer than anticipated
- Surgical site doesn’t adequately heal
Conclusion
You should consider chin surgery, if you are not happy with its appearance. Your chin can be shaped, extra fat can be removed, and the skin smoothed by a cosmetic surgeon. If your jaws and teeth do not meet properly, orthognathic surgery can also be done. Consult your cosmetic surgeon to learn more about these options and to choose the procedure that is right for you.
