Chin Augmentation

WHO IS A CANDIDATE?

If you consider your jaw small, you may benefit from surgery. Having a larger (or "stronger") jaw can help balance one's appearance, creating equal weight in the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the face. It can offset the prominence of a large or even medium-sized nose. Enlarging the chin can also make the neck look longer and more graceful, and this can be a helpful addition to a facelift when there is blunting of the angle between lower neck and the under-chin region.

WHAT CHANGES CAN BE EXPECTED?

The jaw will protrude further from the face. In some people this can make a substantial change in their overall facial appearance. The hollow between the lower lip and the chin may become deeper.

HOW IS CHIN AUGMENTATION DONE?

There are two ways:

• 1) A plastic implant can be placed via an incision under the chin or one in the mouth.
• 2) By way of an incision in front of the lower teeth, the bony chin can be cut free from the lower jaw and slid forward.

This is a way of using the body's own tissues to produce the desired change. Either way, the operation is usually done under general anesthesia.

AFTERCARE

Tapes are placed around the advanced jaw for a few days. Mild narcotics are given for pain, usually for 3 or 4 days. If there is a wound in the mouth, you will be on a liquid diet for two days and then soft foods for a few days.

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