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Facial proportions have a significant bearing on the aesthetics. A small chin
can make the person feel that they have a large nose, because the profile in
unbalanced. Similarly a chin of excessive size can look pointy and unsightly.
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One of the main considerations in re-balancing the chin shape is to understand whether the dental occlusion (the way the teeth meet) is in harmony. If the occlusion is also problematic, most of the times it is necessary to take the route of orthognatic surgery which requires careful orthodontic preparation and evaluation that often spans over one to two years.
Most of the times though, the occlusion is good or satisfactory, and the disproportion related to the chin can be dealt with individually, or as is often the case, in combination with a nose reshaping.
The chin can be increased in size either by re-positioning the lowermost part of the mandible (jaw-bone) which is known as sliding genioplasty. This procedure also has the ability to increase the chin projection whilst reducing the height, and in this way reduce the appearance of a “long face”.
The other option is to use an implant which can be either silicone or a semi-rigid material. In our practice we prefer to use the Medpor™ material for reasons that will be discussed in detail at the consultation. For more information regarding these products, please visit the manufacturer's website at www.porex.com.
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Mentoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone.
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Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.
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At the time of your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss with your surgeon the differences between the options describe them to choose the one that you feel is best for you.
Reduction in the size of the chin can be done either through re-shaping the bone with a burr or via a sliding genioplasty where the bone is pushed back and fixed in position.
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Closed Chin Remodeling is usually carried out under general anaesthesia through incisions inside the nostrils. So there are no external scars unless you decide to have the size of the nostrils reduced (alar base reduction).
Chin Remodeling - Chin Augmentation
An increase in the chin projection can be performed either through and access incision placed inside the mouth or on the underside of the chin. Most commonly, if the chin operation is associated with a facelift or neck lift procedure, in the incision placed under the chin can be used for access to the chin and to the neck.
When the choice is to use an implant, after freeing the chin tissues from the bone the shape and size of the implant is adjusted for an accurate fit. The implant is then placed over the bone and usually fixed with two titanium screws so that becomes immobile. The chin tissues and then reattached over the implant and the wounds are closed with absorbable stitches.
When the plan was to reshaping the bone, a horizontal wedge is designed at the lower end of the chin. This is then cut free brought forward and fixed in the new position.
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An increase in the chin projection can be performed either through and access incision placed inside the mouth or on the underside of the chin.
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For a chin reduction the access incision is made in the same way as for an augmentation.
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Chin Remodeling - Chin reduction
For a chin reduction the access incision is made in the same way as for an augmentation. If the procedure is to burr down some of the bone this is done from side to side of the chin allowing for a smoother contour. If the reduction the genioplasty is planned, usually in a wedge of bone is cut out horizontally just over the chin point and removed. The chin point is then repositioned slightly back and higher up, leading to a more proportionate appearance for the chin.
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The main part of swelling after this operation lasts for about seven to 10 days and can be reduced quicker using a chin-neck elastic garment. You will be prescribed a course of antibiotics and painkillers.
If the incision has been placed inside the mouth, it is important to stick to soft diet for the first week, such that the wounds can heal adequately. The main concern is that chewing leads to strong pressure over the suture line and can break it and push the food around the operation site. This can then lead to infection and healing problems.
Even when the cuts are placed inside the mouth it is possible and indeed advisable to continue to brush your teeth regularly. Please choose for the first two weeks after the operation a brush with soft bristles. You will also be advised to use an antiseptic mouthwash four times a day.
It is best to plan for two weeks off work to allow for the bruises to clear properly and for the chin to have settled sufficiently that you do not feel conscious about it.
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The main consideration with select chin reshaping is possible injury to the nerves to give feeling to the lower lip. These nerves travel through the jawbone and emerge on each side of the chin. During the operation, it is possible for them to be damaged but this is fortunately very rare.
Infection around the operation site is most commonly related to break down of the incision inside the mouth and can be problematic in particular if there is an implant. If it happens, it is often wiser to remove the implant and allow for control of the infection and three to four months later it is possible to repeat the operation and with an implant in.
Chin Remodeling operations are normally carried out under a general anaesthetic, but as a day-case. Please remember that after a general anaesthetic it is necessary for your own safety to have an adult a company you on the way home and through the first night.
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NEXT: More Information
If you would like to know more information on Chin Remodeling,
please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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The Complete Article
About the Procedure
Informative Brochure
