Chin Remodelling

Chins may be augmented or reduced.

Chin remodelling can help bring your features into proportion with other features, giving a more balanced appearance.

• Chin reduction - is accomplished either by reshaping the bone to produce a smooth contour or by removing a small piece of bone and repositioning the chin (reduction genioplasty).

• Chin augmentation - increases the size of the chin either through the use of an implant, or by moving a section of bone forward (sliding genioplasty) and fixing it into position.

• It is not uncommon for either of these procedures to be performed in conjunction with a face lift or nose reshaping.

Your surgeon should carefully consider whether chin remodelling is appropriate depending on whether your teeth meet correctly. If they do not, then a much longer process of orthognathic surgery supported by orthodontic preparation may be needed and can take up to 2 years to complete.

Your consultation

At your consultation, your surgeon should take a general medical history and ask you about your goals for your procedure. He should also describe the various options available, and help you determine which will be right for you.

What to expect from your operation

Both chin reduction and chin augmentation are usually performed under general anaesthesia. Typically these procedures are done as day cases. Both procedures may be performed either through an incision inside the mouth or one placed under the chin. If the procedure is being done at the same time as a face lift or neck lift, the incision will most likely be placed under the chin and also used as access for neck lifting.

In the case of chin augmentation, an implant may be used or the bone may be reshaped.

• When an implant is used, chin tissues are first freed from the bone. The implant is then placed, adjusted as needed and fixed to the bone with two titanium screws. The chin tissues are then reattached over the implant and your wounds are closed with absorbable stitches.

• If the bones are to be reshaped, a horizontal wedge of bone is removed from the lower part of the chin, moved forward and fixed into its new position. In the case of chin reduction the bone may be filed down or actually cut. Alternatively, your surgeon may remove a wedge of bone just over the chin point. The chin is then repositioned slightly back and higher up.

After your surgery

As mentioned above, this surgery is usually done under local anaesthetic, however if you opted for general anaesthetic, you should arrange for an adult to accompany you home and stay with you through the first night.

• If your surgery was done through incisions inside your mouth you should eat soft foods for the first week so that your wounds can heal properly, as vigorous chewing can cause your stitches to break down and infection may occur.

• Swelling is to be expected for the first 7 to 10 days. Your surgeon should recommend a compression garment, to encourage the swelling to reduce more quickly.

• A course of antibiotics and painkillers should be prescribed, but it is important you do not take aspirin as it can promote bleeding.

• Even if you have incisions inside your mouth it is advisable to continue brushing your teeth regularly with a soft toothbrush and to use an antiseptic mouthwash four times a day for the first 2 weeks after surgery.

• You should plan on taking two weeks away from work to allow your bruises to clear and your chin to settle sufficiently.

• Infection caused by a breakdown of incisions within the mouth can be problematic, particularly if there is an implant. If this happens, it is often wiser to remove the implant to promote control of the infection, then repeat the procedure 3 to 4 months later.

• The nerves that give feeling to the lower lip travel through the jawbone and emerge on either side of the chin and may be damaged during surgery. This type of damage usually leads to temporary numbness in the lower lip.

Face Sculpting

Cosmetic Surgery of the face has become increasingly common.  However the most important things to consider are safety and achieving a natural look.

Ten Questions Patients Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery Should Ask Their Cosmetic Surgeon

To get a better idea of what to expect and to ensure you have realistic expectations, it is recommended that the patient looks at before and after photographs of similar patients operated on by your surgeon. Also, ask to speak to previous patients (your surgeon should be happy to oblige).

By the end of the consultation with your cosmetic surgeon, you should have clear answers to the following 10 questions:

1.     Do I have realistic expectations of the outcome of treatment?

2.     How is the procedure performed and how long will it take?

3.     Which technique(s) will help me to achieve the result I want?

4.     What kind of anaesthesia (local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic) would you recommend for my cosmetic surgery?

5.     How much does the procedure cost and what other factors affect the overall cost (i.e. hospital fee, anaesthesia, etc)?

6.     What are the surgeon’s professional qualifications, training and level of experience in performing the operation?

7.     What percentage of patients experience complications with this operation?

8.     What is the surgeon’s policy for repeating or adjusting the operation if the outcome does not meet agreed upon goals?

9.     How many times will I see you after surgery to ensure good aftercare?

10. What can I expect after surgery in terms of discomfort, scarring, recovery and return to normal activities?

Facial Sculpting enhances the balance of facial features as these have as much relevance as the harmonious appearance of each individual part, and contributes greatly to a face that we find beautiful. Facial Sculpting has developed from a deeper understanding over time of what constitutes our ideal of beauty and this does not mean that a “beautiful” face is completely without imperfection.

Facial balance is related to the relationship between the nose and the chin. When the chin is relatively small (retrogaenia or microgaenia) it makes the nose appear more prominent. Correcting the shape of the nose can be successful in creating a beautiful nose but not necessarily in creating a beautiful profile. A combination of nose reshaping and chin enhancement can lead to a more balanced and pleasing profile.