Plastic Surgery South Bay

Chin Surgery South Bay

What is chin surgery?

Chin surgery is a procedure that helps enhance or redefine the chin to better fit the rest of a person’s facial features.  This surgery, technically termed genioplasty, includes a variety of surgical techniques including chin augmentation, chin reduction, and chin reshaping.  The most common reason for chin surgery is to increase the protrusion of a person who has a weak chin or a chin that is set back too far.  A chin appropriate for chin surgery can often only be visualized from a side or profile view but not from the frontal view. 

What are the benefits of chin surgery?

Chin surgery can be a huge boost of self-esteem in a person’s life.  Oftentimes, people with weak chins try to hide their chin when being looked at from the side or try not to be photographed from the side. Chin surgery can completely change this part of a person’s life from being a source of embarrassment or shyness to a form of confidence.  Patients who have undergone a simple chin surgery procedure will often report the surgery as life changing.  Imagine not being afraid to take pictures and not worrying about being criticized or poked fun at for having a weak chin. This alone is relief enough for most to undergo chin surgery.

What is the recovery time?

The recovery time for chin surgery is variable for each person. Any sutures placed at the time of surgery are either absorbable or will be removed at 1 week after surgery.  During the first week there may be some throbbing or a feeling of tightness but any significant pain is extremely uncommon. A majority of the swelling usually resolves within 3 weeks but there can be minor swelling which is almost unnoticeable for several months.  A person can usually return to work 1 week after surgery.

Does surgery require anesthesia?

Chin surgery is usually done with anesthesia but it can be done without a general anesthetic.  Performing chin surgery with local anesthesia alone, is less common but not unheard of.  Either moderate sedation or general anesthesia is a good choice when performing chin augmentation.

Is chin surgery safe?

Chin surgery is very safe but like all surgical procedures, there are risks involved.  One of the most important elements of surgery is feeling comfortable with your surgeon and having a good rapport before making a decision to proceed with surgery.  Once you have a trust with your surgeon, you can count on him or her to inform you about all the details and surgical risks of chin surgery.

Some but not all risks of chin surgery include infection, hematoma or seroma, asymmetry, temporary (and infrequently permanent) numbness of the chin area, a subtle change in smile, noticeable muscle contraction in the chin area, and rarely implant extrusion.

FAQs

Am I a good candidate for surgery?

There are many different people who are good candidates for chin surgery.  These include: 1) people with retrognathia and a weak appearing jaw, 2) people with microgenia and a small chin, and 3) people with a protruding jaw or prominent chin.  Chin surgery can be performed at almost any age but it is better to wait until the late teen years.  Oftentimes chin surgery is performed at the same time as a rhinoplasty surgery, more commonly known as a nose job. 

Will people know I’ve had surgery?

Usually the results of surgery are subtle but show significant improvement from a profile or side view; the surgery should not change a person’s overall appearance.  After chin surgery, patients usually feel much better about themselves and have a higher self esteem.  This can and should translate into all aspects of life.  The only scar may be a small linear scar hidden just beneath the chin.

What do I need to prepare for surgery?

All you need to prepare for chin surgery or chin augmentation is the right attitude and a good facial plastic surgeon, general plastic surgeon, or oral maxillofacial surgeon. If you are deemed a good candidate, you will have the usual surgical workup, including a pre-operative visit, surgical clearance, and a pre set post surgical appointment.  During the pre-operative visit, you will be instructed on post surgical care instructions and expectations. Your physician will be more than willing to spend the amount of time necessary to make you comfortable with the chin surgery and its recovery period.