|
Chin Surgery :
WHAT IS CHIN SURGERY?
Chin augmentation is an operation that changes a person's profile by bringing out the chin. It often is performed at the same time as nasal surgery or a facelift, although in may cases it is carried out alone. Chin reduction surgery, which involves removing excess bone from the chin bone, may provide an improvement when the chin protrudes excessively. If the problem is not the chin itself, but rather excess skin that has collected under the chin, a facelift may be necessary rather than chin surgery. In cases where the teeth do not fit together well or there is a severe underbite or overbite, consultation with an oral or maxillofacial surgeon may be necessary.
• back to the top •
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR CHIN SURGERY?
Many people have a small chin - one that recedes or is not prominent enough. A small chin can make a persons nose appear more prominent than it really is, whereas a chin that is more in harmony with other facial features can draw attention away from the nose and give the entire profile a more pleasing balance. Building up a small chin also can improve dramatically the results of a facelift. On the other hand, a chin may protrude excessively, either because of an abnormally large "chin bone" or because of a too long jawbone.
• back to the top •
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?
The recovery period varies with each patient however the majority of patients experience only very mild discomfort for a short time after surgery, which can usually be controlled easily with medication. Significant pain is uncommon. After the operation, some swelling and bruising can be expected. Most of the swelling usually subsides within the first week, the bruising is very uncommon. Temporary transient numbness almost always occurs following surgery below the lower lip, this will fade in approximately 2 weeks.
• back to the top •
WHERE IS THE CHIN SURGERY DONE?
Chin augmentation surgery is well suited to our office Outpatient Surgical Facility. Patients are able to go home without undue difficulty after the procedure. The operation is carried out under I.V. sedation, or local anesthetic depending on Dr. Viera's recommendation. Patients are required to rest quietly for a day or so after the surgery but this can easily be carried out at home.
• back to the top •
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
The operation is quite safe. The implant, made of a solid rubber material called silastic is very well tolerated. There have been no reported cases of malignant change. The implant does not travel to other parts of the body and is FDA approved. The only significant complication that occasionally occurs is shifting of the implant. Fortunately, this can be corrected either by replacement or reinsertion of a different implant. Chin implants have been used for many years and are considered quite safe.
This is one of the most rewarding procedures in facial profile correction since so many patients are not aware of the possibility of correcting a receding chin.
• back to the top •
Contact us for more information |
