Chin Surgery Washington DC
Chin surgery (often called mentoplasty or genioplasty), is a surgical procedure to reshape or reposition the chin. Simply adding chin projection can be accomplished by either placing a chin implant or by moving the chin bone forward. In the majority of cases, moving the chin forward is advantageous for reasons that Dr. Baker will discuss at the consultation. Dr. Baker is a nationally recognized expert who speaks and has published on both techniques. Dr. Baker will help you choose the approach that best suits your goals.
The general goal of cosmetic chin surgery is to provide a harmonious balance to your chin and facial features so that you feel better about the way you look. Frequently, bringing the chin forward makes the nose appear smaller or tightens loose skin under the neck. The chin can also be lengthened to change facial shape from square to oval or shortened to bring a long face into balance.
What Happens During Chin Surgery?
Anesthesia administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Baker will recommend the best choice for you.
Chin Implant-With a short incision under the chin or inside the mouth, Dr. Baker can place a chin implant directly on the bone. For a chin implant, the incision may be inside your mouth, along the crease that joins your lower lip and gums. An incision just beneath the chin is another alternative that may be recommended.
Surgery will usually require 30 minutes to one hour. Before the surgery, Dr. Baker selects the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance. He then inserts it into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area. The implant is then secured with a titanium screw to prevent postoperative movement or malposition. Although an implant will add projection, it will not correct asymmetry, add length, tighten neck tissue, or allow modification of the labiomental crease (the groove between chin and lower lip).
Bony Genioplasty-The bony or osseous genioplasty is when an incision is made inside the mouth and the bone that makes the chin is actually moved into a new position. The jaw is not broken, only the chin button is moved. Therefore, there are no restrictions on diet and no limitations on mouth opening. The advantage of this technique is that it allows new chin positioning with control of the labiomental crease, allows for three dimensional movement, and actually tightens and defines the skin and muscles under the chin. The new position of the chin is then secured with a small titanium plate and screws.
Recovering from Chin Surgery
The chin is also taped to minimize swelling and discomfort. If an intra-oral incision is used, the sutures will dissolve on their own. Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed within 1-2 weeks following your surgery. While the initial outcome of plastic surgery with facial implants is noticeable almost immediately, it may be obscured by visible swelling, which can take several months to fully dissipate. Some temporary numbness is usually present on the lower lips after chin surgery but typically returns to normal within several weeks.
