People in general have no problem understanding what breast implants do, or what a face-lift is, but they a bit vague when chin augmentation is discussed. What happens when you have chin augmentation surgery and what kind of results can you expect? Let me explain:
Quite simply, to augment (or enlarge) the chin and the jaw line, an implant is placed deep below the skin surface and is secured with permanent stitches into the surrounding tissue so that it cannot move around. The medical name for this procedure is mentoplasty.
There are a wide range of implant materials, shapes and sizes available. Chin implants are usually created using solid and semi-solid materials such as silicone and elastomer. This is very different from the silicon-gel or saline-filled implants, which are used in breast enlargement operations.
The surgeon may also suggest a genioplasty operation. This involves sliding the jaw line forward, which will then increase the projection of the lower face giving you an attractive profile.
Quite often people decide to have chin augmentation done at the same time as a Rhinoplasty (nose job) operation, which really improves the overall profile and gives a more harmonious appearance.This is not a huge operation and the operation time is generally 1 to 2 hours.
The surgeon will make an incision for the implant under the chin where there is a natural crease. The stitches will be removed within 5 days after the operation. Our Michigan facelift patients don’t simply look younger without the surgery. The use of the facelift should be in the daily routine of the person. The charges of the facelift will be less in comparison to the surgery.
Sometimes an incision will have to be made inside the mouth. The stitches used in this kind of procedure will dissolve over time on their own. Your surgeon or doctor will explain which operating method he or she is going to use before the operation.
At the end of the surgery, the surgeon will apply a tape to the chin. This is to keep any swelling to an absolute minimum. You will also be given a compression strap to wear for the same reason.
If a horizontal osteotomy procedure is used, the surgeon will fracture the jawbone so that he can bring forward the position of the bones. This is often called ‘chin advancement’.
A good surgeon will not carry out this operation if it is not necessary. In fact the surgeon or doctor may recommend a totally different alternative to chin surgery. Restylane SubQ and Radiesse are fillers, which add a natural looking fullness to the chin and jaw line. Some practitioners even fill this area with fat to pad out the area.
With so many different operations and procedures open to you, your doctor or surgeon will be happy to discuss which one will be best for you.
