CHIN AUGMENTATION, AUGMENTATION MENTOPLASTY, GENIOPLASTY
Definition
Surgery
to reshape or enhance the size of the chin to restore facial harmony and chin projection.
Description
The
facial profile can be balanced by extending the chin in relationship to the nose.
Reconstructive genioplasty to correct bite dysfunction can be performed in conjunction
with jaw surgery. Surgery may be performed in the surgeon's office-based facility, a
hospital, or an outpatient facility.
In children general anesthesia is used to eliminate apprehensiveness and produce sleep
throughout the operation. In adults, clinical assessments including X-rays of the face and
chin are used for preoperative planning.
One surgical approach is to make an incision inside the mouth along the inferior sulcus (a
"landmark" inside the jaw) to gain access to the chin bone. A horizontal cut
(called an osteotomy) is made through the jaw bone (mandible) with a bone saw or chisel.
The lower portion of the separated bone is moved forward to the desired position and wired
in place. The neurological nerves are carefully protected. The incision is closed with
sutures and an external pressure dressing is applied. There is no visible scarring since
the surgery is performed through an incision inside the mouth.
When only a modest degree of chin augmentation is required to provide contour, the surgeon
may use a prosthetic chin implant (artificial--made of silicone, teflon, or dacron), or
may use bone only. The incision is made either inside the mouth or externally under the
chin. A pocket is created in front of the chin bone and under the muscles, and an
appropriately sized prosthesis or chin implant is inserted. The incision is closed
and a pressure dressing is applied. The resulting external scar is barely visible.
Indications
The
best candidates for genioplasty are patients with weak or receding chins (microgenia), but
with a normal dental bite. Expectations of looking and feeling better after surgery should
be discussed with the plastic surgeon before any surgery, keeping in mind that the desired
result is improvement, not perfection
[Rhinoplasty][Blepharoplasty][Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty][Facelift][Breast Reduction][Liposuction][Scar Revision]
More information on the other procedures coming soon....