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][Liposuction]
[Scar Revision][Breast Augmentation]