Mentoplasty

Synonymous to : Chin Augmentation (Implants) , Chin Reduction

Chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a procedure that re-contours the size and shape of the jawbone at the chin area. This is either through enhancement or augmentation with the use of an implant, or reduction surgery on the bone. Chin surgery is best combined with nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look. The features of our face may be affected by the size and shape of the bone at the chin area. A small chin bone may project a weak facial profile, while a well developed bone with excess chin projection have a more masculine or strong look.

Chin augmentation is a popular procedure because it’s a relatively easy operation for the patient while producing noticeable changes in the silhouette of the face. This procedure uses surgical implants to alter the underlying structure of the lower third of the face, providing better balance to the facial structures. Implant materials used for chin surgery are safe, do not cause toxic or allergic reaction to the body, can be sterilized, don’t cause soft-tissue diseases or malignant transformation, and can be removed when needed. Augmentation of the chin can also be achieved by manipulation of the jawbone, and utilizing this technique usually provides a more dramatic correction than with the use of prosthetic implants.

Another form of manipulation of the jawbone is by chin reduction. This is a surgical procedure that reshapes the contour of the bone at the chin area. The bone height and width is modified to suit the patient’s facial profile and obtain harmony of the facial structures. This is done by shaving a portion of the bone with an osteotomy machine. A thorough radiographic evaluation of the patient’s facial skeletal structure is needed prior to surgery. This will provide information on the degree of skeletal imbalance and the amount of bone that should be removed in order to achieve facial proportion.

The surgery is performed either under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation depending on the extent of the procedure. This is usually performed at an out-patient surgical facility that is accredited by the local health department. A short incision is created either through the mouth or under the chin. The chin implant is inserted to a pocket that is created under the muscle of the chin and above the bone. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures when created inside the mouth, while non-absorbable sutures are used for incisions under the chin. The initial results after the surgery may be obscured by swelling and some bruising. It is helpful to apply cold compress at the chin area for a few days immediately after the surgery to reduce the amount of swelling. This is temporary and may resolve after two to four weeks, but patients are advised that the final outcome will be evident after four to six months. A pressure dressing or bandage is placed to provide compression to the chin and hold the implant or bone in place. This will also help reduce discomfort and swelling after surgery. Sutures are usually removed after seven to ten days.

Individuals planning to undergo chin augmentation procedure are prepared prior to the scheduled surgery. For two to three weeks, patients are advised to avoid smoking; alcoholic beverages; steroids; NSAID’s or pain medications like mefenamic acid and naproxen; herbal tea and herbal medications; vitamin E; blood thinning medications like aspirin, heparin, and coumadin; regulated drugs like Valium; prohibited drugs like methamphetamines; diet pills; and oral contraceptive pills. These medications and social activities may delay healing, prolong bleeding during surgery, and may interact with the medications used during the procedure. It is advised that patients discuss this further with their surgeon to minimize possible risks and complications.

The surgery is performed either under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation depending on the extent of the procedure and patient’s preference. This is usually performed at an out-patient surgical facility that is accredited by the local health department. A short incision is created either through the mouth or under the chin. The chin implant is inserted to a pocket that is created under the muscle of the chin and above the bone. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures when created inside the mouth, while non-absorbable sutures are used for incisions under the chin. The initial results after the surgery may be obscured by swelling and some bruising. This is temporary and may resolve after two to four weeks, but patients are advised that the final outcome will be evident after four to six months. Sutures are removed on the fifth to seventh days after surgery. Prospective patients planning to have this procedure are required to allot eight to ten days. This time will be used for the initial consultation, laboratory, medical clearance, surgery, follow-up, suture removal, and early recuperation. After this, the patient is safe to travel since wounds are dry and healed.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks and complications:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Anesthesia risks
• Nerve injury with weakness
• Asymmetry
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Pain, which may persist
• Skin contour irregularities
• Skin discoloration, sensitivity or swelling
• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible, or produce irritation that requires removal
• Unsatisfactory results may include asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location, and unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions which may make it necessary to perform additional surgery to improve the results.
• Possibility of revision surgery