Chin surgery, which refers to both mentoplasty (chin reduction) and genioplasty (chin augmentation) procedures, is designed to improve chin contouring and add balance to facial features by either permanently softening a prominent chin or augmenting a weak chin.
Chin augmentation is most often achieved using chin implants to improve contouring and facial harmony by increasing its projection, whereas chin reduction entails shaving down the chin bone to improve contouring and facial harmony by decreasing its projection.
If you’re considering chin surgery, please view our page on facial implants. Other common procedures that address the neck and chin include neck liposuction and a neck lift.
If you feel your chin creates an unflattering profile or does not “fit” the rest of your facial features, you may be a candidate for chin surgery.
For patients who want to strengthen a weak chin and improve the neck contour, chin augmentation is typically recommended in combination with neck liposuction. Chin reduction surgery is usually recommended for patients who wish to diminish their overly dominate chin and bring a sense of harmony and balance to their facial features.
Whether you seek chin enlargement or reduction, your surgery will probably take about one to two hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Dr. Weston may perform your procedure under local anesthesia with conscious sedation or general anesthesia.
Very small incisions are placed under the chin or inside the lower lip and either an implant is inserted to provide the necessary augmentation, or an electric drill device is used to shave down and reduce the jawbone. Once the incisions are stitched closed, tape is applied to the chin.
Due to the effects of anesthesia, you will need a ride home immediately following your chin surgery, unless your case is complex enough to require an overnight hospital stay. Pain medication will be prescribed to help you manage post-operative pain. Be sure to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses to the surgical site for the first few days after surgery to minimize swelling and bruising. It is also essential to keep your incisions clean and dry to prevent infection and encourage healthy healing.
Within one week, most patients return to normal daily activity; however, strenuous exercise and other vigorous activity should be avoided for at least three weeks after surgery. Although preliminary chin surgery results will be immediately visible, it takes about one month before you get a better idea of what your full results will look like. Within about three to five months, all lingering swelling should clear and your new jawline will become fully apparent.
Dr. Weston will schedule post-operative appointments with you to check your progress. It is essential that you keep these appointments, in addition to following all post-operative instructions given to you after surgery, as this will ensure optimal results are achieved.