Chin Surgery

Understanding Mentoplasty

A well-defined chin helps give balance to the face and creates a major part of one’s profile. When people look in the mirror, most focus on the size and shape of their noses, their ears, sagging jowls, or fine wrinkling of the skin. But even though few examine their chins with the same discerning eye, having a “weak chin” is certainly not an asset. Surgeons who specialize in Orthognathic Surgery, or surgery for jaw repositioning, are often the first to suggest that changes in chin size or shape may enhance the facial profile. Chin surgery can also help with expanding the airway space to alleviate obstructive sleep apnea and to help patients breath more comfortably. It is common for the Oral and Facial Surgeon to recommend chin surgery in addition to orthognathic (jaw realignment) surgery when the surgeon sees that chin augmentation is necessary to achieve facial balance and harmony. Our surgeons, Dr. Trippel, Dr. Audia, Dr. Banda and Dr. Trippel are experienced orthognathic surgeons are among few Oral and Facial Surgeons in the community that perform chin surgery. Our surgeons in particular use cutting edge virtual surgical planning techniques to ensure maximum precision for predictable esthetic outcomes and results. When it comes to your facial harmony, nothing is left to guesswork or in inexperienced hands. For the experienced Oral and Facial Surgeon, this is a relatively straightforward procedure that can make a major difference.

Understanding the Surgery

To augment the chin, the surgeon begins by making an incision inside the mouth, where gum and lower lip meet. By limiting the incisions to inside the mouth, there will be no visible scars on the face. The chin segment is moved forward, backward, reshaped, or moved for symmetry correction. The chin is the secured in its new and improved position with cutting edge fixation techniques. The wound is then usually closed with sutures that resorb on their own and do not require removal.
In chin reduction surgery, incisions are made either in the mouth or under the chin. Chin surgery may be completed at the same time as orthognathic surgery for jaw realignment. The procedure, depending on the extent of the work, takes from less than an hour to approximately three hours.
Improving the shape of the chin can be accomplished with several techniques. A consultation with an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can provide you with the information you need to make the best choice.

What to Expect After the Surgery

Immediately after surgery, the surgeon usually applies a dressing that will remain in place for two to three days. You will experience some tenderness. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with prescribed medications. Chewing will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and a liquid and soft food diet may be required for a few days after surgery. Most patients feel a stretched, tight sensation after the surgery, but this usually subsides in a week.

After approximately six weeks, most swelling will be gone, and you can enjoy the results of your procedure. Rigorous activity may be prohibited for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after approximately ten days.

Chin augmentation or reduction and chin symmetry correction surgery makes it possible to enhance your appearance and eliminate signs of premature aging that undermine self- confidence. By changing how you look, chin surgery can improve your self-image.

Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve genetic deformity or traumatic injury or sleep apnea may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.