Chin Augmentation Surgery in Delhi | Dr. Lokesh Handa

What is Chin Augmentation Surgery?

Chin reshaping surgery or mentoplasty is the procedure for reshaping the chin- either by placing implants for enhancing it or by a bone reduction surgery in the area. It is generally performed on the lower jawline of the chin area to improve the appearance of the facial features or to balance the proportions of the face. Chin augmentation surgery can involvemoving forward the jaw itself, or placing a silicone implant for chin projection, or reduction of chin bone to decrease the projection of the chin. Additionally, the surgery can even be done by making modifications in the upper or lower jaw, for improving the placement of fittings of the teeth or for improved chewing dynamics. Sometimes a chin augmentation surgery is also done along with rhinoplasty or nose reshaping surgery, in order to achieve better results and more balanced facial features.

Ideal candidates

The decision of undergoing chin augmentation surgery is a purely personal choice. You may choose it if you are conscious about how your chin looks or for any other reason that motivates you to go for it. You choose the procedure if you want to improve your facial features or you feel that you have a shorter or a less projecting chin. You may even be suggested to get a chin augmentation surgery if your chewing balance is affected by how your chin projects.

Type

Surgery can be performed on the chin to alter or improve its appearance. The two main types of chin surgery are:

Chin augmentation surgery

If you have a lower projected or unprojected chin, then you may choose to undergo chin augmentation surgery. This procedure involves the direct placing of an implant on the bone, through a small incision either in the inside of your mouth or the underside of the chin area. Once the implant is placed, the incisions are closed with sutures.

Chin augmentation can also be done by fat transfer, wherein the fat from the other part of body (like abdomen/hips) is removed by liposuction technique and this fat is injected into the chin under the skin, which can lead to the projection of the retruded chin. This method doesn’t involve any cutting of the skin and suturing.

Chin reduction surgery

If you have a more prominent or over-projected chin, you may choose to go for a chin reduction surgery. A small incision is made under the chin or inside the mouth, and the excess bone is removed or shaved. With this, the chin contoured into the desired shape. And then the incisions are closed with sutures.

Preparation and Procedure

Before you make the final decision to undergo the knife, it is important that you consult a plastic surgeon and discuss your expectations, desired results, possible risks, and procedure choices. During the pre-operative consultations, the doctor will discuss with you your goals from the procedure, your medical conditions, any allergies or ongoing treatments. The doctor will also assess your reason for choosing the surgery, discuss the risk factors and your surgical options. He will then take pictures of your chin for references. Ensure that you ask all your queries from your plastic surgeon in Delhi and get all your answers before you make the final decision.

Chin surgeries are general performed in a hospital or in an outpatient service or the surgeon’s clinic itself. You will be administered either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. In some cases, you may even be intravenously sedated. Once the sedation takes effect, the surgery begins and it involves the following steps:

First, according to the technique to be used or as per the surgeon’s preference, an incision is made. It is made either inside the mouth or in the skin under the chin.

Next, If it is a chin augmentation surgery, a silicone implant is placed and positioned as per the desired results, and If it is a chin reduction surgery, the bone in the chin is shaved and contours as desired.

Once the chin is augmented or reduced, the incisions are closed using sutures and skin adhesives.

The sutures are then covered either with gauze or bandages, if the incisions were made under the chin.

Recovery

After the surgery, if the incisions were made inside the mouth, you will be put on a liquid diet. And if the incisions were on the outside, you may be given a compression garment to prevent any excessive swelling and to support the chin during the healing process. You must follow the post-surgery care instructions given by the surgeon. You may be required to avoid any excess pressure on or movement of the chin and the jaw. The sutures will generally be removed in a week. You can get back to daily life and work in 3-5 days after the surgery. You may be given pain medications in case you experience excess pain.

Though the chin surgery does not involve any major complications or risks, if you still experience excessive bleeding, itching, pain swelling, oozing, or any other unusual symptoms, contact your surgeon immediately.

Conclusion

Chin surgery gives an augmented or reduced chin, as may be desired by you. It is a fairly simpler and smaller surgical procedure. This cosmetic surgery also does not have a long or complex recovery process. The results may initially be obscured due to swelling, but final results can be seen within a few weeks after the surgery.