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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 use surgical implants to alter the underlying structure of the lower 3rd of the face providing better balance to the facial structures. Implant material used for chin surgery are safe, it does not cause any toxic or allergic reaction to the body, can be sterilize, it don't cause any soft tissue diseases or malignant transformation and it ca be removed when needed. Augmentation of the chin can also be achieved by manipulation of the jawbone and augmentation utilizing this technique usually provides a more dramatic correction than with the use of prosthetic implants.
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 by 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 develop bone with excess chin projection have a more masculine or strong look.
Another form of manipulation of the jawbone is by chin reduction. This is a surgical procedure that re-shapes the contour of the bone at the chin area. The bone height and width is modified to suit the patient's facial profile and to obtain harmony of the facial structures. This is done by shaving 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 IV sedation depending on the extent of the procedure. This is usually performed in an outpatient surgical facility that is accredited by local health department. A short incision is created either through the mouth or under the chin. The chin implant is inserted in a pocket that is created under the muscle of the chin and above the bone. Incision is closed with absorbable sutures when incision is created inside the mouth and a non-absorbable suture is use for incision 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 few days immediately after the surgery to reduce the amount of swelling. This is temporary and may resolve after 2 to 4 weeks, but patients are advise, that final outcome will be evident after 4 to 6 months. A pressure dressing or bandage is placed that provides compression to the chin and to hold the implant or bone in place. This will also help reduce discomfort and swelling after surgery. Sutures are usually removed after 7 to 10 days.
Individuals planning to undergo chin augmentation procedure are prepared prior to the scheduled surgery. Patients are advise to avoid the following for 2 to 3 weeks before surgery; smoking, alcoholic beverages, steroids, NSAIDs or pain medications like mefenamic acids and naproxen, herbal tea, herbal medications, Vitamin E, blood thinning medications like aspirin, heparin and coumadin, regulated drugs like valum, prohibited drugs like methamphetamines, diet pills and oral contraceptive pills. This medications and social activity may delay healing, prolong bleeding during surgery and may interact with the medications used during surgery. It is advised that patients discuss this further with their surgeon to minimize possible risk and complications.
The surgery is performed either under local anesthesia or IV sedation depending on the extent of the procedure and patient's preference. This is usually performed in an outpatient surgical facility that is accredited by 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 incision is created inside the mouth and a non-absorbable suture is use for incision under the chin. . The initial results after the surgery may be obscured by swelling and some bruising. This temporary and may resolve after 2 to 4 weeks, but patients are advise, that final outcome will evident after 4 to 6 months. Sutures are removed on the 5 to 7 days after surgery.
Prospective patients planning to have this procedure are required to allot 8 to 10 days. This time will be used for the initial consultation, laboratory, medical clearance, surgery, follow up, suture removal and early recuperation. After this 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.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary.
The decision to have chin augmentation/reduction is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.
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 require removal for
- Unsatisfactory results may include asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location, unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions (It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results)
- Possibility of revision surgery
For more information on affordable cosmetic procedure, selecting qualified cosmetic plastic surgeon and to know all your options for the procedure you want to have you may visit : www.cosmeticphilippines.com or www.philcosmeticplasticsurgery.com
Author:
Dr Rino Lorenzo is a Filipino Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Manila, Philippines. He is a Board Certified and fully trained Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, with 6 years of formal training in the field of Aesthetic, Reconstructive and Burn Plastic Surgery. Dr Rino Lorenzo is a Fellow of the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
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Resource box text: "Dr R Lorenzo is the author of http://www.philippinecosmetic.com , a free guide to affordable cosmetic plastic procedures, choosing the right surgeon and safety tips in cosmetic plastic surgery, affordable and safe cosmetic surgery tourism"
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