Faces come in all different shapes and sizes but you may feel that your chin is not in balance with the rest of your facial features. Whether you feel that your chin protrudes too far, or you’re after more definition around your jaw line, Chin Augmentation or Reduction could be performed to give you more self confidence and aesthetically enhance your facial structure.
- Trauma related injury
- Birth defects
- Asymmetrical structure
- Protruding chin
- Defining the chin
Dr Zacharia may suggest chin surgery as a supplement to nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty) because a small chin can make the nose appear larger. Chin surgery may be recommended as part of a combination treatment plan for a facelift.
Usually Chin Augmentation or Reduction is performed on adults but the surgeon can discuss all options with you depending on your requirements.
Dr Zacharia will examine your chin and jaw while also considering factors that could influence the outcome of surgery, such as your age, skin type, and whether you are psychologically prepared for treatment.
Surgery is performed as a day procedure, using a light, general anaesthetic. This procedure takes from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the structure of your face.
Commonly, Chin Augmentation or Reduction is performed with the insertion of an implant, while other procedures may also be performed during chin surgery for a better result. For example, liposuction may be used to treat a double chin or to remove excessive fat in the chin area and neckline. For a droopy chin, the surgeon may recommend corrective elevation.
During Chin Augmentation and Reduction procedures, an incision is made as discreetly as possible in one of two locations:
- Inside the mouth behind the lower lip
- Under the chin in an inconspicuous location
For Augmentation, a pocket is created via the incision and a suitable sized implant is inserted. Sizers are used to determine the best appearance for you and then the implant is carefully placed, secured in position and the incision closed.
For Reduction, the Dr Zacharia will use a surgical instrument to reduce and reshape the bone to create a more natural appearance. Dr Zacharia will then stitch the incision closed and apply tape to the chin area.
To advance the chin bone forward and create a more defined look, Dr Zacharia uses specialised surgical equipment to separate the edge of the chin bone. This section is then brought forward and positioned with wires or special bone plates and screws. The incision is then closed and taped for optimal recovery.
- You may experience significant swelling or discoloration in the treated area, which will subside over the course of several weeks but may persist for several months.
- There may be some pain, which can be managed with oral medications.
- The stitches are typically removed within seven days of the procedure.
- Normal activities can usually be resumed within seven days.
- The surgeon may have recommendations to reduce swelling, such as elevating your head.
Most important of all, follow your doctor's post-operative instruction list to help reduce the risk of complications.
During consultation with Dr Zacharia, you will be able to discuss the possible risks and complications of surgery in order to make a well-informed decision.
Any type of surgery involves the potential for complications and risk. Dr Zacharia takes all precautions to minimise complications and risk but some patients may suffer from; bleeding, infection, scar tissue, erosion of bone by the implant, numbness of the lip, poor movement of the lip and temporary change in speech and asymmetry. Approximately 5% of patients require further minor correctional surgery.
