Getting Started with Chin Surgery
Chin surgery is usually performed in an outpatient surgical center or hospital. The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia (sedated, numbed, and awake). For more complicated cases, general anesthesia may be used (asleep). Patients usually return home within hours of the procedure. Some patients require an overnight stay. Depending upon the extent of the case, time in surgery may be one or more hours.
To decide how to proceed, Dr. Hart will examine your chin and jaw, and weigh factors that could influence the outcome of surgery, such as your age, skin type, and whether you are psychologically prepared for treatment.
Mentoplasty: Chin Reduction
During mentoplasty surgery, Dr. Hart makes an incision in one of two possible locations:
- under the lower lip inside the mouth
- under the chin in an inconspicuous location
Dr. Hart will then use an electrical instrument (a bone burr or a drill) to reduce and reshape the bone to create a more natural appearance. He will stitch the incision closed and apply tape to the chin area.
Genioplasty: Chin Augmentation
Genioplasty can be performed by the use of a chin implant to augment a receding chin, or by the surgical advancement of the bone itself. Once you and Dr. Hart decide whether to use a silastic chin implant or to advance your own bone, the incision will be chosen.
If you choose a chin implant, the incision is in one of two possible locations:
- under the lower lip inside the mouth
- under the chin in an inconspicuous location
The implant is placed in an appropriately sized pocket. Sizers are used to achieve the best appearance; then the actual implant is carefully placed and the incisions are closed.
If you choose to advance bone in the chin, Dr. Hart makes an incision under the lower lip inside the mouth using a powered saw with a special blade to separate the edge of the chin bone. Dr. Hart moves the separated chin-bone tip forward and positions it with wires or special bone plates and screws. Finally, he stitches the incision closed and applies tape to the chin area.
