Overview
The face’s appearance can greatly be affected by the way certain facial features look. And nowhere is this more prominent than the individual’s chin. Why the chin, you ask? The chin, like the nose and the forehead, can greatly determine the face’s outline from many different angles.
Having too big a chin—or too little—can negatively impact the whole face’s appearance, and can even give wrong impressions about a person’s attitude and personality. An example of this is how, in pop culture, long, thin chins are associated with the image of witches.
So for people who wish to improve the appearance of their chin, a plastic surgery procedure called genioplasty is available.
What is Genioplasty?
Genioplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can greatly improve the look of a patient’s chin, and its surrounding areas. Genioplasty is usually chin augmentation, which uses implants; chin reduction; and chin rounding through osteotomy, a procedure that involves cutting the bone to improve its shape. Another method is the sliding genioplasty method, which involves manipulating a piece of the horseshoe-shaped piece of the chin by sliding it forwards or backwards until the desired look is achieved, and securing it in place with screws.
Genioplasty procedure
Before the actual surgery begins, patients need to consult with the surgeon first, in order to discuss what the requirements are. The surgeon will take measurements, x-ray images, and photographs of the patient’s face. Once the final assessment is done, the patient can then be prepared for surgery, and is given anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is determined by the amount of work required on the chin.
Once the patient is ready, the surgeon makes an incision in a key area. This is usually hidden in order to minimize visible scars. When the incision has been made, the surgeon can then proceed with the operation.
For chin implants, the incision is made inside the mouth, in the lower portion between the lower lip and lower gums. When the incision is complete, the surgeon slides in the implant and positions it in the target area. And if it is assessed that the desired look has been achieved, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures, and the procedure is done.
For the sliding genioplasty method, a larger incision is required in order for the needed instruments to fit. Once the incision is made, the surgeon removes the horseshoe-shaped piece of bone and slides it into position. Once the correct position is reached, plates and screws are drilled into the bone to secure it in place, and the incisions are closed.
Possible risks, complications, and needed recovery time
The biggest risk for genioplasty is infection. Incisions made inside the mouth, while aesthetically beneficial, are especially at risk because the mouth is full of bacteria that can cause infection. This is why it is important for patients to tell their surgeon if they have any gum disease, or if they smoke, or if they have any other oral problem.
Another risk is implant misalignment. If chin implants are not secured properly, it can slip out of place and give the chin an asymmetrical look. If this happens, the patient will be required to have corrective surgery to fix the problem.