Facial Enhancements: Chin Reduction or Augmentation (Mentoplasty)

As depicted in the works of many famous artists, a strong chin has been considered a sign of physical beauty. In contrast, a person with a receding chin is sometimes described as having a "weak" chin. Because their faces seem unbalanced to them, people with this condition often find it a source of distress and concern. Chin augmentation, or mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure that has helped thousands of people improve their appearance by altering the contours of their faces. It is designed to add size to or move a receding chin forward. In some cases, a chin augmentation is done in conjunction with liposuction surgery or other cosmetic facial procedures such as rhinoplasty (surgery of the nose) and rhytidectomy (facelift). Large chins can be reduced.

The best candidate for either type of enhancement is the individual with a receding chin and a normal dental bite. For those with a bite dysfunction, jaw surgery, in conjunction with mentoplasty, may be necessary.

BEFORE SURGERY
Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination of the face is also conducted. Dr. Gordon will describe the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected and possible risks and complications. Digital photography and imaging will be done to illustrate the anticipated direction of change.

Preoperative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs that contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics will be prescribed for a few days prior to surgery to prevent infection. The areas to be worked on are carefully marked.

THE PROCEDURE
The surgery can be performed in the Complete Cosmetic Surgery Center operating room or Spring Valley Hospital, depending upon the patient and Dr. Gordon’s preference. Medication to relax the patient may be administered prior to surgery.

There are two basic approaches used in mentoplasty: one involves moving the chin bone up, down, forward or backward and the other, the use of a plastic chin implant. To move the bone, an incision is made inside the mouth. The surgeon, working through the incision, uses special instruments to cut through the chin bone. The lower portion of the bone is then moved and wired plates & screws are applied to keep it in position. Small sutures are used to close the incision, and external bandages are applied to the area.

A second procedure, a chin implant, may also be used to create a more prominent jaw. In this technique, the incision is made either inside the mouth or externally, under the chin. A plastic implant, made out of teflon or silicone, sized exactly to fit the patient, is placed in a pocket above the chin bone and beneath the muscles. Sutures are used to close the incision and pressure bandages are applied. The procedure may take from one to one and a half hours or more depending on whether other procedures are done at the same time.

FOLLOWING SURGERY
Pain connected with the surgery is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. The bandages are usually removed within a week. Patients are up and around the day of surgery: however, strenuous activities must be avoided for some time. Dr. Gordon determines when normal activities can be resumed based on the extent of surgery and the patient's healing process.

Some temporary swelling and bruising of the face are to be expected. Keeping the head slightly elevated when reclining and applying cold compresses will help reduce swelling. Chewing may be difficult for three days to one weeks and numbness around the treated area may occur for a period of time. Brushing the teeth is sometimes difficult for several days.

Scars from the incisions fade significantly with time and are, for the most part, inconspicuous because of their location. Complications are rare; however, there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure which will be thoroughly discussed by Dr. Gordon. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following his directions.