Genioplasty
Chin Augmentation
What is a genioplasty?
Genioplasty is often referred to as “chin augmentation”, and typically refers to a surgical enhancement for the treatment of “microgenia”, or, a poorly developed chin.
Why would someone want a genioplasty?
Facial “harmony” refers to the overall balance of the various areas of the face. It is a very key component of attractiveness of the face.
Some people have disharmony of the proportions of the face, in which poor chin projection contributes. Often, a “small chin” is something the patient is quite aware of and troubled by. In some cases, this facial disharmony is first noticed during a consultation for another purpose. One fairly common example of this is consultations for rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping. Many patients who would like the appearance of the nose made smaller have recessed chins. Restoring a more appropriate projection of the chin can make the appearance of the nose and the rest of the face dramatically improved. In other patients, the position of the chin is too prominent. These patients seek a reduction in the chin projection.
How is it performed?
There are a number of techniques available to alter the projection of the chin. The technique chosen depends on the goals of the patient, the anatomic issues that require addressing and the judgement of the surgeon. A comprehensive evaluation during a private consultation is first performed. The discussion between the patient and surgeon leads to a mutually agreed upon treatment plan.
In many cases, an implant is placed to achieve the desired change in the appearance of the chin. The implants come in various sizes and shapes, as well as a number of FDA approved materials. This allows a customized approach to the individual patient. The implant is placed through a small incision. Some surgeons use an incision in the mouth. Others make the small incision below the chin, hidden underneath, often in a skin crease.
What age are patients who undergo rhinoplasty?
This procedure is performed primarily on adults, of all ages.
Is anesthesia required?
Most patients typically require some form of systemic sedation, in addition to local anesthesia. Often, this means a general anesthetic. Adults have the option of undergoing the procedure with or without general anesthesia. This is the choice of the patient, after consultation with the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Some prefer a general anesthetic, but many instead choose “twilight” anesthesia, in which a sedative is administered during the procedure.
What is the recovery period after this type of procedure?
A bandage is placed around the jaw and chin area after the surgery. This bandage is left on for a week after surgery. At that time, a decision is made as to whether additional time with the bandage is necessary. If any nonabsorbable sutures are used, these are removed 5-7 days after surgery.
Most patients take one week off from work or school after this procedure. They then resume their regular daily activities. We ask them to avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks postoperatively.
Is there much pain with this procedure?
Patients are prescribed pain medicines to alleviate the postoperative pain. Most patients, however, do not experience unacceptable levels of pain.
Does health insurance pay for otoplasty?
These procedures are not typically covered by insurance companies.
Can anything go wrong with the surgery?
There are certainly no guarantees with any surgical procedure, but fortunately the complication rate with genioplasty is quite low. Most patients are quite happy with their results. Small proportions do not receive the degree of improvement initially sought however. Some bleeding can occur for a period of time after surgery. Numbness of portions of the chin or lip can occur for a period of time after surgery, although quite rare to persist. Scarring can occur which is troublesome to patients on rare occasion. Irregularities and asymmetries are also seen on occasion in patients who heal unpredictably. The implant can become dislodged and be asymmetric on rare occasions, requiring a revision. Rarely, patients prefer either more or less augmentation than they initially receive, and desire a revision. The implants can become infected about 2% of the time. This typically necessitates their removal.
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