Genioplasty (Chin surgery)

The operation is great for people who have recessive or weak chins. Not only does it disrupt facial symmetry but it can create health problems when the under-projection is compelling. It is also a good option for people who are looking for dramatic results.

There are two types overall:

Sliding genioplasty

This is an enhancement of the chin in which the jaw is slid either forward or backwards to correct a deficiency. To begin, the surgeon will pull your lower lip down to make a cut inside your mouth, right on the gum line. They will then separate the soft tissue from the bone using a saw. Most of the time this serves to make the jaw look bigger and more prominent. But in other cases, it can help reduce the chin by moving it backwards. No matter which outcome you are aiming for, the specialist will use titanium plates and screws to secure the bone in place. In the end, they will close the incision with dissolvable sutures.

Then you will be instructed to take oral antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. You should also rinse your mouth with an antiseptic wash after every meal. You may experience bruising, redness, and swelling for a few weeks.

The first few days post-surgery, you will not be able to eat like you normally do because your jaw will be swollen and stiff. It will be difficult to keep your mouth open or stick your tongue out. You will feel it’s most comfortable to drink through a straw. You can try adding soft foods like porridge, yoghurt, and banana to your daily regiment from the third day on. Of course, this will vary from individual to individual. You might also find it challenging to communicate the words you want at first but don’t worry. It will all be back to normal in a week or two.

Chin implants

Whereas sliding genioplasty uses a person’s own bone, chin implants work by inserting an artificial object into the jaw. It is usually made of a porous material or silicone. In a similar fashion to the previous method, the surgeon has to open the skin by cutting the soft tissue inside the mouth. They create a tight-fitting pocket where the silicone implant is placed. There is no need for titanium screw.

For starters, implant surgery is considered a simpler and more straightforward procedure than genioplasty. It can be carried out by most surgeons. Second, it can only work for horizontal projection. On the other hand, genioplasty allows for adding more vertical length and is used for more serious issues.

It should be noted that neither intervention can help with micrognathia (also known as strawberry chin). This condition manifests itself in an undersized chin. Its treatment usually requires for the entire jaw to be moved forward. It may also demand the placement of dental implants. In other words, a surgeon cannot get the job done. More than one specialist will need to get involved to address the problem.

Both procedures improve your facial profile and have a similar recovery time. In most cases, it takes two to three weeks for the wound to heal completely. What is more, your diet will be limited to liquid and soft food.

Normally, this is a day surgery performed in the outpatient department, which means you do not have to stay in a hospital overnight. On that note, you should avoid driving 48 hours following the operation. Ask a friend to pick you up when you are done. You can go back to work after just a week.

The intervention can be performed using intravenous sedation and local anaesthesia. But most of the time they go for general anaesthesia for obvious reasons. It can be a traumatising experience to watch someone saw your jaw while you are fully conscious. You certainly don’t want to have a recollection of that.

Of course you would be interested to know that. Fret not, the procedure is not likely to leave any scarring because all the incisions are made on the inside of the lip.

On the day of surgery:

• Take your medication as prescribed
• Drink plenty of water, juices and milk; avoid caffeine and tea
• Engage in mild physical activity combined with good rest: go for a 10-minute walk every two hours
• Do not smoke, it will impede and slow down your ability to heal

A week following chin augmentation:

• Take your antibiotic medications as prescribed
• Keep your head elevated at all times, even you sleep
• Go out for walks but don’t engage in any other physical activity or contact sports
• Use sun protection regardless of the weather
• Continue to refrain from smoking
• Steer clear of products that may irritate your skin; avoid retinoids and glycolics
• Keep using that oral wash

A month following the procedure:

• You still need to stay away from smoking
• Ensure that you are using sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) prior to going outdoors and avoid exposing yourself to direct sun
• You can start sleeping on your back but don’t lie flat on your stomach; it is a good idea to put two pillows under your head if you are a side sleeper

Six weeks following surgery:

• You can go back to your fitness routine; however, make sure you wear proper protection if you are involved in any contact sports
• You can resume smoking if you wish
• Tingling and discomfort around the treated area will have subsided

Many times patients walk into the doctor’s office with a specific request without thinking whether this is really the best fit for them. It is the doctor that can decide, upon discussing the person’s preferences and doing the necessary examinations, which procedure will accommodate their desires.

That’s why the first step is to have a conversation outlining the results you are seeking. The second is to get your face assessed. This will include measurement of your proportion and features, radiographic analysis, and a 3D simulation of the potential results. It is what will determine whether a single chin surgery will be able to achieve the desired outcome. If not, you may need additional procedures which will add to the cost, respectively.

Apparently, no surgical intervention comes without risk. First, it’s the invasive nature of the operation you should consider. Your skin will be opened, which means there is a risk of bleeding and infection. The anaesthesia itself can cause dizziness, nausea, and memory loss, to name a few. Second, in terms of implant surgery, there will be a foreign body in your jaw and you don’t know how your system will react to it. Last but not least, you may experience bone resorption over time. This may cause the chin to gradually regress. The good thing is that it will not affect the cosmetic results.